Outline
Definition
Types
Symptoms
Laboratory Tests
Causes
Measures to Fight inflammation
Life style changes
Medicines
Inflammation is your body's natural response to injury or infection, involving redness, swelling, high temperature , and pain, all aimed at fighting off the problem and starting the healing process. Inflammation occurs when the body releases chemicals that trigger an immune response to fight off infection or heal damaged tissue. Once the injury or infection is healed, the inflammatory process ends.
There are two types of inflammation
(1) Acute inflammation is a natural response to injury or infection that involves redness, swelling, pain, and high temperature It usually begins within minutes of an injury and can last a few days.
Acute inflammation combats infection and stimulates tissue repair and regeneration. When it fails to improve quickly, it can turn chronic and lead to disease. Inflammation resolution failure is increasingly recognized as leading to cancer development.
(2) Chronic inflammation is also referred to as slow, long-term inflammation lasting several months to years. Generally, the extent and effects of chronic inflammation vary with the cause of the injury and the ability of the body to repair and overcome the damage.
Chronic inflammation can be caused by infections, exposure to toxins, autoimmune disorders, untreated acute inflammation, and lifestyle factors.
Systemic inflammation is an immune process that involves a series of chemical reactions and cellular activity throughout the body. It occurs when the immune system is constantly active, releasing pro-inflammatory cytokines and chronically activating the innate immune system.
Symptoms of inflammation:
There are five symptoms that may be signs of an acute inflammation:
Redness high temperature ,Swelling.,
Pain,Loss of function.
While acute inflammation resolves when the underlying cause is addressed, chronic inflammation, in some cases, can't be completely cured but can be managed through lifestyle changes and, in some cases, medication.
Left unaddressed, chronic inflammation can damage healthy cells, tissues and organs, and may cause internal scarring, tissue death and damage to the DNA in cells.
Science has proven that chronic, low-grade inflammation can turn into a silent killer that contributes to cardiovascular disease, cancer, Type II diabetes and other conditions. The fact that three out of five people around the world die from a disease linked to inflammation raises serious red flags.
Laboratory Tests to check inflammation in the body:
To check for inflammation in your body, doctors often use blood tests like C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR),
Ferritn test, Fibrinogen test.These tests measure the levels of proteins and the rate at which red blood cells settle, which can indicate inflammation.
.Blood Tests to detect inflammation:
C-reactive protein (CRP) test:CRP is a protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation.
A CRP test measures the level of CRP in your blood.
Elevated CRP levels can indicate inflammation, infection, or other conditions. A normal CRP level is less than 3 mg/L
High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) test:
Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels have been linked to an increased risk and/or poor prognosis in various cancers, including but not limited to lung, breast, colorectal, gastric, and liver cancers.
hs-CRP is a more sensitive test than the regular CRP test. It can detect lower levels of inflammation. It's often used to assess the risk of heart disease and other conditions.
Ferritin test:
Ferritin is a blood protein that reflects the amount of iron stored in the body.
Inflammation causes ferritin levels to rise.
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) test:
ESR measures how quickly red blood cells settle in a test tube. Inflammation can cause red blood cells to settle faster. A higher ESR can indicate inflammation.
Fibrinogen test:
Fibrinogen is a protein that helps in blood clotting, but its levels increase when there is inflammation.
A fibrinogen test measures the concentration of this protein in the blood, helping to detect inflammation and clotting issues.
Causes of inflammation:
Food causing inflammation:
Excessive consumption of added sugars and refined carbohydrates can contribute to inflammation in the body, potentially leading to or worsening various health problems.
(1);Foods high in saturated and trans fats
Examples:Burgers, steaks, bacon, sausage, and fried foods.,
(2) Refined carbohydrates Examples: White bread, pastries, crackers, and sugary cereals.
(3) Added Sugars, added sugars
Examples: Soda, sugary drinks, candy, cookies, and cakes.
(4) processed meats Examples: Bacon, hot dogs, lunch meats, and sausage.
(5) Fried Foods:
Examples: French fries, fried chicken, and donuts. can contribute to inflammation.
Stress can indeed contribute to inflammation, and prolonged or chronic stress can lead to sustained, low-grade inflammation, which has significant long-term health consequences.
Measures to Fight inflammation :
To fight inflammation, go for whole, unprocessed foods with no added sugar: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes (beans, lentils), fish, poultry, nuts, seeds, a little bit of low-fat dairy, and olive oil. "To these, many people add herbs and spices like cinnamon, ginger, and turmeric.
The best drink to reduce inflammation:
Water:
Drinking lots of water can reduce inflammation
Health experts recommend that a diet rich in anti-oxidants as well as staying hydrated with enough water are great ways to reduce inflammation in the body. Water is specifically recommended because it can flush toxins and other irritants out of the body.
Teas:
Black, white, and green teas are rich in antioxidants and polyphenols which can help combat inflammation. Some herbal teas also have anti-inflammatory benefits
To naturally and quickly reduce inflammation, focus on an anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, along with regular exercise, stress management, and adequate sleep.
Coconut water:
Coconut water is known for its potential anti-inflammatory properties
Coconut water contains antioxidants that may help modify free radicals, which can damage cells and increase disease risk.
Coconut water may also benefit gut health due to its hydrating properties and potential anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects on the gut microbiome.
Studies have shown that coconut water can reduce inflammation in animal models, including those with high-fructose diets and liver damage.
The reports that coconut water is a low-calorie option to rehydrate and is high in electrolytes and minerals.
Potential for ulcerative colitis:
Some research suggests that coconut water may be effective in inducing clinical remission in mild to moderate ulcerative colitis. and may help reduce inflammation internally when consumed due to its antioxidant and mineral content.
Anti-inflammatory foods:
To combat inflammation, focus on a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, while limiting processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive alcohol intake.
Lifestyle Changes:
Stress Management: Practice relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, or spending time in nature.
Regular Exercise: Engage in regular physical activity, but listen to your body and avoid overdoing it.
Adequate Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night.
Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight can contribute to inflammation.
Quit Smoking: If you smoke, quitting can significantly reduce inflammation.
Consider Supplements: Talk to your doctor about whether certain supplements, like Vitamin D, might be beneficial.
Medicine to treat inflammation:
Best tablet for inflammation
Methotrexate a medicine used to treat inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Naprosyn Tablets - Naprosyn Tablet is used to treat pain, inflammation, and swelling in the joints and muscles for a brief period of time.
Doxycycline is a synthetic tetracycline that was approved in 1967. This wide-spectrum antibiotic has been shown to also have useful anti-inflammatory properties that make it suitable for the treatment of a number of noninfectious conditions.
Based on 2023 prescription data, the top 3 most commonly prescribed antibiotics in outpatient settings are amoxicillin, followed by amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium, and then azithromycin.
Information complied by Dr.Bhairavsinh Raol
