Chronic inflammation has become one of the hottest health phrases in recent years but it’s for a very good reason. Those who are inflamed suffer from an awful batch of systems that they might not even recognize as a problem.
But what is chronic inflammation and how can you tell if you’re one of the world’s many chronically inflamed? There are nine key indicators that can help you sort out if you have a problem.
Inflammation is your body’s defense mechanism against injury and infection ABC News explained, and in the short-term, this ingenious anatomical function is actually good for you since it means your body is healing itself properly.
However, when short-term inflammation persists past the point where it’s needed to heal your body then it becomes what health professionals refer to as “chronic,” and it is this type of inflammation that is an indication you’ve got some big problems.
Chronic inflammation can lead to a variety of health issues with the most common being arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, and dementia—which is exactly why you might want to know the signs and symptoms that could mean you’re chronically inflamed.
Some of the most common symptoms of chronic inflammation include issues like fatigue or insomnia, persistent pain, joint stiffness, elevated blood markers, gasterntal intestinal issues, unintended weight gain or loss, frequent colds, and mental health disorders.
There are many conditions that could be at the root of chronic inflammation. Environmental factors like toxins, pollution, or industrial chemicals are one possible cause according to Verywell Health. Untreated injuries or infections are also two causes of inflammation.
The most important conditional cause of chronic inflammation is autoimmune disorders like Lupus, Psoriasis, or Rheumatoid Arthritis. These are conditions where your immune system attacks your body, which is why auto-immune patients are chronically inflamed.
Lifestyle factors can play an important role in chronic inflammation as well according to Verywell Health. High levels of stress, frequent alcohol consumption, smoking, and even having a lot of excess weight can all lead to chronic inflammation.
There are a lot of things you can do to combat inflammation and one of the easiest is through a proper diet. John Hopkins Medicine recommends eliminating refined flour and sugars as well as cutting your intake of saturated fats and highly processed foods.
Fruits and vegetables are the first choices you should reach for when looking to fight inflammation. Add in Omega-3 fats, 25 grams of fiber, lots of spices, and the occasional glass of red wine and piece of dark chocolate and you’ll be feeling a lot less inflamed.
