Inflammation: Deciphering the Body's Defender from the Aggressor - written by Harsha varthini.B (Managing Editor, Bisjhintus News)

The immunologist of Deepak  explores the intricacies of inflammation, highlighting its evolutionary role, potential pitfalls, and the quest to differentiate between  'good' and 'bad' inflammation.

While social media often portrays inflammation as a villain, Deepak emphasizes its evolutionary purpose in protecting against external challenges like infections and injuries. Inflammation, a multifaceted response, not only manifests visibly but also operates beneath the surface, influencing metabolism, physiological functions, and even behavior.

Deepak describes 'good' inflammation as operating within a normal range that evolution has calibrated for survival. However, the modern environment introduces a mismatch, leading to 'bad' inflammation – an overdrive of the protective response. Conditions like cytokine storms and sepsis exemplify instances where inflammation is induced too strongly.

The interview delves into the dual distinctions of 'good' and 'bad' inflammation. The first involves the magnitude of the response, with 'good' inflammation operating within the right range. The second pertains to inflammation induced for the wrong reasons, often resulting in chronic inflammation due to a mismatch between evolutionary history and the contemporary environment.

Regarding lifestyle changes and anti-inflammatory diets, Deepak acknowledges the potential to modulate 'bad' inflammation through practices such as exercise, a healthy diet, sufficient sleep, and stress reduction. The common denominator in these interventions aligns with approximating the lifestyle our genes evolved to handle.

In addressing concerns about inflammation, Deepak underscores the necessity of protecting ourselves against it while acknowledging that completely eliminating inflammation would be lethal. He attributes most cases of unwanted inflammation in industrialized countries to unnatural and unhealthy lifestyles, emphasizing the role of diet and physical activity.

Deepak emphasizes the complexity of understanding a healthy diet, noting that beyond trivial aspects like calories and vitamins, knowledge remains at a medieval level. He anticipates a future frontier in biomedical science focused on unraveling the mysteries of food's impact on the body.

In conclusion, the interview provides valuable insights into the nuanced role of inflammation, its evolutionary significance, and the potential for lifestyle interventions to manage inflammation effectively.