Inflammation is a healthy and normal immune system response to injury, pathogens and toxins. For example, in wound healing, the inflammatory response rushes white blood cells to the injury site to help repair and regenerate tissues and promote healing. This type of acute inflammation, characterized by redness, heat, and swelling of tissues and joints, is temporary and vital to the healing process.
Similarly, if you have a cold, flu or other illness, the immune system is triggered. It sends those same white blood cells to fight and destroy the virus and clean up the aftermath to restore balance and wellness.
But chronic inflammation is another story. Long-term inflammation can wreak havoc on your body, resulting in serious health conditions such as heart disease, arthritis, type 2 diabetes, cancer and even Alzheimer's disease.
When that “army” of white blood cells settles in one area for long periods, healthy cells, tissues and organs can be damaged. If it is left untreated for too long, the inflammation can even alter the DNA of previously healthy cells.
So, how do you know if chronic inflammation is happening in your body? And what can you do about it?
Let's talk about CRP
One of the easiest ways to determine whether you have chronic inflammation is to ask your doctor to check your C-reactive protein (CRP) levels using a
