Inflammation In Our Bodies

What does inflammation do to our bodies? When your body activates your immune system, it sends out inflammatory cells. These cells attack bacteria or heal damaged tissue. If your body sends out inflammatory cells when you are not sick or injured, you may have chronic inflammation. Inflammation is a symptom of many chronic diseases, such as arthritis or Alzheimer’s disease.*

What conditions are associated with chronic inflammation?

Chronic inflammation is involved in the disease process of many conditions, including:

• Alzheimer’s disease

• Asthma

• Cancer

• Heart disease

• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)

• Ankylosing spondylitis (AS)

• Type 2 diabetes.

What are the most common causes of inflammation?

• Autoimmune disorders

• Exposure to toxins (pollution)

• Untreated acute inflammation

• Drinking alcohol in excess

• Having a high body mass index (BMI)/Obesity

• Exercising too much or too little

• Experiencing chronic stress

• Smoking

*Cleveland Clinic