Inflammation is the body’s natural response to stress, injury, or infection. In its short-term form, it’s protective and essential for healing. But when inflammation lingers, it can shift from helpful to harmful.
Acute Inflammation
Acute inflammation is temporary and often visible—redness, swelling, warmth, or pain after an injury or illness. It typically resolves within a few days as the body heals.
Chronic Inflammation
Chronic inflammation occurs when the immune system remains activated for too long. This ongoing inflammatory state is associated with conditions such as:
- Autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus)
- Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis)
- Chronic fatigue, joint pain, and immune dysregulation
When inflammation becomes chronic, the body may struggle to heal on its own—especially if nutrient absorption is compromised or oxidative stress is high.