Your Body on Inflammation: The Difference Between Healing and Harm

Inflammation is often seen as a bad thing, but in reality, it’s one of your body’s most important defense mechanisms. When you get injured, catch an infection, or even overwork a muscle, your immune system triggers acute inflammation. This is the body’s rapid, short-term response — blood flow increases, white blood cells rush to the site, and you might notice swelling, redness, or warmth. It’s your body’s way of starting the hea...  more