Is inflammation in your body getting you down?
So many of our clients visit Mederi because of the detrimental impact inflammation has on them, but what is inflammation and how does it start?
Inflammation is part of the body's natural response to injury, infection, or harmful stimuli, acting as a defence mechanism. When the immune system detects a problem—like a pathogen (bacteria or virus), damaged cells, or toxins—it sends signals to increase blood flow, immune cells, and other molecular agents to the affected area to initiate healing. This process is essential to help protect and repair tissues, but if inflammation persists or becomes chronic, it can lead to health issues. Here’s a closer look at what causes it and why it can become problematic:
Causes of Inflammation
1. Infections: Bacteria, viruses, and fungi can trigger inflammation as the immune system tries to eliminate pathogens.
2. Injury: Physical damage to tissues, such as cuts, burns, or sprains, can cause localized inflammation as part of the healing process.
3. Toxins: Exposure to irritants, like pollution, alcohol, or certain chemicals, can cause inflammatory responses.
4. Immune Reactions: Allergies and autoimmune diseases, where the body mistakenly attacks its tissues, can cause chronic inflammation.
5. Poor Lifestyle Factors: A diet high in processed foods and sugar, smoking, lack of sleep, and chronic stress can all contribute to ongoing inflammation.
4 Reasons Why Chronic Inflammation is an issue for your day to day health:
1. Tissue Damage: When inflammation lingers, it can damage tissues and organs, as immune cells mistakenly target healthy cells, resulting in conditions like arthritis or organ damage.
2. Link to Chronic Diseases: Persistent inflammation is connected to many serious illnesses, such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. For instance, inflammation in blood vessels can lead to atherosclerosis, which increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
3. Weakened Immune System: Chronic inflammation can weaken the immune system, making it less effective at fighting infections.
4. Disruptive Hormonal Effects: It can impact insulin function, contributing to insulin resistance and increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes. It may also affect hormones related to stress and sleep, exacerbating fatigue and stress levels.
Reducing Chronic Inflammation
A healthy diet (rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and omega-3 fatty acids), regular physical activity (getting up from your desk regularly), adequate sleep that you wake up feeling rested from, and comprehensive stress management can help keep inflammation levels in check.
Many of our sauna members notice the difference in their pain levels after the first 30 minute session. By heating up the body and improving circulation you can reduce the irritation in your joints and muscles. Following the sauna with a float therapy session allows your body to completely relax, letting go of long held tension and improving your circulation. Giving your body and mind the chance to rest will in turn enhance your sleep, during sleep your body starts to repair itself.
By having these treatments and having regular massage you are creating an environment where inflammation will struggle to survive! Reduce inflammation with these alternative therapies to significantly improve your wellbeing.
Book your inflammation reducing treatments here.
Hannah
