nflammation is a remarkable biological response that occurs in organisms like humans to safeguard against infection, bleeding, organ damage, and other threats.
Within our bodies, there are specialized cells whose primary task is to initiate the inflammatory response. For instance, if you have a tooth infection, your face may swell up because the immune cells rush to the infection site, where harmful or pathogenic cells, such as pathogenic bacteria, reside. White blood cells engage in a battle, striving to prevent the spread of pathogens.
Contrary to common misconceptions, inflammation serves as the initial phase of the body's healing process. The first step is to provide protection, preventing further damage or the infection from spreading. Subsequently, fresh cells migrate to the damaged site, facilitating the return to normalcy. Inflammatory responses are not always visibly apparent with swollen body parts; they can occur within organs, nerves, tissues, and cells. When a cell is inflamed, it undergoes a disordered state, losing its typical structure and functionality. As a result, these cells may die, become defenseless to the immune system, or even mutate and become pathogenic themselves.
During the inflammatory response, molecules that are harmful to the cell penetrate its protective wall. Infections, cuts, toothaches, and bruises are common triggers for inflammation. However, inflammation can also arise from factors such as stress, pollution, lack of sleep, overexertion, dehydration, and dietary choices.
While there are more technical explanations, the essence of the concept remains. Certain foods produce gases that we don't want in our bodies, starting in the digestive system and eventually entering the bloodstream. Acute inflammation occurs in response to injuries or illnesses and typically subsides. On the other hand, chronic inflammation, which is persistent, poses a greater risk.
Alcohol, for example, induces an inflammatory response in body parts like the liver. It damages both the liver cells and the protective cells that arrive to defend against the damage. If the inflammation persists and becomes chronic, it can lead to the accumulation of cells within the affected tissues and organs.