DEEPIKA RATHOD
Inflammation is the body’s natural response to harmful invaders such as bacteria, viruses or injury. When something harmful is detected, the immune system releases white blood cells and other chemicals to protect and heal the affected area. Redness, swelling and pain are common signs that your body is repairing itself, which is why acute inflammation is both essential and beneficial.
For example, if you cut your finger, the area around the wound becomes red and swollen. This is your immune system rushing to repair damaged tissue and prevent infection. Without inflammation, even minor injuries could become life-threatening because the body would have no effective way to fight invading microbes.
Inflammation also plays an important role when you are ill. If you catch a cold, your body increases its inflammatory response to fight the virus. Fever is one such response, creating an environment in which viruses find it more difficult to survive and multiply.
While short-term inflammation is beneficial, long-term, or chronic, inflammation is where problems begin. Chronic inflammation occurs when the body remains in a constant state of alert. This can be triggered by ongoing stress, unhealthy lifestyle habits or a poor diet. Instead of switching off once the threat has passed, the immune system continues to remain active, gradually damaging healthy tissues.
For instance, a diet high in processed foods and added sugars can contribute to chronic inflammation. Over time, this persistent inflammation can damage healthy organs and increase the risk of conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and certain types of cancer. Inflammation in the gut, in particular, can have widespread effects on overall health.
The gut plays a central role in maintaining health. It is responsible for digesting food, absorbing nutrients and eliminating waste. It is also home to trillions of microorganisms that influence everything from the immune system to mental wellbeing. Around 70 to 80 per cent of the body’s immune cells are located in the gut, highlighting its vital role in overall health.
When chronic inflammation affects the gut, it can contribute to increased intestinal permeability, commonly referred to as “leaky gut”. In this condition, the lining of the intestines becomes more permeable, allowing toxins, undigested food particles and harmful bacteria to enter the bloodstream. This can trigger further inflammation throughout the body, increasing the risk of autoimmune disorders, skin conditions, joint pain and even depression.
Gut inflammation can also disrupt the balance of beneficial bacteria, leading to digestive problems such as bloating, constipation and diarrhoea. Poor gut health may weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections and illness.
A healthy gut enables efficient digestion, proper nutrient absorption and prevents harmful substances from entering the bloodstream. When your gut is healthy, your immune system functions better, your mood improves and your overall wellbeing benefits. Good gut health also helps lower the risk of chronic inflammatory conditions, including heart disease, obesity and diabetes.
In next week’s article, we will look at practical ways to reduce gut inflammation and support better gut health.
(The writer is chief nutrition Officer (CNO) and lifestyle expert with Luke Coutinho Holistic Healing Systems (LCHHS))
