Inflammation refers to your body’s process of fighting against things that harm it, such as infections, injuries, and toxins, in an attempt to heal itself. When something damages your cells, your body releases chemicals that trigger a response from your immune system.

This response includes the release of antibodies and proteins, as well as increased blood flow to the damaged area. The whole process usually lasts for a few hours or days in the case of acute inflammation.

Chronic inflammation happens when this response lingers, leaving your body in a constant state of alert. Over time, chronic inflammation may have a negative impact on your tissues and organs. Some suggests that chronic inflammation could also play a role in a range of conditions, from cancer to asthma.

Read on to learn more about chronic inflammation, including common causes and foods that fight it.

Inflammation is classified into two main types:

Acute inflammation usually occurs for a short (yet often severe) duration. It often resolves in two weeks or less. Symptoms appear quickly. This type restores your body to its state before injury or illness.

Chronic inflammation is a slower and generally less severe form of inflammation. It typically lasts longer than six weeks. It can occur even when there’s no injury, and it doesn’t always end when the illness or injury is healed. Chronic inflammation has been linked to autoimmune disorders and even prolonged stress.

Symptoms of Inflammation

• Heat

• Pain

• Redness

• Swelling

• Loss of function

The specific symptoms you have depend on where in your body the inflammation is and what’s causing it.

Long-term inflammation can lead to a number of symptoms and affect your body in many ways. Common symptoms of chronic inflammation can include:

• body pain

• constant fatigue and insomnia

• depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders

• gastrointestinal issues, like constipation, diarrhea, and acid reflux

• weight gain

• frequent infections

What Diseases Are Associated With Inflammation?

Some, but not all, types of arthritis are the result of misdirected inflammation. Arthritis is a general term that describes inflammation in the joints. Some types of arthritis associated with inflammation include the following:

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Psoriatic arthritis

• Gouty arthritis

Other painful conditions of the joints and musculoskeletal system that may not be associated with inflammation include osteoporosis, fibromyalgia, muscular low back pain , and muscular neck pain.

Long-term diseases that doctors associate with inflammation include:

• Asthma

• Chronic Peptic Ulcer

• Tuberculosis

• Rheumatoid Arthritis

• Periodontitis

• Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's Disease

• Sinusitis

• Active Hepatitis

How Are Inflammatory Diseases Diagnosed?

• Complete medical history and physical exam with attention to:

  • The pattern of painful joints and whether there is evidence of inflammation

  • Presence of joint stiffness in the morning

  • Evaluation of other symptoms

• Results of X-rays and blood tests

Treatment for inflammatory disease

Treatment for inflammatory disease can include:

• Medication

• Rest

• Exercise

• Surgery (when other options fail)

Anti-inflammatory diet: What to know

Chronic inflammation occurs with various diseases, there is evidence that dietary choices may help manage the symptoms.

An anti-inflammatory diet favors fruits and vegetables, foods containing omega-3 fatty acids, whole grains, lean protein, healthful fats, and spices. It discourages or limits the consumption of processed foods, red meats, and alcohol.

The anti-inflammatory diet is not a specific regimen but rather a style of eating. The Mediterranean diet is an example of an anti-inflammatory diet.

Inflammation appears to play a role in cardiovascular disease, but research suggests that the Mediterranean diet, with its focus on plant-based foods and healthful oils, can reduce the effects of inflammation on the cardiovascular system.

An anti-inflammatory diet may serve as a complementary therapy for many conditions that become worse with chronic inflammation.

Foods to eat

An anti-inflammatory diet should combine a variety of foods that:

• Are rich in nutrients

• Provide a range of antioxidants

• Contain healthful fats

Foods that may help manage inflammation include:

• oily fish, such as tuna and salmon

• fruits, such as blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, and cherries

• vegetables, including kale, spinach, and broccoli

• beans

• nuts and seeds

• olives and olive oil

• fiber

• Raw or moderately cooked vegetables

• legumes, such as lentils

• spices, such as ginger and turmeric

• probiotics and prebiotics

• tea

• some herbs

It is worth remembering that:

No single food will boost a person’s health. It is important to include a variety of healthful ingredients in the diet.

Fresh, simple ingredients are best. Processing can change the nutritional content of foods.

People should check the labels of pre-made foods. While cocoa can be a good choice, for example, the products that contain cocoa often also contain sugar and fat.

A colorful plate will provide a range of antioxidants and other nutrients. Be sure to vary the colors of fruits and vegetables.

Foods to avoid

People who are following an anti-inflammatory diet should avoid or limit their intake of:

• Processed foods

• Foods with added sugar or salt

• Unhealthful oils

• Processed carbs, which are present in white bread, white pasta, and many baked goods

• Processed snack foods, such as chips and crackers

• Pre-made desserts, such as cookies, candy, and ice cream

• Excess alcohol

In addition, people may find it beneficial to limit their intake of the following:

Gluten: Some people experience an inflammatory reaction when they consume gluten. A gluten-free diet can be restrictive, and it is not suitable for everyone. However, if a person suspects that gluten is triggering symptoms, they may wish to consider eliminating it for a while to see if their symptoms improve.

Nightshades: Plants belonging to the nightshade family, such as tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, and potatoes, seem to trigger flares in some people with inflammatory diseases. There is limited evidence to confirm this effect, but a person can try cutting nightshades from the diet for 2–3 weeks to see if their symptoms improve.

Carbohydrates: There is some evidence that a high carb diet, even when the carbs are healthful, may promote inflammation in some people. However, some carb-rich foods, such as sweet potatoes and whole grains, are excellent sources of antioxidants and other nutrients.

We hope this article helps you understand how to prevent and cope with inflammation. If inflammation is affecting a loved one, contact us to learn how we help and create a plan that benefits everyone involved.