PUTTING A SPOTLIGHT ON inflammation

A few simple lifestyle changes can help with effective management

- AMY HADLEY AND AMBER BRAMBLE

Nearly every part of your body can become inflamed. And despite how common inflammation is, it's quite a misunderstood topic.

HOW IT WORKS

Inflammation is a natural process where immune cells, such as white blood cells, proteins and fluid, are attracted to a site of injury.

The purpose of inflammation is to protect the body from harm, or at least to protect it from any further harm, GP and researcher Professor 'Harry' Harrison Weisinger explains.

For example, if you twist your ankle, it becomes swollen and painful. This is the body's signal to start repairing the injury, and to keep you from walking on it!

WHEN IT GOES WRONG

'Our bodies constantly manage the balance between switching inflammation on and off, Dr Harry says. We run into trouble when that balance is disrupted and we get inflammation in places where it is harmful to us.'