Have you ever dealt with joint pain, digestive issues, or that constant feeling of fatigue you just can't shake? These could be signs that your body is battling something beneath the surface inflammation.
But not all inflammation is bad. In fact, it's essential for healing. The problem? When it doesn't turn off. Let s break it down.
1. What is Inflammation?
Inflammation is your body's natural response to injury, stress, or harmful invaders like bacteria and viruses.
Acute inflammation is short-term and helpful think of a swollen ankle after a sprain. It's your body jumping into action to heal.
But when inflammation becomes chronic and widespread, that's when we run into trouble. This is what we call systemic inflammation.
2. What Causes Inflammation?
There are two major types of triggers: internal and external.
Internal Triggers include:
- Autoimmune responses when your immune system mistakenly attacks your own tissues
- Ongoing infections
- Imbalances in your gut microbiome
- And even body fat, which can release inflammatory chemicals
External Triggers include:
- Diets high in sugar, processed foods, and unhealthy fats
- Chronic stress and poor sleep
- Sitting too much and not moving your body
- Toxins from your environment, like pollution, cigarette smoke, and even some household products
When these triggers pile up, your immune system stays in fight mode even when there's no immediate threat.
3. Localized Inflammation:
Localized inflammation is what we're most familiar with. It's your body's direct response to injury or infection in one area like a swollen knee or a red, painful cut.
It causes redness, swelling, heat, pain, and reduced function. And once the job is done, your body calms things down and starts the repair process.
4. Systemic (Chronic) Inflammation:
But systemic inflammation is sneakier. It spreads through your body, often without you even knowing. Over time, this low-grade inflammation wears down your tissues and organs.
It s linked to major health conditions like:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Alzheimer's
- Cancer
- And even mental health struggles like depression and anxiety.
5. Signs You Might Have Chronic Inflammation:
Wondering if you might be dealing with chronic inflammation? Here are some red flags to watch for:
- Constant fatigue or brain fog
- Bloating or digestive issues
- Joint pain
- Skin problems like eczema or acne
- Trouble losing weight
These symptoms may seem unrelated, but often they trace back to the same root cause: inflammation.
6. How to Reduce Inflammation:
The good news? You have more control than you might think.
To calm inflammation naturally, focus on:
- Eating whole, nutrient-rich foods especially greens, berries, and healthy fats
- Moving your body daily
- Managing stress with breathwork, meditation, or time in nature
- Prioritizing sleep
- And reducing your exposure to toxins where you can
Chiropractic care can also support the nervous system and reduce physical stress that contributes to chronic inflammation.
Inflammation doesn t have to control your life. By understanding where it comes from and how it affects you, you can start taking small steps that lead to big change.
If you're ready to get to the root of your symptoms and create a plan that supports true healing, we'd love to help. Schedule a consultation with us today at Refine Chiro and let's get you feeling your best.
Tim Cunningham
Contact Me
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