“Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury or infection caused by the immune system,” says Dr Brunda MS, Consultant Internal Medicine, Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru (India). “While inflammation is an important part of healing and fighting infection, it is important to be aware of its potential risks. Sometimes, the immune system gets confused or overreacts. This leads to chronic inflammation, which can damage healthy tissues and organs over time, causing various health problems.”
Types of infectious diseases
According to Dr. Brunda MS, inflammatory diseases occur when the immune system malfunctions, causing chronic inflammation in various tissues and organs.
Autoimmune diseases: Rheumatoid arthritis (affects the joints), lupus (can affect many different organs), and inflammatory bowel disease (affects the intestines).
Skin diseases: Eczema and psoriasis are both inflammatory skin diseases that can have many different causes and symptoms.
Respiratory diseases: Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) involve inflammation in the airways, leading to difficulty breathing.
Cardiovascular disease: Inflammation causes clogged arteries, which can lead to heart disease and stroke.
Digestive disorders: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, can lead to chronic inflammation in the digestive tract.
Diet and the risk of inflammatory disease
“Diets high in saturated fat, trans fat, or refined sugar can cause the body to produce more inflammatory molecules, especially in people with diabetes or who are overweight,” says Brunda MS, PhD.
Omega-3 fatty acids: Consuming omega-3 fatty acids found in seafood such as salmon, tuna and sardines, will help reduce inflammation, support growth and enhance immunity.
Healthy fats: Monounsaturated fats found in olive oil, avocados, and nuts can help reduce inflammation and improve heart health.
Fiber: Fiber is an important component for intestinal health, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria, helping to reduce inflammation in the digestive system.
