Inflammation Remedies NYC - Dr. Alicia Armitstead

"Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system attacks healthy cells in the body, mistaking them for foreign invaders. This can lead to inflammation and tissue damage. The most common reasons for chronic inflammation include autoimmune disorders, such as lupus, where your body attacks healthy tissue."

Dr. Alicia Armitstead

Natural Remedies for Inflammation at the Healing Arts NYC Health and Wellness Center in Manhattan NY 10017 and Connecticut

What is Inflammation?

Inflammation is the immune system’s response to injury or infection. Acute inflammation is characterized by five signs: redness, swelling, excessive heat, sometimes the loss of function, and mild to extreme pain. This process is the body’s attempt to protect us, repair what was damaged, and begin its natural healing process.

The immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to defend the body against harmful invaders, such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites. It comprises two main parts: the innate and adaptive immune systems.

The innate immune system is the body’s first defense against harmful invaders. It includes physical barriers, such as the skin and mucous membranes, and cells that can quickly recognize and respond to invaders.

The adaptive immune system is a more specialized part of the immune system that develops over time. It includes cells recognizing and remembering specific invaders, allowing the body to respond more quickly and effectively to future infections.

When the immune system detects an injury or infection, it sends white blood cells and other chemicals to fight the invaders. Unfortunately, this process can cause redness, swelling, warmth, and pain in the affected area.

Inflammation Causes

Inflammation can be caused by many factors, such as chronic and acute conditions, certain medications, exposure to irritants or foreign materials your body can’t easily eliminate, pathogens (germs) like bacteria, viruses, or fungi, external injuries like scrapes or damage through foreign objects (for example a thorn in your finger), effects of chemicals or radiation, inappropriate immunological responses, and tissue death.

Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system attacks healthy cells in the body, mistaking them for foreign invaders. This can lead to inflammation and tissue damage. The most common reasons for chronic inflammation include autoimmune disorders, such as lupus, where your body attacks healthy tissue.

Several things can cause chronic inflammation, including untreated causes of acute inflammation, like an infection or injury. This autoimmune disorder involves your immune system mistakenly attacking healthy tissue and long-term exposure to irritants, like industrial chemicals or polluted air. Experts also believe that a range of factors may also contribute to chronic inflammation, like smoking, obesity, alcohol, and chronic stress.

What Can Happen If Inflammation is Untreated?

Leaving inflammation untreated can lead to severe complications. For example, if untreated, the inflammation can spread to the deeper layers of your colon, resulting in a dangerous complication called toxic megacolon. In addition, if some types of arthritis are left untreated, joint deformity and permanent joint damage may occur. 

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can lead to complications such as cardiovascular disease, lung problems, and eye inflammation. Chronic inflammation symptoms may be harder to spot than acute inflammation symptoms. Signs of chronic inflammation can include abdominal pain, chest pain, fatigue, fever, joint pain or stiffness, and mouth sores.

Healing Chronic Inflammation with Natural Remedies

Inflammation can be treated in several ways depending on the severity of the inflammation. For less severe cases, self-care steps can be taken, such as making lifestyle modifications like stopping smoking, avoiding alcohol, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight. 

Diet can also play a role in reducing inflammation. Anti-inflammatory foods such as olive oil, high-fiber foods, fruits, leafy greens like spinach and kale, and fatty fish such as mackerel and salmon can be taken. In addition, inflammatory foods such as fried foods, processed foods, red meat, and foods with added sugar should be avoided.

Seeing Dr. Armitstead can prevent treatment with medications. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are usually the first line of defense in treating short-term pain and inflammation. Corticosteroids are a type of steroid commonly used to treat swelling, inflammation, and autoimmune diseases. Topical analgesics and pain relievers can also be used to treat inflammation. Unfortunately, treatment with medications often has side effects.

Additional References

• Inflammation - WebMD
• How To Start an Anti-Inflammatory Diet - Cleveland Clinic
• How to Protect Yourself from Inflammation - Healing Arts NYC Podcast