The Inflammation Gap

https://www.theatlantic.com/health/2025/11/inflammation-gap/684807/
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The Inflammation Gap

This article explores the "inflammation gap," highlighting the divergence between how medical professionals and the general public understand and address inflammation, particularly in the context of autoimmune diseases. It contrasts the precise, evidence-based treatments of conventional medicine with the often unproven and sometimes dangerous alternative remedies promoted by wellness gurus and social media. The author discusses the appeal of these alternative therapies to patients disillusioned with conventional approaches, detailing anecdotes and expert opinions on the risks and benefits. The piece concludes by emphasizing the challenges in building trust between doctors and patients when differing belief systems about health and treatment collide.

Note

inflammation this. inflammation that. I'm sure not only is their a spike in its usage online but also film and tv!

I don't blame those who feel let down by the limitations of science and the bureaucracies of health care as they turn to simpler definitions and treatments to their pain.

one fascinating point is the authors derivation of where inflammation got hooked into today's lexicon.

reminds me of similar stories going back to a noble prize winner for why vitamin C gets a outsized attention by the public.

Published

2025

Summary

This article explores the "inflammation gap," highlighting the divergence between how medical professionals and the general public understand and address inflammation, particularly in the context of autoimmune diseases. It contrasts the precise, evidence-based treatments of conventional medicine with the often unproven and sometimes dangerous alternative remedies promoted by wellness gurus and social media. The author discusses the appeal of these alternative therapies to patients disillusioned with conventional approaches, detailing anecdotes and expert opinions on the risks and benefits. The piece concludes by emphasizing the challenges in building trust between doctors and patients when differing belief systems about health and treatment collide.

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