earthing 101
inflammation
/IN-fluh-MAY-shun/
The body's way of protecting itself, a natural response to injury or infection.
“Inflammation is like a localized alarm system that triggers a series of events to heal and repair damaged tissues.”
What it is:
Inflammation is the body's immune system's reaction to harmful stimuli, such as pathogens (like bacteria or viruses) or tissue damage (like a cut or a bruise).
Why it happens:
It's a defense mechanism designed to eliminate the initial cause of cell injury, clear out damaged tissue and dead cells, and initiate tissue repair.
How it works:
The body sends in extra blood flow and immune cells (like white blood cells) to the affected area. This causes redness, swelling, heat, and pain – the classic signs of inflammation.
Acute vs. Chronic:
Inflammation can be short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic). Acute inflammation is a normal and necessary part of healing. Chronic inflammation, however, can be problematic and is associated with various diseases.
ACUTE: Imagine you cut your finger. Inflammation is the body's call for help. Your immune system sends special cells (like white blood cells) to the injured area. These cells help to fight off any germs that might have entered and start the process of repairing the damaged tissue. This is why you might see symptoms like redness, swelling, warmth, and feel pain in the affected area. This type of inflammation, a rapid, short-term response to injury or infection, is called acute inflammation.
CHRONIC: However, inflammation can also be a double-edged sword. Sometimes, the body keeps sending these inflammatory cells and substances even when there is no longer a threat or injury, or the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues. This long-lasting, inappropriate inflammatory response is called chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation can be harmful because it can damage healthy cells and tissues over time, contributing to various serious health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and some autoimmune diseases.
