Inflammation—it’s a word we often hear, especially when talking about health, diet, or chronic conditions. But what does it really mean? Why does it happen, and when should we be concerned? In this blog, we’ll break down the concept of inflammation in a way that’s easy to understand. Whether you’re dealing with joint pain, skin flare-ups, or just want to lead a healthier life, understanding inflammation is a great place to start.

What Is Inflammation?
Inflammation is your body’s natural defence mechanism. It kicks in when your body senses injury, infection, or harmful substances. Think of it as your internal alarm system.

When a cut, virus, or toxin enters your body, your immune system jumps into action, sending white blood cells to the affected area. This process leads to redness, swelling, warmth, and sometimes pain. It’s your body’s way of protecting and healing itself.

Types of Inflammation

1. Acute Inflammation:
This is a short-term, helpful response. It starts quickly—within minutes or hours—and is your body’s way of dealing with injury or infection. Common signs include redness, swelling, pain, and heat.

Example:
A sprained ankle or a sore throat.

2. Chronic Inflammation:
This is long-lasting and often harmful. It occurs when your body stays in “alert” mode even without a real threat. Chronic inflammation is linked to many health problems like heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and even cancer.

Example:
Someone with diabetes or arthritis may have inflammation in their body all the time, even when there’s no injury. This can slowly damage tissues and lead to more health problems over time.

Inflammation is your body’s way of protecting itself, but too much of it, especially over time, can be harmful. By understanding the difference between acute and chronic inflammation, you can take better care of your health. Eating well, staying active, getting enough sleep, and managing stress are small steps that can help reduce harmful inflammation and keep your body in balance.