Inflammation within the body has become synonymous with aches and pains. However, inflammation as a core function within the body is a phase of healing following injury. An injury to the skin like a graze would result in the Lewis Triple response a reddening, then a white outer section followed by heat and a loss of function. This heat or ‘Calor’ element is inflammation.

Inflammation is entirely normal and expected in certain circumstances. It is not expected on a continual basis. A type of inflammation that results in over repair is commonly known as wear and tear. There are many types of inflammation that can occur within the body.

• Inflammation to fight off infection is part of an immune response.
• Inflammation that occurs during and after a traumatic event
• Inflammation that occurs during and after a series of events within a stressful time but neither one event is particularly note-worthy.
• Lack of exercise / sedentary lifestyle causes inflammation (1).
• Breakdown of fats within the body.
• Lack of time in singular concentration (application within the moment followed by a decompression). Some may call this meditation.
• Poor sleep doesn’t allow one to repair properly and thus inflammation becomes ongoing.
• A lack of vitamin D can create inflammation within the muscles and joints.
• Your diet influences and changes the levels of a variety of types of inflammation within your body.
• Environmental toxins, such as cleaning fluids, sprays and smells can create inflammation.
• Pollution can cause inflammation.

There are such a variety of inflammatory pathways causes and effects and learned responses that continue to go on that being a healthy version of you is the best first step for insidious ongoing suspected inflammation. From drinking teas to making time for a variety of exercises to destressing your head are all good starting points to help you to reduce your inflammatory levels.

Drugs such as ibuprofen and diclofenac have their side effects on kidney function, bowel hydration, clot formation and even bowel perforation. Long term use safety concerns have been raised and some countries have removed diclofenac from an over-the-counter medicine to prescription only (2)

Herbs and supplements can help on top of this healthy strategy. Involving yourself in a touch therapy has been shown to destress and have an anti-inflammatory effect. However, if you are stepping back into a toxic environment each day the effects will be short lived until the insulting stress to your health is removed.

Don’t know where to start? Begin today by booking your consultation…

References:

1. Gleeson M et al (2011)The Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Exercise. Nature Reviews Immunology 11; 607
2. Abbasi K (2023) NSAIDS and Contraceptives. BMJ 2023; 382:p2041