
07/23/2025
Inflammation is your body’s natural defense mechanism, part of the immune system’s response to injury, infection, or irritation. It helps isolate the problem and begin the healing process, often showing up as redness, swelling, heat, and pain. While acute inflammation is short-term and beneficial, chronic inflammation can linger and silently damage tissues over time, contributing to conditions like arthritis, heart disease, or autoimmune disorders. Understanding the difference is key: not all inflammation is bad, but persistent inflammation deserves attention and proper management.