Why Does Inflammation Occur?
Recently, there has been a widespread belief that “chronic inflammation is the root of all evil.”
For example, allergic diseases and autoimmune diseases are well-known examples of chronic inflammation. It is also said that prolonged inflammation in the body can increase the risk of cancer and diabetes. Additionally, recent research has revealed that aging can trigger chronic inflammation.
Inflammation is originally one of the body’s defense mechanisms against physical, chemical, or infectious stimuli.
First, pathogens enter the body through a wound in the skin.
Once macrophages (a type of white blood cell) detect the presence of pathogens in the body, they release inflammatory cytokines. These cytokines cause blood vessels to dilate and attract neutrophils (another type of white blood cell) from the bloodstream to attack the pathogens.
To eliminate foreign substances that have entered the body, the body responds with pain, fever, blood vessel dilation, and swelling. This series of reactions is inflammation, which is necessary to protect the body.
“Aging Cells” Trigger Chronic Inflammation
There are two main types of inflammation.
Acute inflammation is the body’s response to injuries, bruises, burns, or infections, as previously described. It is typically a temporary reaction that subsides over time.
On the other hand, chronic inflammation is a state in which mild inflammation persists in the body over a long period, often due to some underlying reason. It is not caused by specific bacteria or viruses but rather by the body’s mistaken identification of harmless substances as foreign invaders, leading to ongoing inflammation.
Some chronic inflammation may not present with noticeable symptoms. Especially as we age, aging cells themselves can secrete inflammatory substances, causing an inflammatory response even in surrounding healthy cells. As long as these aging cells are not removed, the inflammation persists, leading to chronic inflammation.
The reason older individuals are more prone to illness is that as we age, aging cells accumulate in the body, leading to chronic inflammation, which can, in turn, cause various diseases.
While allergic and autoimmune diseases can be addressed with conventional medical treatments, chronic inflammation triggered by aging is more challenging to manage with general medicine. Anti-aging therapies may offer a potential solution to this issue.