Inflammation - Renew Wellness

Inflammation: Causes, Symptoms, and Natural Remedies

Inflammation is the body's protective response to irritation, injury, or infection. When tissues are damaged by things like trauma, toxins, heat, or even stress, the body triggers an inflammatory cascade to heal itself. This causes blood vessels to dilate and leak fluid, bringing in white blood cells to the site of injury. The cardinal signs of inflammation include redness, swelling, heat, pain, and loss of function.

Inflammation is usually acute and temporary to help facilitate healing. But sometimes inflammation can become chronic and cause further damage. This long-term inflammation is associated with conditions like asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease, and even depression.

There are several key mediators that control the inflammatory process in the body:

• Cytokines: Chemical messengers like interferon, interleukin, and growth factors that trigger inflammation. These are released by damaged tissue and white blood cells.
• Histamine: Released by mast cells, histamine dilates blood vessels and helps white blood cells enter tissues.
• Bradykinin: This protein causes blood vessels to leak fluid into tissues, leading to edema.
• Prostaglandins: These lipid compounds intensify pain and fever. NSAIDs like ibuprofen work by blocking prostaglandins.

The best ways to reduce inflammation include:

• Cold compress: Applying something cold can constrict blood vessels and reduce swelling and pain.
• Elevation: Raising the affected area above heart level helps drain fluid to reduce inflammation.
• OTC medications: Over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen help by blocking prostaglandins.
• Healthy diet: Eating more anti-inflammatory foods with omega-3s, antioxidants, and fiber while limiting inflammatory foods like sugar, saturated fats, and refined carbs.

Supplements like turmeric, ginger, bromelain, and omega-3 fish oil can also help fight inflammation naturally. And getting enough sleep, managing stress, and exercising regularly are all important lifestyle factors.

At Renew Wellness, our experienced physicians offer cutting-edge testing and treatment plans to identify and address the root causes of chronic inflammation for men and women. We provide customized bioidentical hormone therapy, gut health programs, and nutritional counseling to reduce oxidative stress and restore optimal wellness. Contact us to learn more about our anti-inflammatory programs and feel your best again soon!