Inflammation is the body's natural response to injury or irritation. When cells in your body are injured, your immune system releases chemicals that cause inflammation as a protective mechanism. There are five main signs of inflammation - heat, redness, swelling, pain, and loss of function.
Inflammation helps your body heal itself by removing harmful stimuli and activating the healing process. Acute inflammation occurs rapidly and lasts for a short time, like when you sprain your ankle. Chronic inflammation persists over longer periods and can cause serious health problems like arthritis, heart disease, or autoimmune disorders.
What causes inflammation?
- Injuries - cuts, sprains, burns - Infections - bacteria, viruses, fungi - Stress - Poor diet - high sugar, saturated fats - Toxins - pollution, cigarette smoke - Autoimmune disorders - rheumatoid arthritis
How is inflammation treated?
- Resting the affected area - Applying ice to reduce swelling - Taking OTC pain relievers like ibuprofen - Prescription anti-inflammatory drugs - Treating the underlying cause of inflammation
Reducing inflammation naturally
Making smart lifestyle choices can help minimize chronic inflammation. Try these science-backed tips:
- Eat more anti-inflammatory foods - fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts - Exercise regularly to lower stress - Lose weight if overweight or obese - Stop smoking and reduce alcohol intake - Take anti-inflammatory supplements like fish oil, turmeric, ginger
Hormone imbalances and inflammation
Hormonal changes can also trigger increased inflammation. At Hormone Harmony, we specialize in optimizing clients' hormone levels to reduce inflammation and improve overall health. Our expert physicians provide personalized care to balance hormones like estrogen, testosterone, thyroid, cortisol, and insulin.
We offer cutting-edge hormone testing to accurately identify imbalances. Based on your test results, we create customized treatment plans using bioidentical hormones, supplements, and lifestyle changes. Our holistic protocols help both men and women feel younger, more energetic, and reduce joint pain, hot flashes, fatigue, and other symptoms caused by hormonal imbalances and inflammation.
Schedule a consultation at Hormone Harmony today to discover how optimizing your hormones can improve your health, vitality and quality of life. Our personalized care and proven protocols will help you look and feel your best.