The silent threat: Chronic inflammation and its devastating impact on our health.

The silent threat: Chronic inflammation and its devastating impact on our health.

Inflammation: causes, symptoms and their effects on health

Inflammation is a silent aggressor that secretly plays a role in almost every health problem. Chronic inflammation not only increases pain or contributes to joint pain, but it also plays a role in cell damage, digestive system disorders, and even weight gain. Therefore, to promote optimal health, it is crucial to combat inflammation. In addition to anti-inflammatory strategies, it is equally important to remove inflammation triggers from our daily routine.

Symptoms of inflammation

Inflammation is not always obvious. Some symptoms manifest internally, while others may have more obvious physical signs. The most common symptoms include:

• Rötung
• Geschwollene Gelenke, die gelegentlich warm bei Berührung sind
• Gelenkschmerzen oder Steifheit
• Beeinträchtigung der Gelenkfunktion
• Müdigkeit oder Schlappheit
• Kopfschmerzen
• Fieber
• Schüttelfrost
• Appetitlosigkeit
• Muskelschmerzen

Chronic inflammation has been directly linked to a variety of health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, cancer, arthritis and even Alzheimer's.

Chronic diseases associated with inflammation: A close look

Inflammation is a natural defense mechanism that helps our bodies respond to injury and harmful invaders. However, when inflammation becomes chronic or systemic, it can lead to a number of health disorders. Below we take a closer look at some chronic diseases that are either caused or exacerbated by inflammation, based on scientific research:

Cardiovascular diseases

Research has shown that chronic inflammation plays a significant role in atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaque in the arteries that can lead to heart attacks and strokes. Elevated levels of the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein (CRP) are associated with an increased risk of heart disease.

Type 2 diabetes

Chronic inflammation can lead to insulin resistance, which can lead to type 2 diabetes. Adipose tissue can release pro-inflammatory cytokines, which can further worsen the condition.

Cancer

Chronic inflammation can promote the formation of a conducive environment for tumor growth. In addition, they can lead to DNA mutations that can cause various types of cancer.

Rheumatoid arthritis

In this autoimmune disease, chronic inflammation attacks the joints. Over time, this can lead to joint damage and pain.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Diseases such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are associated with inflammation of the digestive tract, which can lead to serious complications.

asthma

Asthma is a disease in which inflammation of the airways leads to difficulty breathing. The swelling caused by inflammation narrows the airways and causes symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath.

Alzheimer's disease

Inflammation in the brain can contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease. Chronic brain inflammation is believed to accelerate neurodegeneration.

Chronic kidney disease

Chronic inflammation can negatively impact kidney function and lead to chronic kidney disease. Elevated inflammatory markers have been linked to faster disease progression.

obesity

Chronic inflammation can worsen obesity and, conversely, obesity can also increase inflammation. Adipose tissue, especially in excess, produces inflammatory cytokines.

depression

There is growing evidence of a connection between chronic inflammation and mood disorders such as depression. Elevated inflammatory markers have been found in many people with depression.

Understanding the connection between chronic inflammation and these diseases emphasizes the importance of reducing inflammation. With dietary, lifestyle, and therapeutic measures, it is possible to manage and potentially alleviate the symptoms or progression of these diseases.

Main causes of inflammation

In addition to dietary factors, other elements also contribute to inflammation:

• Stress: Chronischer Stress führt zur Freisetzung von überschüssigem Cortisol, einem Hormon, das Entzündungen induzieren kann.
• Schlafmangel: Unzureichender Schlaf wurde mit erhöhten Entzündungsmarkern in Verbindung gebracht.
• Umweltgifte: Die Exposition gegenüber bestimmten Toxinen kann Entzündungen im Körper verursachen.
• Infektionen: Bestimmte bakterielle, virale und Pilzinfektionen können Entzündungen verursachen oder verstärken.

Chronic inflammation is the body's response to damage, and when it persists, it can lead to numerous health problems. From joint pain to impaired digestion to weight gain, chronic inflammation often underlies many common health problems. More importantly, they have a hidden link to numerous chronic diseases, making it essential to understand their triggers and mitigating factors.

Pro-inflammatory foods to avoid

The importance of diet when it comes to inflammation is undeniable. Not only are there foods that can reduce inflammation, but many can also cause inflammation. Let's dive into some of the top pro-inflammatory foods that may be secretly causing harm in your body:

• Refined Canola and Vegetable Oils: Refined vegetable oils, especially canola oil, are harmful if consumed. Their refining process exposes them to high temperatures and chemicals, converting naturally occurring omega-3 fatty acids into trans fats. These oxidized oils can cause significant inflammation. Food, especially fast food, often contains oils from canola, corn, soy, cottonseed and sunflower due to their inexpensive production.

• Processed meats: Processed meats such as deli meats have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes and various types of cancer. A study in BMC Medicine found a significant risk of death associated with high consumption of processed meats. These meat products are major sources of advanced glycated end products (AGEs), which can increase inflammation and increase the risk of various diseases.

• Fried Foods: Deep-fried delicacies like french fries can cause pro-inflammatory AGEs in the body. Most are also cooked in genetically modified vegetable oils, which further increase inflammation. Wheat flour flocking in fried foods can stimulate inflammation.

• Processed Sugar: With the exception of raw honey, most sugars are processed. Excessive consumption, often through sodas or sweets, can cause inflammation and oxidative stress. It is important to limit sugar consumption for overall health.

• Wheat Flour: Contrary to popular belief, wheat may not be safe for everyone. Gluten in wheat can activate a substance that can cause leaky gut and systemic inflammation. Wheat also contains proteins known as amylase-trypsin inhibitors (ATIs), which can trigger an inflammatory response.

• Dairy products: Dairy products are considered a prominent inflammatory food, often second only to gluten, as noted by physician Dr. Amy Myers stated. Many people's intolerance to lactose can lead to a chronic inflammatory condition. A variant of casein in milk, A1 beta-casein, can cause an inflammatory reaction in the digestive tract.

• Artificial sweeteners: These sweeteners may increase the risk of glucose intolerance