# Inflammation Inflammation is our [[Immune System]] reacting to protect us from some kind of threat. Sprained ankles, cuts, viruses — all kinds of things. Our immune system sends inflammation in the form of heat and swelling to those areas to help us heal. Inflammation is normal and healthy. *Chronic* inflammation plays a significant role in all sorts of physical and mental health problems — [[💡 Depression|depression]], and possibly [[💡 Bipolar Disorder]], [[💡 Anxiety|anxiety]], [[Schizophrenia]], [[🛡️ Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)|OCD]], [[Autism]], and [[💡 Complex PTSD|Complex PTSD]]. It can come with [[Memory Loss]] and cognitive impairment. It also lowers our [[💡 Serotonin (5-HT)|serotonin]] levels. [[Stress, mood disturbances, and inflammation can create a vicious cycle]]. Doctors can check for inflammation by testing [[💡 High-sensitivity C-reactive protein hs-CRP]] in a blood test. ## Causes - [[💡 Stress|Stress]] - [[Obesity]] - Sedentary lifestyle - [[💡 Insomnia|Insomnia]] or otherwise disordered [[⭐️ Sleep]] - [[💡 Trauma|Trauma]], [[💡 Complex PTSD|Complex PTSD]], childhood abuse - Various illnesses - [[💡 Chronic Illness]] - [[Heart Disease]] - [[Diabetes]] - [[Cancer]] - [[Autoimmune Disorders]] - Inflammatory Disorders - Bacterial or viral infections - Medical treatments - Surgery - Radiation - Chemotherapy - Antidepressant treatment resistance ## Decrease Inflammation - Lower [[💡 Stress|stress]] - [[⭐️ Nutrition]], [[🛠 Anti-Inflammatory Diet]] - [[⭐️ Sleep]] - [[💨 Wim Hof Method]] - [[💡 Vagus Nerve|Vagus Nerve]] stimulation - [[🌿 CBD]] - [[Serrapeptase]] - [[👟 Asana Practice]] / [[🕯️ Tai Chi]] - Stop [[Smoking]] - [[🕯️ Movement Practices 👟]] - [[Weight Loss]] - [[💡 Emotional Regulation|Emotional Regulation]]