We’re trained that inflammation is a bad thing, but inflammation is necessary for healing but when com­pleted it must shut down. The immune system relies on it as it defends us form dangerous organisms.

When antigens are detected, redox molecules trig­ger a cascade of chemical reactions that lead to an inflammatory response—the initial part of the healing process. No molecules, no inflammation, and thus no ability to signal the activation of our modulating genes. This critical step leads to the release of pro­teins and other immune mediators, and bringing the attack into full activity.

Just as redox signals have an important role in strategically directing an attack, it is the redox signals that allow for the down regulation of the attack and eventual clean up—what we call the healing process.

This is all directed by the genius of our redox-driven biochemistry. We take this for granted until we lose this equipment to disease or chemical toxicity.