While inflammation typically gets a bad rap, at its root it is a protective response by the body that keeps it healthy and functioning under certain conditions. There are actually two types of inflammation: acute and chronic. Acute inflammation is the initial response of the body to injury, infection, or tissue damage, and occurs within minutes of tissue injury. Lasting seconds to days, the body’s immune response signals the release of white blood cells and increases blood to the area of concern, which may cause symptoms of swelling, redness, heat, immobility, and pain. But these are good signs that the body is working hard to heal!

But what happens when the body’s immune response “stays on” for too long or occurs when it is not needed? It leads to chronic inflammation, which is long-term and can last for months to years. Chronic inflammation occurs when the body fails to eliminate whatever was causing acute inflammation or as a result of an autoimmune disorder that attacks normal, healthy tissue. This prolonged state of emergency response can overwhelm your body and cause damage to the heart, brain, joints, and other organs. Chronic inflammation has even been linked to several diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and depression.

Ready for some good news? You CAN affect chronic inflammation in your body with your diet. Have you ever heard of anti- and pro-inflammatory foods? The food you eat daily can have a significant effect on the level of inflammation in your body. Eating a diet that is high in anti-inflammatory foods and low in pro-inflammatory foods is one way you can affect your level of chronic inflammation and overall health!