What is inflammation?
Inflammation is part of our body’s defense mechanism, in which the immune system protects the body from harmful agents such as bacteria and viruses. In the short term, it can provide effective protection, but in the long term, it can lead to severe and potentially life-threatening health conditions.
Inflammation can be divided into two main categories – acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term).
Acute or short-term inflammation can be caused by various diseases or injuries. Signs of acute inflammation include pain, redness, loss of function, swelling, and heat. These signs may not always be present. Sometimes the inflammation is „silent“, without symptoms – for example, a person may just feel tired, generally unwell, or may have a fever.
What is chronic inflammation and what causes it?
Inflammation becomes chronic when the immune system’s protective response persists after an infection or injury has passed, and this can contribute to the development and progression of various health problems common today.
Chronic inflammation can be caused by a number of factors, including:
- untreated causes of acute inflammation, such as infection or injury
- an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue
- long-term exposure to irritants, such as polluted air or various industrial chemicals
In addition, alcohol, smoking, obesity and chronic stress also affect the formation of inflammation in the body.
Chronic inflammation can lead to conditions such as:
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Arthritis
- Obesity
- Allergies
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- COPD – Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Inflammation is a natural part of the healing process, but if it becomes chronic, it is important to get it under control to reduce the risk of long-term damage and serious illness.
Anti-inflammatory effect of sulforaphane
Sulforaphane, in addition to other beneficial properties, has a strong anti-inflammatory effect.
Sulforaphane’s anti-inflammatory properties come from its ability to activate a crucial cellular defense mechanism (Nrf2) that fights inflammation and oxidative stress throughout our body. This mechanism helps reduce systemic inflammation, which means less inflammation throughout the body.
Studies have shown that Sulforaphane significantly reduces various common markers of inflammation, such as C-reactive protein, IL-6, and TNF-α.
Sulforaphane has been and continues to be extensively studied for its immediate and long-term health benefits, particularly in relation to cardiovascular disease and cancer. It is currently one of the most studied herbal compounds in the world.
Sulforaphane also has other very important health benefits, which you can read about HERE . In summary, it can be said that the usefulness of Sulforaphane for so many health conditions stems from its ability to help activate the strong defense mechanisms of our own body, which play an important role in preventing and alleviating various diseases.