The Inflammation Equation
Inflammation = good or bad?
Is inflammation good or bad? Most of us would be quick to answer “bad” because inflammation is a hot topic these days. But not all inflammation is bad.
Acute Inflammation, like when you cut your finger, kickstarts your immune system to send inflammatory cells to the site of the injury and start the healing process. This may result in redness and soreness at the site of the injury but it’s short lived and comes to an end when the injury is repaired. Consider this the “good” kind of inflammation.
Chronic Inflammation is when your body continues sending inflammatory cells even when there’s no danger. Unlike acute inflammation, chronic inflammation lingers in the body, often unnoticed, and can lead to a host of serious health issues over time. Consider this the “bad” kind of inflammation.
Chronic inflammation is the leading cause of many diseases including autoimmune, cardiovascular, lung, metabolic, mental health, neurodegenerative, and some cancers. Worldwide, 3 out of 5 people die from chronic inflammatory diseases. 3 out of 5 people! This is why I’m so passionate about lowering inflammation because if we can solve the inflammation equation, we can prevent disease and even death.
How do you know if you have chronic inflammation?
Chronic inflammation is a silent yet persistent threat to our overall well-being. This is why it’s known as the “silent killer” because it’s not always evident. Here are a few signs and symptoms that may be related to chronic inflammation:
abdominal or chest pain
unexplained fatigue
bloating or other GI issues
depression or anxiety
puffiness or difficulty removing rings
morning stiffness lasting more than 10 min
Reducing Chronic Inflammation is Possible
If any of these symptoms are relatable, there’s no need to panic! You can make small lifestyle modifications that add up to big changes in the long run. This is my favorite part about health coaching! You tackle one thing at a time, using a structured goal-setting framework, and you see the changes unfold.
You start waking up with less pain. You start feeling less bloated. You move freely throughout your day. You experience less stress and anxiety.
Understanding and addressing chronic inflammation (the “bad” kind of inflammation) is crucial for maintaining long-term health and well-being. By making conscious lifestyle changes, you can reduce inflammation and support your body's natural healing processes. At Lionheart Health Coaching, I’m here to guide you on your journey to a healthier, inflammation-free life.
