Understanding Inflammation, Its Implications & Solutions
Have you noticed how your body reacts to injury, infection, or damage to tissues?
It all translates into Inflammation – Inflammation occurs as a response to your body’s defence system or immune system. It is a vital part of the body’s healing process. Inflammation is not inherently bad; it signals that your body is working to fix a problem. However, if inflammation becomes chronic, it poses significant health risks.
Chronic inflammation means that your body’s immune system is continuously activated over a prolonged period, even when there’s no immediate threat or injury to heal. This ongoing inflammation can damage healthy tissues and organs and is associated with various health problems.
Key Concerns Associated with Inflammation
Inflammaging
Inflammaging is a term that describes the low-grade, chronic inflammation that develops with age and accelerates the ageing process. Unlike the acute inflammation that occurs in response to injury or infection, inflammaging is subtle, ongoing, and can progressively damage tissues and organs over time. This process is driven by lifestyle factors such as poor diet, lack of exercise, exposure to pollutants, and chronic stress, which keep the immune system in a persistent state of activation.
As cells age, they become less efficient at dealing with damage, leading to the release of inflammatory molecules. These molecules gradually degrade collagen and elastin, contributing to skin sagging, wrinkles, and other age-related signs. Additionally, inflammaging is linked to age-related diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and dementia.
Counteracting inflammaging requires a proactive approach to lifestyle choices, including an anti-inflammatory diet rich in antioxidants, regular exercise, stress management, and good sleep hygiene. Some research also points to the potential benefits of specific supplements and skincare ingredients, such as polyphenols and retinoids, in reducing inflammation and protecting skin structure as we age.
Skin conditions:
Chronic inflammation can significantly impact skin health and manifest through various skin conditions. Two of the most common inflammation-driven skin disorders include psoriasis and eczema.
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Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, resulting in red, scaly patches. It usually appears on the scalp, knees, or elbows and tends to flare up in response to stress, infection, or cold weather.
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Eczema (or atopic dermatitis) is marked by itchy, inflamed patches that can appear anywhere on the body. It often arises from a mix of genetic, environmental, and immune-related factors, with triggers including allergens, weather changes, and stress. In people with eczema, the skin barrier is often weakened, making it more susceptible to irritants and infection.
Neurological Disorders
Chronic inflammation plays a role in the development and progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s Disease & Multiple Sclerosis.
Respiratory Issues
Chronic inflammation can lead to respiratory problems, including Asthma & Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
Cardiovascular Diseases
Chronic inflammation can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis, leading to heart attacks and strokes.
Autoimmune Disorders
Autoimmune disorders occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue, leading to chronic inflammation. Examples include: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Metabolic Syndrome
A cluster of conditions, including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol levels, with inflammation being a significant underlying factor.
Ra Recommends:
Combat inflammation with Ra Defence tablets. They contain several active ingredients known for their anti-inflammatory and health-promoting properties:
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Milk Thistle
Silymarin: Exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, promoting liver health and supporting the body’s detoxification processes. Enhances skin health by maintaining moisture balance and protecting against environmental stressors.
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Curcumin
Anti-Inflammatory: Reduces redness, swelling, and irritation in the skin while alleviating gut inflammation. Protects skin cells from damage caused by free radicals, UV radiation, and pollutants.
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Piperine
Enhanced Nutrient Absorption: Increases the bioavailability of nutrients and drugs, including curcumin, by inhibiting metabolising enzymes. Reduces inflammation by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes, aiding in conditions like arthritis.
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Ginger Extract
Anti-Inflammatory: Inhibits pro-inflammatory pathways, reducing skin inflammation and supporting defence against irritants. Also beneficial for reducing gut inflammation.
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Tulsi Extract
Antioxidant: Contains potent polyphenols that neutralise free radicals and protect against environmental stressors. Has antimicrobial properties that are beneficial against skin pathogens.
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Beta Carotene 20%
Vitamin A Conversion: Converts into vitamin A in the body, enhancing antioxidant defence against UV radiation. Supports skin cell repair and reduces damage from free radicals produced upon UV exposure.
Lastly, all inflammation begins with free radical damage or reactive oxygen species. While you must take Ra Defence to reduce inflammatory damage to your skin and body you should cut the oxidative stress which is the first step to cut inflammation. So, by taking Ra Bright & Vitamin C along with Ra Defence, you’ll complete the solution
Each article is written by Aastha Kottary after detailed discussions and notes from Dr. Shetty
Dr. Rashmi Shetty
Cosmetic Dermatologist,
Mumbai | Hyderabad
Dr. Rashmi Shetty is a celebrity dermatologist, industry pioneer, author , globally invited teaching faculty and a leading expert in aesthetic medicine having over 20 years of experience in aesthetic and clinical dermatology. She is the Founder and chief dermatologist at Ra Skin and Aesthetics in Mumbai and Hyderabad. She is named the best Dermatologist by Vogue 2020 and is the first Indian doctor on the International Advisory board of the Anti-Ageing World Congress, FACE London, ICAD Asia, and honorary faculty at UCL .
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