Whenever you are exposed to an infectious agent or experience tissue injury or damage, your immune system mounts an inflammatory response. For example, when you cut your finger and it becomes red and swollen, inflammation is working its magic, and it's a lifesaver. During this response, your body releases pro-inflammatory chemicals and hormones that are equipped to deal with any threat to the body. These mercenaries attack unwelcome foreign invaders such as bacteria while tending to harmed tissue. Blood flow increases to places that require healing. Pain intensifies as a signal that something is wrong within the body.

The main hormones that control the inflammatory response are called eicosanoids, also known as prostaglandins, prostacylins, thromboxanes, and leukotrienes. Eicosanoids influence many of the bodily systems and processes. In addition to triggering inflammation, eicosanoids, most notably the prostaglandins, are what promote pain, fever, and blood clotting when an injury occurs in the body.

It is important to remember that the inflammatory response is completely normal and is the cornerstone of the body's healing response. It is simply the way the body supplies nourishment and enhanced immune activity to areas experiencing injury or infection. Under normal circumstances, once the threat is under control, anti-inflammatory substances are released to turn off the immune response.

The Overactive Immune System

Sometimes inflammation gets the upper hand and continues to operate chronically. This causes continual secretion of pro-inflammatory chemicals. Sometimes inflammation gets the upper hand and continues to operate chronically. This causes continual secretion of pro-inflammatory chemicals. Chronic release and circulation of these chemicals results in an attack on healthy cells, blood vessels, and tissues.

Damage to blood vessels can promote atherosclerosis, a process that results in narrowing of the arteries. If pancreatic tissue is harmed, an individual may develop diabetes. Injury to joint tissue, when the immune system mistakenly attacks normal tissue, can contribute to autoimmune disorders such as arthritis. Pro-inflammatory chemicals can also alter normal brain chemistry and potentially contribute to dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Over time, chronic inflammation acts like a slow but deadly poison, causing overzealous inflammatory chemicals to damage your body as you innocently go about your normal daily activities.

The list of the negative consequences associated with out-of-control pro-inflammatory chemicals does not end here. Other diseases and conditions thought to be associated with chronic inflammation include, but are not limited to, allergies, anemia, cancer, congestive heart failure, fibromyalgia, kidney failure, lupus, pancreatitis, psoriasis, and stroke.