What is Inflammation, and Why Does it Matter for Your Health?

What is Inflammation, and Why Does it Matter for Your Health?

From Health Matters by NewYork-Presbyterian

April 22, 2026 · 15 min · Episode 125

About this episode

Dr. Charis Meng discusses the role of inflammation in health, distinguishing between its beneficial and harmful effects.

Dr. Charis Meng, rheumatologist at NewYork Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine, explains inflammation—when it helps the body heal and when it can turn harmful. She breaks down the difference between acute and chronic inflammation, including forms driven by autoimmune disease, and shares evidence based medical and lifestyle strategies to help reduce inflammation and support long term health.

People in this episode

Guest: Dr. Charis Meng

Topics covered

  • inflammation
  • health
  • autoimmune disease
  • lifestyle strategies
  • acute inflammation
  • chronic inflammation

Keywords

  • inflammation
  • acute inflammation
  • chronic inflammation
  • autoimmune disease
  • health strategies
  • lifestyle changes

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: NewYork Presbyterian, Weill Cornell Medicine

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