“Inflammation” comes up frequently in my nutrition courses. Inflammation is the key player in many chronic diseases, as well as a result of following the typical American diet. But what is it? In simple terms, inflammation is a complex cascade of stress hormones and cellular triggers that prompt the immune system to fight harmful stimuli. And what are these stimuli? In chronic inflammation, a stimulus damages the body and may be caused by poor diet and inactivity, carrying extra weight, or having a chronic disease, such as heart disease or cancer [2]. Inflammation is the necessary first step in the healing process; however, inflammation may beget more inflammation because a chronic problem cannot be eradicated. Over time, this stress weakens the body and may lead to other chronic diseases; for instance, someone who has diabetes is at increased risk for Continue reading →