Research shows that chronic inflammation in the body and brain plays a major role in many of the world’s most common illnesses, including heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, depression, autoimmune disorders, and some cancers.  Experts estimate that inflammation-related chronic diseases contribute to more than half of deaths worldwide.  Healthy inflammation is essential because it helps the body fight infections and heal injuries, but when inflammation becomes long-term and uncontrolled, it can slowly damage tissues, blood vessels, organs, and brain cells.  If scientists could completely “flush out” harmful chronic inflammation without removing the body’s normal immune defences, the potential benefits could include lower risk of chronic disease, reduced pain and fatigue, better brain function and memory, healthier aging, improved heart health, and possibly a longer lifespan.