Inflammation

Inflammation

Inflammation is the process by which the body’s immune system responds to injury, infection, irritants, damaged cells, burns and other harmful stimuli. It can occur on joints, the skin or in organs. Basically, the body’s white blood cells and antibodies protect itself against foreign substances and also helps to begin healing and repairing the damage.

The body’s white blood cells release chemicals into the blood or tissues which causes warmth and redness. Swelling occurs because the chemicals have leaked fluid into the tissues and the pain is caused by the inflammation stimulating the nerves or muscle fibres. Inflammation is typically characterized by redness, swollen joints that are warm to the touch, loss of joint function and joint pain and stiffness. Inflammation may also be associated with "flu-like" symptoms such as fever chills, headaches, loss of appetite, fatigue, low energy and muscle stiffness.

Sometimes the body’s immune system may unintentionally trigger an inflammatory response when there are no harmful substances to fight off. If this occurs, then the body’s immune system causes damage to its own tissues resulting in diseases known as autoimmune diseases. Turmeric (curcumin) or boswellia and other herbs can often help inflammation associated with auto-immune problems. Serrazyme and MSM can help a range of joint, vascular and respiratory inflammations.

Treatment of inflammatory conditions or diseases depends on the type of disease, severity of symptoms, medical history and overall health. Natural remedies have been used for thousands of years to soothe inflammation and speed up the healing process. Symphytum officinale (Comfrey) is beneficial in the healing of all types of wounds and injuries. Homeopathic Arnica has powerful anti-inflammatory and tissue healing properties, and but can also be used in gels for direct skin application.

The predisposition to incur (chronic) inflammation problems, may depend significantly on one's gut flora composition. Excess gut bacteria of the firmicutes strain, can influence inflammation messengers (eg. cytokines) and cause over reaction. This may affect neurological, immune, muscular and metabolic outcomes. Ensuring the diet has appropriate levels of fibres, fatty acids (including short chain fatty acids), prebiotics and moderated levels of sugars (refined carbohydrates) is very necessary to regulate inflammation.

Backache

Almost all adults will suffer some form of backache during their lives, most frequently in the lower back. Lifting or moving heavy objects are the common causes for lumbar backaches or sciatica, but there may be underlying problems with the muscular skeletal system or even organs such as the kidneys (referred pain). Other triggers for back problems include bad posture at the workplace, driving or sleeping along with the normal wear and tear or ageing of the spine. Recent research indicated that bacterial infections were a common cause for chronic backaches. Remedial considerations for lumbar strains include devils claw and magnesium. For sciatica try Bowen therapy for chronic conditions. Serrapeptase can help other inflammatory back aches.