The world of the living organisms – including both the vertebrates and the non vertebrates – possesses two types of immune systems. These are classified as,
- Innate and
- Adaptive immune systems, respectively.
Innate immune system stands in the first line of defense against any foreign body invading into our body. It is also referred to as, non specific immune system; is composed of cells and mechanisms that do not provide neither long-lasting, nor substantial immunity to our body. As a matter of fact, this particular system of immunity is composed of an older and primitive version of defense mechanism, with respect to the ever going process of Evolution. Perhaps, this explains the reason, why this particular immune system is found so dominant in plants, certain fungus and other lower group of animals like insects and primitive multi cellular organisms.
Innate immune system provides instant combative measures against infection, although it does not afford a long lasting protection. Some of the major strategies that the innate immune system undertakes to combat infection in the vertebrates include,
- Recruits and deploys immunity enhancement cells at the infected sites. This is done by instigating several bio chemical factors; special chemical mediators – Cytokines for example – are used for the purpose.
- This way, the system builds up physical and chemical barriers against the hazardous infiltrators.
- Activates antigen presentation, which is – in sharp contrast to the context – an adaptive immune system.
- Identification and exclusion of foreign bodies, present within the various organs, tissues and blood, etc. by specialized white blood cells.
Having developed some idea about our innate immune system, will prove helpful to grasp and reduce inflammation – one of the commonest symptoms of our vascular tissues reacting to harmful stimuli– to a great extent.
Common inflammation
Inflammation has its origin from the Latin word inflammo and is a common medical symptom that almost all of us are acquainted with. The most universal symptoms to this medical condition include,
- Pain
- Swelling
- Redness and
- Heat
Interestingly, most of the ordinary folks consider an inflammation to be identical and synonymous to an infection. But adding a higher degree of contrast to this existing misnomer, the medical condition of inflammation – rather – is a protective attempt by our body to get rid of the harmful effects of an infection. According to the medical jargons, inflammation is one of the basic reactions that our body makes against the pathogens. By this proactive measure, our body actually initiates the healing process.
Chronic inflammation, more than often, culminates into a number of diseases like,
- Hay fever
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Periodontitis and
- Atherosclerosis, etc.
Even something as lethal as cancer, has been seen to take shape, as one of the impacts of persistent inflammation.
Inflammation types
This medical condition is divided – on a broad categorization – into two sections.
a) Acute and
b) Chronic inflammation
In acute inflammation, our body reacts to an injury or an infection with certain bio chemical agents and the process begins within seconds following the injury of the tissues. During this process, there are 3 steps that occur.
- Increased blood flow due to dilation of the blood vessels supplying to the affected region
- Increased permeability of the capillaries
- Flow of neutrophils into the interstitial space from the capillaries and the venules
Chronic inflammation is – on the opposite side – mostly related to stress and lifestyle related factors. Improper diet has often been found as one the major factors behind this development. Reducing inflammation of the chronic category is an excellent way to boost up one’s defense mechanism against a host of major diseases.
3 most effective inflammation reducing tactics
There are a number of methods to follow – if one wants to – to lessen inflammation. In depth research into the realm of medical sciences has revealed a storehouse of knowledge related to it. Managing one’s stress level is the key that guarantees respite from the unfortunate development of this condition. Avoiding smoking and alcohol is another grand way to save oneself from being a victim to inflammation.
The contemporary times – especially with the ever sprawling spectrum of Information Technology blended with the concept of Globalization – has taken a huge toll on the biological clock that was gifted to man by nature, ages ago. Sleep – which is one of the fundamental entities that keep us recharged both mentally and physically – is one of the worst sufferers in the aforementioned aspect. Lack of adequate sleep – that keeps on accumulating in magnitude over the years – is also related to developing severe inflammatory conditions.
However, under the light of latest breakthroughs in the field of medical research dawning into our existing knowledge, here are a set of three most effective tactics to reduce inflammation.
- Maintaining a diet high in Omega 3 Fatty Acids
- Stress on using herbs and
- Practicing yoga and maintaining an impressive level of physical fitness
Omega 3 fatty acids have been proved to stand as guard against inflammatory diseases. This group of fatty acids provides excellent result in stemming advancement of inflammation and its related symptoms, including breast cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease, and asthma. These are easily available in
- Fish oil and
- In-flax seeds
The world of the oriental herbs has amazing things to offer to check inflammation. The common Indian spice, turmeric, provides a derivative called Curcumin. This agent is well equipped to subdue pro inflammation proteins like Cytokines. Ginger, another frequently used Indian curry spice – has also been proved helpful in fighting the medical condition successfully.
Practicing yoga on regular basis provides a multiple of advantages. Most importantly, it helps in cutting our anxiety level. Studies have confirmed that regular practicing of yoga enables a reduced level of Interleukin-6 – prominent marker of inflammation. Moreover, yoga improves our physical fitness.
These measures discussed above, have proved beneficial in reducing the chances of inflammation. However, the effective measures have to be practiced regularly. Innumerable people – of varying age groups across the world – have been immensely benefitted following these guidelines.