What is Inflammation?
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Inflammation is the body’s response to injury or infection. It is a protective response in which blood vessels dilate, white blood cells migrate to the site of inflammation, and various proteins and molecules are released to help starts the healing process. The end goal of inflammation is to rid the body of the offending agent, initiate the healing process and promote tissue repair.

Common Causes of Inflammation
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Inflammation is caused primarily either by an immune reaction or an injury.

Immune Reaction – Inflammation can be caused by the body’s reaction to environmental irritants, allergens, and even some autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis. These types of inflammation are caused when the immune system itself decides something isn’t right and decides to deploy an inflammatory response by sending white blood cells to the area.

Injury – Inflammation can also be caused when the body is injured, whether it’s from a broken bone, a twisted ankle, or trauma to the skin, for example. In this case, inflammation is the body’s response to tissue damage, and its purpose is to try to protect the area from further injury.

Diet and Inflammation
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A poor diet can cause inflammation throughout the body, as well. Eating foods high in unhealthy fats like trans fats, saturated fats, and omega-6 fatty acids can cause inflammation by disrupting the body’s natural inflammatory process. Eating excess amounts of sugar, which can cause the body’s inflammatory response to be increased, can also cause inflammation. Too much processed food, refined carbohydrates, and alcohol can also cause inflammation.

Leading an unhealthy lifestyle can also lead to inflammation. Factors like smoking and exposure to toxic substances can increase inflammation.

In conclusion, inflammation can be caused by a variety of things, including an immune reaction, injury, and a poor diet. To keep inflammation in check, it’s important to eat a balanced diet and lead a healthy lifestyle.