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Inflammation is the body's defense mechanism. The inflammatory process is part of the immune response and helps to heal damaged tissues. In short-term inflammation, also called “acute inflammation,” the immune system responds to bacteria and tissue injury by releasing white blood cells. These cells trap invasive substances and stop them from spreading and go to work healing the tissue. The redness, swelling, and pain you can experience from this temporary inflammation (think the swelling around a twisted ankle or even a pimple, or the fever you get from a cold) is caused by the blood vessels leaking fluid into the site of the injury. Though troublesome and annoying at times, acute inflammation is short-lived and is a necessary and effective part of the body's healing process.
With chronic inflammation, however, your body is constantly on high alert, overproducing inflammatory cytokines, enzymes, and other biomarkers which can attack healthy tissues and lead to many chronic inflammatory diseases. Research has shown that chronic inflammation is associated with inflammatory disorders or may contribute to disease progression in:
Chronic inflammation is a HUGE public health concern. According to a 2021 peer-reviewed summary on chronic inflammation, "The World Health Organization (WHO) ranks chronic diseases as the greatest threat to human health. The prevalence of diseases associated with chronic inflammation is anticipated to increase persistently for the next 30 years in the United States. In 2000, nearly 125 million Americans were living with chronic conditions and 61 million (21%) had more than one. In recent estimates by Rand Corporation, in 2014 nearly 60% of Americans had at least one chronic condition, 42% had more than one and 12% of adults had 5 or more chronic conditions. Worldwide, 3 of 5 people die due to chronic inflammatory diseases like stroke, chronic respiratory diseases, heart disorders, cancer, obesity, and diabetes."
If the inflammatory response is normal and even healthy at times, when do you know you've gotten too much of a good thing? Or, what signifies you've crossed the threshold from acute, low-grade inflammation to potentially dangerous chronic inflammation?
The signs of inflammation are widespread and differ from person to person. Its most notable characteristics are:
Sneakier, confounding signs of chronic inflammation can also include:
Blood tests that detect the markers of systemic inflammation can help to identify and diagnose chronic inflammation and begin your journey to further diagnoses and treatments.
Several risk factors promote an inflammatory response including:
Take our quiz and find which supplements your body is craving.
Since getting to the root of inflammation can be tricky, rather than a risky procedure or complex prescription, simple lifestyle changes are recommended to start you off on your journey.
If your inflammation has gone out of control or caused other complicated disorders, talk to your doctor about a more robust treatment plan. In any case, the above tips can help you get a handle on your overall wellness and help to manage inflammation of any level.
Chronic inflammation means your body is constantly on high alert, overproducing inflammatory cytokines, enzymes, and other biomarkers which can attack healthy tissues and lead to many chronic inflammatory diseases.
Natural supplements like Boswellia Serrata (especially when used alongside turmeric supplements) are known to have anti-inflammatory effects without the long-term side effects associated with on-going NSAID use.
Glutathione, the body's master antioxidant, supports the immune system in doing its job of fighting infections, while supporting detoxification of the liver and increasing energy levels.
Taking a daily omega-3 supplement may help to manage rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, psoriasis, lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis and migraines.
