WHAT IS CHRONIC INFLAMMATION AND WHY IS IT A MATTER OF LIFE!?

Chronic inflammation is a problem that troubles many healthcare practitioners and providers around the globe. Essentially, it is a condition where the body releases proteins and antibodies and increases blood flow, as it usually does when detecting an inflammation, but here it remains on a constant state of alert despite the ‘danger’ being over. Common symptoms of chronic inflammation range from fatigue to diarrhea, drastic body-weight changes, depression or anxiety, body pain, and persistent infections.

The number of people with this condition has become worrisome.

For example, according to a recent research study by the University of Florida College of Public Health and Health Professions, 34.6% of US adults suffer from chronic inflammation.

It has been established that chronic inflammation can lead to organ, cell, and tissue damage in the long term. More recently, research is linking chronic inflammation to type 2 diabetes, cancer, cardiac diseases, cognitive decline, and even dementia. Some even link it to imbalances in the gut microbiome.

Chronic inflammation can damage the lining of the arteries, as well as increase the levels of plaque in the arteries and the chances of blood clot formations; therefore, increasing the risk for heart diseases and stroke.

Similarly to Diabetes, chronic inflammation is also linked to an increased number of cytokines, which overwhelm the body and affect sugar levels.

Finally, according to Mayo Clinic, colorectal cancer may be more likely to develop because of chronic intestinal inflammation in people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Viral hepatitis is an infection that causes liver inflammation, and its damage can lead to liver cancer. Hepatitis B virus (HBV), for example, was proven to be a significant cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The mechanisms through which HBV induces HCC are multifactorial and involve direct and indirect pathways. One of these pathways is chronic inflammation and immune response; chronic HBV infection causes ongoing liver inflammation as the immune system attempts to clear infected hepatocytes. Persistent inflammation leads to oxidative stress, which damages DNA and promotes mutations in liver cells. Chronic liver injury stimulates regeneration of hepatocytes, creating opportunities for genetic errors and so forth.

These mechanisms increase the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in individuals with chronic HBV infection. Early detection and effective management of HBV infection are crucial in reducing the risk of HCC. And this is just one example.

According to the NIH, 15% of human cancers are related to chronic inflammation.

Additional research published on various health risks linked chronic inflammation to autoimmune diseases. According to the NIH, abnormal inflammatory response is closely associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), multiple scoliosis (MS), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), gout, and diabetes. The reasons behind this link, according to the Global Autoimmune Institute, is that while T and B lymphocytes have long been blamed, there is growing evidence that innate immune cells are the force behind damage made to adaptive immune cells.  

Understanding the role of adaptive immune cells in autoimmune conditions has given way to several new treatments based on inhibiting B or T cells. Moreover, growing recognition of the role of innate immune cells in autoimmune disease has paved the way for drugs that block neutrophil products and dendritic cells showing potential to repair tissue damage and reduce symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Here are just a few examples: TNF-α Inhibitors (infliximab, etanercept, adalimumab), IL-1 Blockers (Anakinra), IL-6 Inhibitors (tocilizumab, sarilumab), and more.

The good news is, on the preventative side, certain lifestyle changes can help lower the risk of and prevent chronic inflammation, hopefully just before we turn to medical treatments.

The first one relates to our diet. We can, and should, increase our intake of fruits, vegetables, and plant-based meals. These foods have high levels of antioxidants, which help prevent, delay, or repair some type of cell and tissue damage, hence reducing inflammation. We should also increase the intake of fermented foods – which are proven to decrease inflammatory markers. Simultaneously, we should decrease the amount of red meat we eat and avoid sugars and processed foods as much as possible.

The second lifestyle change we should implement is related to stress. When stressed, our immune system releases the aforementioned cytokines, and we already know that too much of these is harmful. According to Mayo Clinic, techniques such as meditation, yoga, and tai chi may help induce positive changes in the nervous system and the immune system to help quell the inflammatory response. Similarly, working out and engaging in sport activities has also been linked to stress reduction, which consequently is linked to lowering the risk for inflammatory responses. If I may add to that, maintaining a good life-work balance and finding the time to rest are equally as important and beneficial to the reduction of stress.

Monitoring your body's inflammation levels can provide crucial insights into your overall health status. The best way to measure and follow your inflammation levels is to undergo a simple blood test for CRP (C-reactive protein), a protein that our liver makes.

Usually, we have very low CRP levels; when we have an acute medical condition, our CRP levels go higher than the expected norm. Most people who have chronic inflammation can see an increasing CRP trend even if it is still within the norm. This is alarming and means you need to watch out.

For even more precise results, consider the high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) test. This advanced test can detect lower levels of inflammation, helping you and your doctor catch potential issues before they become worse.

The bottom line is chronic inflammation is not just about inflammation; it’s a matter of life!

Why wait? Schedule your CRP or hs-CRP blood test today and take charge of your health!