{"id":11551,"date":"2026-06-24T17:33:31","date_gmt":"2026-06-24T17:33:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.botanicchoice.com\/blog\/?p=11551"},"modified":"2026-06-24T17:33:37","modified_gmt":"2026-06-24T17:33:37","slug":"understanding-inflammation-what-it-is-what-causes-it-and-how-to-fight-back-naturally","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.botanicchoice.com\/blog\/health-and-wellness\/understanding-inflammation-what-it-is-what-causes-it-and-how-to-fight-back-naturally\/","title":{"rendered":"Understanding Inflammation: What It Is, What Causes It, and How to Fight Back Naturally"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Inflammation sometimes gets a bad rap, but it\u2019s actually a normal part of your body&#8217;s defense system to&nbsp; help protect you from injury, infection, and illness. When inflammation becomes chronic, however, it can contribute to a wide range of health concerns. Understanding what inflammation is, what causes it, and how diet can influence it may help you make healthier choices every day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What Is Inflammation?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When your immune system detects something harmful, it releases chemicals that increase blood flow and send protective cells to the affected area. This helps your body heal and recover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Common signs of inflammation include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Redness<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Swelling<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Heat<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pain<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Loss of function in the affected area<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Two types of Inflammation<br>Acute<\/strong> &#8211; Acute inflammation is short-term and typically occurs in response to an injury or infection. For example, if you cut your finger or catch a cold, your body triggers an inflammatory response to help heal the damage and fight off invading germs. Acute inflammation usually resolves once healing is complete.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Chronic <\/strong>&#8211; Chronic inflammation is a low-grade inflammatory response that persists over time even when there is no immediate threat. Researchers believe chronic inflammation may play a role in blood sugar, cardiovascular, joint, digestion and other age-related health concerns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-1 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-bottom is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What Causes Inflammation?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-2 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Poor dietary habits<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Excess body weight<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lack of physical activity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chronic stress<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Inadequate sleep<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Smoking<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Excessive alcohol consumption<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Environmental pollutants<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Persistent infections<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-large\"><img data-dominant-color=\"858179\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #858179;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"536\"   src=\"https:\/\/www.botanicchoice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Blog-Images-for-Newsletter-Email-2026-2-1024x536.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"not-transparent wp-image-11580\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.botanicchoice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Blog-Images-for-Newsletter-Email-2026-2-1024x536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.botanicchoice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Blog-Images-for-Newsletter-Email-2026-2-300x157.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.botanicchoice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Blog-Images-for-Newsletter-Email-2026-2-768x402.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.botanicchoice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Blog-Images-for-Newsletter-Email-2026-2.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>While some causes are beyond our control, many lifestyle-related factors can be modified to help support a healthier inflammatory response.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What Foods Promote Inflammation?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><br>Refined Sugars<\/strong> &#8211; Sugary beverages, candy, and desserts.<br><strong><br>Processed Meats<\/strong> &#8211; Bacon, sausage, hot dogs, and deli meats often contain preservatives and compounds linked to increased inflammatory markers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Refined Carbohydrates<\/strong> &#8211; White bread, crackers, pastries, and other highly processed grains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Fried Foods<\/strong> &#8211; French fries, fried chicken, and other deep-fried foods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Trans Fats<\/strong> &#8211; Found in some packaged snacks, baked goods, and margarine products, trans fats have been associated with inflammation and cardiovascular concerns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Highly Processed Foods <\/strong>&#8211; Foods containing artificial additives, preservatives, and excessive amounts of sugar, salt, or unhealthy fats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What Drinks Help Reduce Inflammation?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Water <\/strong>&#8211; Staying properly hydrated helps support overall health and allows your body&#8217;s systems to function efficiently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Green Tea<\/strong> -Rich in antioxidants called catechins, green tea has been widely studied for its potential anti-inflammatory benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Turmeric Tea <\/strong>&#8211; Turmeric contains curcumin, a natural compound known for its ability to support a healthy inflammatory response.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-4 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>Ginger Tea <\/strong>&#8211; Ginger contains beneficial plant compounds that may help support joint comfort and overall wellness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tart Cherry Juice<\/strong> Tart cherries are rich in antioxidants and plant compounds that may help reduce exercise-related soreness and support recovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Berry Smoothies <\/strong>&#8211; Blueberries, strawberries, and other berries provide antioxidants called anthocyanins that help combat oxidative stress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pomegranate Juice<\/strong> -Pomegranate is packed with polyphenols, compounds that help protect cells from oxidative damage.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-dominant-color=\"d2aeb4\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #d2aeb4;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"536\"  src=\"https:\/\/www.botanicchoice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Blog-Images-for-Newsletter-Email-2026-3-1-1024x536.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"not-transparent wp-image-11584\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.botanicchoice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Blog-Images-for-Newsletter-Email-2026-3-1-1024x536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.botanicchoice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Blog-Images-for-Newsletter-Email-2026-3-1-300x157.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.botanicchoice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Blog-Images-for-Newsletter-Email-2026-3-1-768x402.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.botanicchoice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Blog-Images-for-Newsletter-Email-2026-3-1.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Supporting a Healthy Inflammatory Response<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Small daily choices can make a big difference over time. By focusing on whole foods, hydration, and healthy habits, you can help your body maintain a healthy inflammatory response and support overall wellness for years to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Inflammation sometimes gets a bad rap, but it\u2019s actually a normal part of your body&#8217;s defense system to&nbsp; help protect you from injury, infection, and illness. When inflammation becomes chronic, however, it can contribute to a wide range of health concerns. Understanding what inflammation is, what causes it, and how diet can influence it may [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":11576,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[17],"tags":[215,213,214],"class_list":["post-11551","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health-and-wellness","tag-anti-inflammatory-foods","tag-inflammation","tag-wellness-tips"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.botanicchoice.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11551"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.botanicchoice.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.botanicchoice.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.botanicchoice.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.botanicchoice.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11551"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/www.botanicchoice.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11551\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11588,"href":"https:\/\/www.botanicchoice.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11551\/revisions\/11588"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.botanicchoice.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11576"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.botanicchoice.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11551"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.botanicchoice.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11551"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.botanicchoice.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11551"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}