“Inflammation” is a word that gets thrown around a lot. Generally speaking, it describes what happens when immune cells detect a problem and release something known as “inflammatory mediators,” which cause blood cells and immune cells to rush, say, to a wound. This process can produce pain, irritate nerves, and damage tissues. While acute inflammation is useful in helping heal wounds and fight infections, chronic inflammation is harmful to the body and has been associated with a higher risk of cancer and stroke, among other issues.
