More and more people are becoming aware that inflammation has many negative health effects. Left alone, it can cause many serious health problems and eventually will shorten your lifespan. It can occur in any part of your body from various causes – and many of them you may never suspect.
The Dangers of Chronic Inflammation
Although you are familiar with the inflammation you may get from a wound, you can have chronic inflammation for long periods and not even be aware of it. Even though it may be undetected, it is causing harm to your body – from your cells and DNA to your internal organs. Over time it can lead to cardiovascular disease, Type-2 diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer’s, and many more.
Inflammation can start slow, but its effects will gradually increase until the symptoms manifest themselves in various ways. Symptoms may be as subtle as fatigue, but it can also be suspected in cases of muscle pain, skin rashes, fever, weight gain or sudden weight loss, abdominal pain, acid reflux, and sleep or mood disorders.
Two kinds of Inflammation
Inflammation is normal when you get an injury or cut. It is part of the healing process and will usually go away within a couple of weeks.
Another kind is chronic inflammation. This kind can be dangerous if it continues over long periods. Sometimes, you may not even see any symptoms you recognize, which means that you may be unaware of them.
Only Tests Can Reveal Chronic Inflammation
There are four tests that doctors can use to detect chronic inflammation. They are not used in regular exams unless there is some reason to think there might be a problem. You probably have chronic inflammation if you smoke and drink, have many aches and pains – and do not floss your teeth regularly.
In some cases, people may develop an autoimmune disease which can produce chronic inflammation. Diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or multiple sclerosis can result in this kind of inflammation.
Some Causes of Inflammation
There are several possible causes of chronic inflammation and other things can also lead to its formation. Besides the above diseases, they can also be caused by industrial chemicals, environmental toxins, and various pollutants.
Some things that may also promote the development of chronic inflammation include a diet high in sugar and refined carbohydrates, eating a lot of processed or fried foods, and the wrong kind of fats. More causes include being obese, irregular sleep, alcohol, tobacco, and having a lot of stress.
Removing Chronic Inflammation
Getting rid of chronic inflammation once it is detected or suspected is not difficult – but it will take some time. You can begin to reduce it by cutting back on foods and substances that cause it. Foods high in sugar or carbohydrates include soft drinks, fruit juices, specialty coffees or teas, energy drinks, white breads, rice, and pasta.
The second thing you can do is eat more anti-inflammatory foods. These foods contain omega-3, such as walnuts, fish (salmon and tuna), and soybeans. Eating more fruits and vegetables will also help – and so will following the Mediterranean diet.
Exercise and Lose Weight
Exercise also helps fight inflammation because the extra fat produces it when present. It means that the heavier you are, the more inflammation you will have. Regular exercise helps burn off the extra weight and inflammation – and will increase longevity.
Get Plenty of Sleep
Sleep deprivation is also known to lead to inflammation. People who do not sleep well have an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Living longer and having a better quality of life means getting more sleep – and following the above things.
