Inflammation is one of the major causes of many different diseases. It can start from many health problems or injuries, including gum disease, germs, or chemicals. Although inflammation can be eliminated most of the time, chronic inflammation is a different story.
Chronic Inflammation
Sometimes, chronic inflammation is activated by an unknown cause, and you may not be aware of it. Excessive inflammation, which can begin from an ordinary cut or other injury, may cause your immune system to attack your organs, joints, and arteries. When this happens, it becomes an autoimmune disease.
Over time, if the inflammation is not reduced and possibly eliminated, it will continue to destroy your organs. Inflammation of this type can also be caused by a poor diet, lack of exercise, or having too much stress.
Chronic inflammation is thought to be responsible for more than 50% of all deaths in the world. It is behind the formation of cardiovascular disease, heart attack, stroke, diabetes, cancer, dementia, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and many more.
About Magnesium
Magnesium is necessary for the proper functioning of your body. It participates in more than 300 different reactions. Among them are the strengthening of your immune system, muscle function, producing energy, nerve signaling, bone health, and a normal heart rhythm.
Magnesium is an essential mineral, which means that the human body must have it to function properly, but your body does not produce it. It must take in all the magnesium it needs from other sources, but it will store some of it.
As a mineral, it also helps to reduce oxidative stress, which promotes inflammation and many other diseases. A deficiency of magnesium can speed up and worsen chronic inflammation because it helps regulate the production and activity of your immune cells.
Chronic Inflammation Symptoms
Fortunately, some signs may indicate you have chronic inflammation and are not getting enough magnesium. They include:
- Fatigue
- Muscle cramps
- Frequent constipation
- High blood pressure
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Possible irregular heartbeat.
Possible Causes of Chronic Inflammation
People who eat healthy are apt to have enough magnesium in their diet. A poor diet can easily lead to a mineral deficiency, but there are other reasons someone may not get enough. They include smoking, being overweight, a lack of exercise, drinking alcohol in excess, and stress.
Some foods will also promote inflammation, and staying away from, or at least cutting back on eating them can help reduce it. Those foods include fried foods, refined carbohydrates (pastries, white bread, sugar), foods cured with nitrates (hot dogs), unhealthy fats, and red meat.
Preventing Chronic Inflammation
After an injury, such as a cut, some inflammation will occur because it is a normal part of the healing process. Chronic inflammation can be detected by blood or urine tests.
Although some foods promote it, other foods can help prevent it. An anti-inflammatory diet includes nuts, leafy greens, fatty fish (for omega-3 fatty acids), fruit, and foods with lots of fiber. They make up a large part of the Mediterranean diet.
You can manage chronic inflammation and its dangers by getting enough magnesium and a balance of other minerals. You may need to take a magnesium supplement. Consult a doctor if you have health problems or questions about it. Activities such as weight control, regular exercise, and reducing stress also help reduce inflammation and may increase longevity.
