There is an interesting parallel to be drawn between inflammatory processes and stress. Both are essential to life. They allow us to react against a threatening situation. Thus, our body will produce inflammation when it detects the presence of foreign microorganisms or, when tissues are damaged.

The inflammation is then used to counter the spread of germs, facilitate combat, destroy damaged cells and repair the war zone. The immune system’s messengers will detect a threat, cause an increase in blood flow and the permeability of small vessels in order to let the warriors pass (which causes the area to redden and swell). This passage of warriors can irritate the surrounding nerves and cause pain. When the war is over, the process will make it easier to replace damaged cells (such as for the skin) or fill the gap left if these cells cannot divide (for scars and certain organs).

As with stress, inflammatory processes become harmful when their action is permanent; what is called chronic inflammation. Note that we talked about stress recently in another article (Stress, anxiety & aging).

Unlike chronic stress, which can cause depression, hypertension, memory problems and sleep disturbances, among others, chronic inflammation is linked to cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disease, cancer , asthma, obesity and even Alzheimer’s. Chronic inflammation can result from many factors, but one thing is for sure, lifestyle influences it greatly.

Because not everything always works as expected

When the human body works well, it does not need inflammatory processes. It is when there is an infection or injury, or intoxication or a metabolic disorder that the immune system tries to improve the situation by causing inflammation. Thus, smokers have a higher level of systemic inflammation than normal (intoxication). Likewise, when joints are damaged, the immune system may consider it an injury to be repaired and cause inflammation. It also happens that the immune system decides that tissues in the human body are potentially dangerous and attacks them; this is called an autoimmune disease (we attack our own body).

Certain health conditions and/or lifestyle habits are particularly linked to chronic inflammation. Diet is an important one for which we have already addressed the components of the anti-inflammatory diet in the article on osteoarthritis (Osteoarthritis, a few tips). As we age, the causes and consequences of inflammation multiply. In a future article, we will deal more specifically with the health facets affected by inflammatory processes.

Be aware that if you have joint problems, or other pain caused by temporary or chronic inflammation problems, there is a natural anti-inflammatory that very rarely causes side effects. Vitoli® Joints is based on a meta-analysis (study considering several clinical studies) considering 12 quality clinical studies. It contains the most concentrated extract of this natural anti-inflammatory, double standardization, in the doses required to be most effective. It is accompanied by the Provitol® Complex, an exclusive olive polyphenol extract facilitating the anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effect. It is a unique formula.

Talk to your pharmacist about Vitoli® Joints, they will be able to advise you accordingly.