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There are two types of inflammation: 

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  • Acute inflammation

  • Chronic inflammation

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Acute inflammation is a normal process that protects and heals the body following physical injury or infection. This process involves a complex biological reaction of molecular and cellular signals that alter physiological responses, ultimately resulting in the familiar symptoms of pain, swelling, heat, and redness.

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Chronic inflammation can result from a viral or microbial infection, environmental antigen (e.g., pollen), autoimmune reaction, or persistent activation of inflammatory molecules. Macrophages and other leukocytes release reactive oxygen species and proteases that destroy the source of inflammation; however, damage to the body's own tissues often results in chronic inflammation. In chronic inflammation, damaged tissues are repaired through replacement with cells of the same type or with fibrous connective tissue.

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Another important characteristic of chronic inflammation is the development of new blood vessels. In some instances, the body is unable to repair tissue damage, and inflammatory destruction continues. Chronic inflammation is abnormal and does not benefit the body; in fact, chronic inflammation is involved in a number of disease.

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Several human diseases are inflammatory in nature, including asthma, Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, tendonitis, bursitis, laryngitis, gingivitis, gastritis, otitis, celiac disease, diverticulitis, and inflammatory bowel disease.

 

Additionally, a number of chronic diseases have inflammatory components, such as atherosclerosis, obesity, diabetes mellitus, cancer, and perhaps even Alzheimer's disease.

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What are the benefits of an anti-inflammatory diet?

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  • Disease prevention

  • Improvement of gut microbiome

  • Improved overall quality of life

  • Improved longevity

  • Reduction in fatigue

  • Reduced cognitive decline

  • Improved glucose control

  • Improved fertility

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References:

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  • PMID: 15351323

  • PMID: 1824053

  • PMID: 16828270

  • PMID: 15155453

  • PMID: 15351323

  • PMID: 19996007

  • PMID: 19689829

  • PMID: 16904534

  • PMID: 12077742

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