YOUR ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ROUTINE

Misunderstood and often-overlooked, inflammation is your body's first line of defence. But what happens when it occurs long-term? Lucy Gornall looks at what you can do to manage inflammation and how to adapt your training

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Anti-inflammatory foods, drinks and supplements are big business these days. In fact, you only have to take a quick scroll on social media and you'll be met with some sort of 'inflammation busting' smoothie, shot or tablet promising miracle results such as clearer skin, faster recovery, a happier gut and even reduced risk of disease.

Needless to say, inflammation has developed a bit of a bad rep. Because, while some inflammation is good, and necessary for healing and repair, long-term inflammation can lead/contribute to big problems for your body and your mind.

The good vs the bad

Inflammation is your body's frontline defence system. “It’s how your immune system responds to injury, illness or infection and is part of the healing process. When you experience redness, swelling and heat, that’s acute inflammation. It helps fight off invaders and kickstart recovery,” explains Rob Hobson, registered nutritionist and author of Unprocess Your Life.

But problems arise when inflammation becomes chronic. "This happens over months and years. The immune system stays in a state of alert when there's no real threat, and that can start damaging healthy tissues and organs. The body basically starts attacking itself,” says Rob.

Chronic inflammation underpins most of the diseases of modern life from heart disease and type 2 diabetes to cognitive decline, arthritis and depression, so it’s definitely not something to ignore.

“Persistent fatigue, gut issues, trouble recovering from workouts, sleep problems and a low mood don't confirm you're inflamed, but together they can point towards something going on under the surface,” says Rob.

What's the cause?