Inflammation
Physiological response to injury or infection involving immune cell activation, vasodilation, and release of cytokines and other mediators.
Acute inflammation is protective and self-limited. Chronic low-grade inflammation underlies cardiovascular disease, T2DM, NAFLD, neurodegeneration, and many cancers. Drivers include obesity, ultra-processed diet, smoking, sedentary behavior, poor sleep, and chronic stress. Dietary patterns rich in fiber, polyphenols, omega-3 fatty acids, and unsaturated fats reduce inflammatory markers (hs-CRP, IL-6).
How one textbook covers it
Krause and Mahan's Food and the Nutrition Care Process, 16th ed. — Chapter 7
Acute inflammation is protective and self-limited. Chronic low-grade inflammation underlies cardiovascular disease, T2DM, NAFLD, neurodegeneration, and many cancers. Drivers include obesity, ultra-processed diet, smoking, sedentary behavior, poor sleep, and chronic stress. Dietary patterns rich in fiber, polyphenols, omega-3 fatty acids, and unsaturated fats reduce inflammatory markers (hs-CRP, IL-6).
Related terms
Antiinflammatory Diet, C-Reactive Protein, Cytokines