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Does Inflammation Harm Your Health?
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The Fire Inside
The word “inflammation”
traces back to the Latin for “set afire.” In some conditions, like rheumatoid
arthritis, you feel heat, pain, redness, and swelling. But in other cases --
like heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and diabetes -- it’s not so obvious. If you didn’t
go looking for it with tests, you wouldn’t even know it’s there.
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It's Not Always Bad
Inflammation actually is
good in the short run. It’s part of your immune system’s natural response to
heal an injury or fight an infection. It’s supposed to stop after that. But if
it becomes a long-lasting habit in your body, that can be bad for you. Long-term,
or “chronic,” inflammation is seen in many diseases and conditions.
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Could It Lead to a Heart Attack?
Inflamed arteries are
common among people with heart disease. Some researchers think that when fats
build up in the walls of the heart’s coronary arteries, the body fires back
with inflammatory chemicals, since it sees this as an “injury” to the heart. That
could trigger a blood clot that causes a heart attack or stroke.
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Diabetes Connection
Inflammation and type 2
diabetes are linked. Doctors don’t know yet if it causes the disease. Some
experts say obesity triggers the inflammation, which makes it harder for the
body to use insulin. That may be one reason why losing extra pounds and keeping
them off is a key step to lower your chance of getting type 2 diabetes.
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Tied to Alzheimer's
Chronic brain
inflammation is often seen in people with this type of dementia. Scientists
don’t yet understand exactly how that works, but inflammation may play an
active role in the disease. Experts are studying whether anti-inflammatory
medicine will curb Alzheimer’s. So far, the results are mixed.
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It Can Hurt Your Gut
Chronic inflammation is
tied to ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, which are types of inflammatory
bowel disease. It happens when your body's immune system mistakenly attacks the
healthy bacteria in your gut, and causes inflammation that sticks around. You
could have symptoms such as belly pain, cramping, and diarrhea.
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In RA, It Does Damage
What many people think
of as “arthritis” is osteoarthritis, in which the tissue that cushions joints,
cartilage, breaks down, particularly as people age. Rheumatoid arthritis is
different. In RA, the immune system attacks your body’s joints, causing
inflammation that can harm them -- and even the heart. Symptoms include pain,
stiffness, and red, warm, swollen joints.
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Is It Part of Fibromyalgia?
This condition can cause
pain, tenderness, and fatigue, but not because of inflammation. Unlike in RA,
inflammation doesn’t attack the joints in fibromyalgia. Someone who has fibro
could have inflammation in their body from another illness. But it's not driving
their fibro.
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When It Happens Fast
Sometimes inflammation
strikes suddenly when your body is fighting an infection. Maybe it’s
cellulitis, a skin infection, or appendicitis, which affects your appendix.
You’ll need to see your doctor to get the right treatment quickly.
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Your Diet Matters
The types of food you
eat affect how much inflammation you have. Get plenty of fruits,
vegetables, whole grains, plant-based proteins (like beans and nuts), fish rich
in omega-3 fatty acids (such as salmon, tuna, and sardines), and healthier
oils, like olive oil. Also eat foods with probiotics, like yogurt (just check
that it doesn’t have too much sugar). Limit saturated fats, found in meats,
whole-fat dairy products, and processed foods.
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Stay Active
Even if you have a
condition like RA, in which inflammation is a problem, exercise is still good
for you. If you make it a habit, it pays off in many ways. For instance, it
helps you stick to a healthy weight, which is another good way to keep
inflammation in check. Ask your doctor what types of activities are best for
you.
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Get Some Sleep!
Mom was right: You need
to get your rest. Research shows that when healthy people are sleep-deprived,
they have more inflammation. Exactly how that works isn’t clear, but it may be
related to metabolism. It’s one more reason to make sleep a priority!
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Smoking Makes It Worse
Lighting up is a
sure-fire way to raise inflammation. Like most people who try to kick the
habit, it may take you several tries before you quit for good -- but keep
trying! Tell your doctor it’s a goal and ask for her advice.
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Spices Hold Promise
Ginger root has
anti-inflammation perks. So do cinnamon, clove, black pepper, and turmeric
(which gives curry powder its orange-yellow color). Scientists are studying how
much it takes to make a difference. These spices are safe to enjoy in foods. If
you want to try them in supplements, ask your doctor first. She can check on
whether they might affect any medicines you take or conditions you have.
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What to Know About NSAIDs
Many people take NSAIDs
(nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) to tame inflammation and ease pain. Some
of these meds need a prescription. Others, like ibuprofen and naproxen, are
sold over the counter. They work well, but if you take them regularly, tell your
doctor, because they can cause stomach problems, like ulcers or bleeding. Some
types of NSAIDS may increase the risk for heart attack or stroke, so talk to
your doctor about the safest options.
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Do Supplements Help?
The omega-3s in fish
such as salmon and tuna can dial down inflammation. Fish oil can help, too.
People who are low on vitamin D also tend to have more inflammation than
others. It’s not yet clear if taking more vitamin D fixes that. Remember, it's
a good idea to ask your doctor first.
This tool does not provide medical advice.
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