Inflammation is the body’s chief defence against injury or infection. It is a signal to the immune system to heal damaged tissue, as well as defend against foreign invaders such as viruses and bacteria. Inflammation can often cause localised redness, swelling, pain and/or heat and may cause loss of function of the involved tissues. Without it wounds would fester, and infections could become fatal. Inflammation is good in moderation however, sometimes it can be inappropriate which is why it has gained a bad reputation. If the inflammatory process goes on for too long, or if the inflammatory response occurs in places where it is not needed, it can become problematic.
Acute inflammation, such as a sore throat, cut knee or sprained ankle, or even tooth extraction, is typically a short term protective and localised response to infection or injury designed to heal the body and restore normal tissue function. If inflammation persists for a prolonged period of time it becomes chronic inflammation. Unlike acute inflammation, chronic inflammation can have long term and whole body effects.
Chronic inflammation can be the result of an infection, autoimmune reaction or allergy. This type of systemic inflammation can contribute to the development of disease, such as heart disease or cancer, and may also lead to autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and type 1 diabetes. A healthy diet and lifestyle can help keep inflammation under control. Conventional therapies for inflammation, including steroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), have many side effects. Simply shutting down inflammatory processes without addressing why the inflammation is present is questionable. The word anti-inflammatory is a broad term.
At True Medicine, rather than suppress the inflammatory response, we regulate inflammation and assist the body in overcoming the problem depending on the mechanism the body used to generate the inflammation (such as immune mediated or localised swelling). As always, any support or recommendations are preceded by a thorough individualised assessment. Treatment may be alongside other prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs or stand-alone – depending on the situation. Whether herbs, nutrients or homeopathic remedies you can rest assured that any treatment will be tailored to meet your needs.
Contact the clinic on 0468 774 633 to arrange a visit.
Source: Article Written by Christine Thomas, Herbalist and Technical Writer, May 2021