Inflammation and Adding Stress from Exercise: What It All Means.
When we work out, we create small amounts of muscle damage, which triggers an inflammatory response which helps repair and rebuild muscle tissue. This is known as acute inflammation and is an important part of the healing process. Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury, infection, or other types of damage. When we train and create muscle damage it is important to allow for proper rest and recovery between workouts, coupled with adequate nutrients and protein to support muscle growth (adaption to the stress of training). If the body is in a constant state of inflammation it will move into a state of chronic inflammation, which may result in a decrease in muscle protein synthesis and a breakdown of muscle resulting in a decrease in muscle mass and strength. If not corrected this may also lead to injuries and/or poor health. Keep in mind that a poor diet and life stresses may also cause inflammation. If we add this to the inflammati...