By Natasha Jha

Inflammation is a normal, healthy response by our immune cells whenever the body is hurt, healing or fighting infection. When inflammation occurs, a large amount of white blood cells are directed to the site of injury to fight off any foreign invaders (bacteria, viruses and other pathogens) and maintaining the balance of the internal system until we are healed.

Inflammation is a normal, healthy response by our immune cells whenever the body is hurt, healing or fighting infection. 

Unfortunately with today’s lifestyle where processed, refined foods and a high amount of sugar and unhealthy fats are a part of the regular diets of many people across the world, there is another kind of inflammation that’s taking over the body with each bite we take: chronic inflammation.

there is another kind of inflammation that’s taking over the body with each bite we take: chronic inflammation.

This is the result of years of buildup of foods that are not great for our bodies, spiking our blood sugar and causing increased fat deposits across the body.  When you add stress and the toxicity of pollution to this the the outcome is a host of lifestyle diseases that are much more common than they should be. Diabetes, high blood pressure, hypertension, cancer, stroke and obesity are high on the list of diseases that plague millions, and yet are avoidable through practices that are oriented towards ‘anti-inflammation’.

Diabetes, high blood pressure, hypertension, cancer, stroke and obesity are high on the list of diseases that plague millions, and yet are avoidable through practices that are oriented towards ‘anti-inflammation’.

What it means today

In the wake of covid-19 the term inflammation has come to instil fear, as co-morbidities via lifestyle diseases are linked to more challenging outcomes for a person dealing with the virus. Chronic inflammation has been linked to more severe symptoms and the possibility of hospitalisation from a heightened immune response.

Autoimmune conditions and allergies are also a symptom of high inflammation in the body (stemming from the gut). These include severe immune responses to triggers such as certain types of food, pollen etc.

Simultaneously, inflammation also reduces our natural immunity, making us more susceptible to infections in general.

Simultaneously, inflammation also reduces our natural immunity, making us more susceptible to infections in general. Be it the common cold or a stomach bug, our body is less able to deal with disease-causing bacteria or viruses, and can lead to prolonged discomfort as well as increased recovery time.

So what can we do?

An anti-inflammation based lifestyle can combat this. Foods, spices and herbs with soothing properties are known to reduce inflammation in the body as well contribute to a long and healthy life.

An anti-inflammation based lifestyle can combat this. Foods, spices and herbs with soothing properties are known to reduce inflammation in the body as well contribute to a long and healthy life. This works best in combination with eliminating inflammatory foods like sugar, refined foods, and unhealthy oils. Stress management is another lifestyle aspect that impacts our hormones, learning to manage it well can greatly reduce inflammation.