You may know that chronic inflammation is unhealthy and can lead to disease and death. In fact, 35% of U.S. adults have chronic inflammation, and chronic inflammation is a factor in 50% of deaths worldwide. Inflammation refers to immune cells migrating to a site of injury or illness, taking up residence there by binding to cells at the site, and releasing signals that fight off the illness or repair the injury. This is normal inflammation in case of injury or infection, but when there is no injury or invader, inflammation at otherwise healthy tissues leads to disease. Chronic inflammation is a prolonged process lasting months to years in which immune cells damage healthy tissues throughout the body.

An example of chronic inflammation at a healthy tissue is the process of atherosclerotic plaque build up in the coronary arteries (the arteries supplying the heart). Oxidized LDL cholesterol deposits in the arteries cause the blood vessel wall cells to become activated and attract immune cells. From this point on, the inflammation progresses. As plaques become more severe, thrombi can form and the risk of heart attack goes up.

Other organs can also be the sites of chronic inflammation, as chronic inflammation is usually systemic. Some signs of chronic inflammation are fatigue, insomnia and difficulty sleeping, stiffness and aches in the joints, digestive distress such as gas, bloating, constipation or diarrhea, and difficulty concentrating.

You probably know that eating green leafy vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grain carbohydrates help prevent inflammation and cholesterol buildup. Exercise, too, helps prevent inflammation and cholesterol buildup. But did you know that most teas contain potent anti-inflammatory compounds? From EGCG in green tea to thearubigens and theaflavins in black tea to gingerol in ginger tea to curcumin in turmeric tea, these compounds help tamp down chronic inflammation.

Part of Mindfl Tea's mission is to help you live healthily, happily, and with well being, and I hope you find this blog post to be informative and helpful.