Inflammation - New Beginnings HRT Clinic

What is inflammation?

Inflammation is the body's natural protective response to an injury or infection. When tissues are damaged by things like pathogens, physical trauma, toxic compounds, or heat, the body triggers an inflammatory cascade. This brings immune cells to the injured area to remove cell debris, pathogens, and toxins to begin the healing process.

There are five main signs of acute inflammation:

• Redness - increased blood flow turns the area red
• Swelling - fluid and leukocytes enter the tissue
• Heat - inflammation increases blood flow and temperature
• Pain - chemicals stimulate nerves and cause pain
• Loss of function - impacts the tissue's normal capabilities

While acute inflammation is a normal part of healing, chronic inflammation can be harmful. Long-term, low-grade inflammation is tied to conditions like heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and autoimmune disorders.

If you're struggling with unexplained symptoms of systemic inflammation like fatigue, joint pain, or digestive issues, the caring professionals at New Beginnings HRT Clinic can help identify the root cause with advanced testing. We create fully customized treatment plans to reduce inflammation and restore wellness using the latest evidence-based protocols.

What causes inflammation?

Inflammation can be triggered by:

• Pathogens - bacteria, viruses, parasites
• Toxins - pollution, alcohol, drugs
• Physical trauma - wounds, radiation
• Stress - emotional and physiological
• Poor diet - processed foods, omega-6 oils

In autoimmune diseases, the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own healthy tissues, causing an inflammatory response. Diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and Crohn's disease involve chronic inflammation.

The stages of acute inflammation

Acute inflammation happens in several overlapping phases:

1. Vascular changes - Histamine release widens local blood vessels, increasing blood flow and leukocytes to the area.
2. Exudation - Fluid, proteins, and white blood cells exit the expanded blood vessels into the tissue. This causes the swelling, redness and heat.
3. Leukocyte infiltration - Neutrophils and monocytes phagocytize pathogens, damaged cells, and debris. This removes dead tissues to prepare for repair.
4. Proliferation - Fibroblasts proliferate to rebuild damaged tissue structures. New blood vessels form.
5. Resolution - The tissue is repaired and debris cleaned up. Swelling subsides and function is restored.

Learning to manage inflammation properly can transform your health. The compassionate care team at New Beginnings HRT Clinic helps patients address lifestyle and nutritional factors that drive inflammation. Through personalized care rooted in respect, we empower our patients to take control of their wellbeing. Contact us today to learn more!