What is Inflammation?

Inflammation is the body's natural response to injury, infection, or harmful stimuli. This protective mechanism aims to eliminate injurious agents and initiate the healing process. Inflammation can be categorized into two types: acute and chronic.

UNDERSTANDING ACUTE INFLAMMATION

Ever noticed how your body reacts quickly to an injury or infection? That's acute inflammation at work. It's your body's immediate response to harm, showing up as redness, warmth, swelling, pain, and sometimes a temporary loss of function in the affected area.

So, what's the point of this inflammation? It's all about self-defense. The aim is to get rid of the source of cell damage, clean out any damaged cells or tissues, and kickstart the repair process.

But how does this process actually work? When your tissue gets injured, your immune system springs into action, releasing what's called 'inflammatory mediators'. These include things like histamines, cytokines, and prostaglandins. These mediators have a few crucial jobs. They boost blood flow to the hurt area, which is why it can look red and feel warm. They also make your blood vessels more permeable so that immune cells (like white blood cells) can get to the tissue and fight off any infection, helping your body heal.

CHRONIC INFLAMMATION: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Chronic inflammation is a long-lasting, often hidden form of inflammation that can persist for months or even years. Unlike its acute counterpart, chronic inflammation might not show apparent symptoms, making it a silent yet potentially harmful condition.

Its causes are varied, ranging from enduring infections, continuous exposure to irritants like pollution and toxins, autoimmune disorders where the body mistakenly attacks its own tissues, to long-term stress.

Chronic inflammation plays a significant role in various health problems. It's linked to heart disease, diabetes, cancer, arthritis, and neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease. Over time, it can lead to tissue damage and accelerate the progression of these conditions.

By being aware and taking preventive steps, we can manage and reduce the risk of chronic inflammation, promoting overall health and well-being.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF INFLAMMATION

Redness & Heat

Swelling

Pain & Loss of function

Balancing Health: The Importance of Controlling Inflammation

Inflammation is a cornerstone of our body's healing process, but when it persists, it can pose risks. Chronic inflammation, a long-lasting form of inflammation, can be detrimental to our health. Making conscious lifestyle choices - such as maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, managing stress effectively, and refraining from smoking - can help mitigate the risks associated with chronic inflammatory conditions.

At Better Berry Co, our mission is to shed light on the damaging effects of chronic inflammation and offer solutions for its management. Our dark red haskap berries are not only a delicious addition to your diet but also a powerful ally in combating inflammation.