Inflammation

This is a common topic I have to explain at every visit so I thought I might talk about the definition of Inflammation.

The body is quite effective in protecting us from things that are bad for us. If the body is exposed to something that is harmful, the immune system will respond by sending out certain cells to survey the area. Then depending on what the offending agent the immune system will respond with, the cascading events that will then induce what is called Inflammation.

Inflammation is the result of the immune systems action towards a foreign harmful situation that recruits the white blood cells, blood and fluids that accumulate to destroy and clear the area of the harmful invader. In the process of this causes a visual redness and “puffiness” which then we know as inflammation. However inflammation is not always visual as this can occur in many areas of the body.

For short or acute situations like an injury or bacteria, virus, yeast or fungal infection this is an effective mechanism that protects the body. If there are long term or chronic exposures to a toxin, a bacteria, virus, foods one is allergic to or sugars the body will begin to suffer as chronic inflammation degrades tissues and causes pain.

Basic treatment of inflammation from a Functional Medicine standpoint begins in the diet and supporting the liver. Decreasing and or elimination of sugars and simple carbohydrates are a great place to start. Simple carbohydrates and sugars alone can initiate inflammation in the body.

Support the liver and its ability to remove toxins out of the body that come from daily living. Living in a the Midwest we are exposed to agricultural chemicals, diets high in high fructose corn syrup, sugars, bad fats and chemicals from prescription and over-the –counter medications over time sludge and inhibit the liver’s ability to detoxify or remove toxins from the body. It is the liver that helps us remove harmful substances out of the body. If the liver functions optimally this can help decrease inflammation.

Supporting the immune system can also calm auto-immune causes of inflammation and healing the gut can also decrease inflammation especially if there are offending foods causing inflammation and/or dysbiosis (imbalance of good and bad bacteria/yeast). Practitioners can assess patients to either test and treat other underlying causes for inflammation.

Michelle McCaslin, APRN
Alternatives
11036 Oak St
Omaha, NE 68144