Inflammation: a defense mechanism of the organism

Every organism finds itself daily fighting against infections and injuries, more or less serious. To respond to these threats, nature has created a perfect mechanism: inflammation.
Inflammation, also known as phlogosis (from the Greek “phlogos,” meaning to inflame or burn), consists of a complex series of physical and chemical responses initiated by the body to eliminate harmful agents and subsequently repair damaged tissues.
Due to the substances produced and the mechanisms involved in this process, inflammation manifests with 5 typical signs:

  • Heat (where it can be felt through the skin)
  • Redness (where visible through the skin)
  • Swelling
  • Pain
  • Alteration of function of the involved part

These typical signs go a long way toward creating the sense of “discomfort” that is felt when inflammation is in progress, and they can be kept under control with medication

Nature has always had the right remedies for inflammation

Before the emergence of drugs, the ancients relied on preparations derived from plants to keep inflammation and pain under control.
Even today, one can turn to rproven natural remedies, to be used alone or in combination with drugs to reduce their dosage.
The curcuma, for example, is able to counter inflammation by acting on proinflammatory cytokines (substances underlying the body’s chemical reactions during inflammation).
There are also anti-inflammatory agents of natural origin known as “endocannabinoids” because they act on cannabinoid receptors that control inflammation. Examples include PEA (found in milk, egg yolk, soybeans, and peanuts), discovered in 1993 by Nobel Prize winner Rita Levi Montalcini, and Beta-caryophyllene (found in black pepper essential oil).
One of the typical signs of inflammation is swelling, resulting from edema. Edema refers to an accumulation of fluid between cells and tissues, resulting from altered permeability of capillaries present in the area subject to inflammation. To reduce swelling and eliminate excess fluids, nature provides us with bromelain (contained in pineapple stem) and myrtilin (contained in bilberry): these are substances that regulate capillary permeability and facilitate the expulsion of excess fluids through the urine.
It is always important to seek your Veterinarian’s advice when our dog or kittenpresents pain or inflammation.With his or her knowledge, the Veterinarian will be able to recommend the most appropriate therapybto reduce our pet’s discomfort.

Dr. Valentina Bregoli, Veterinary Physician

NUTRIGEN’s advice:

FLOGOLEVO: a complementary feed in palatable tablets for dogs and cats, designed to reduce inflammation and associated pain. It contains turmeric and PEA, known for their anti-inflammatory properties, along with bromelain and bilberry for reducing edema and swelling. It can be used for any type of inflammation, such as cystitis, arthritis, trauma, and even post-surgical interventions.

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