Inflammation that comes and goes (acute) helps your body heal cuts and fight off toxins. Chronic inflammation is when this normally helpful process lingers too long, keeping the body in "alert" mode. Over time, chronic inflammation can hurt your organs and tissues, leading to conditions like heart disease, cancer, diabetes and dementia.
Think of chronic inflammation as the root of all disease. Like a little fire inside that's burning for too long. If we can reduce it, we can reduce the risk of disease. Proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle are tools to fight chronic inflammation.
Symptoms of chronic inflammation range from mild to severe and may include:
Pain, especially joint pain
Fatigue
Gastrointestinal (GI)or gut issues
Persistent infections
Acne
Irregular periods
Weight changes
Brain fog
Your gut is often the source of chronic inflammation causing GI symptoms, headaches, acne and fatigue. Chronic inflammation in the gut increases the risk of leaky gut.
Illness can be worsened by an inflamed GI tract. Much of the body's immune system is built in the GI tract, so if it's not working optimally, sickness can sneak by our body's defenses.
Smoking, chronic alcohol use, long-term stress and age increase risk of chronic inflammation. Help your body fight inflammation by eating antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, omega-3 fatty acid rich foods like salmon and walnuts and reducing ultra-processed foods in your diet. If you need help making these changes, talk to a registered dietitian.
