Chronic inflammation is a common problem that can lead to the development and worsening of diabetes and other chronic diseases. It has been on the rise in recent years, mainly due to changes in lifestyle and environmental factors such as sedentary lifestyles, poor diets, environmental toxins, chronic stress, and aging. However, there are steps we can take to reduce our risk of developing these conditions by reducing inflammation levels in the body. Eating an anti-inflammatory diet such as a keto or low-carb diet and avoiding unhealthy habits like smoking or excessive drinking can help reduce inflammation. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how chronic inflammation affects our health and what we can do about it.
(Acute) Inflammation is the body's natural response to injury or infection. It is characterized by swelling, redness, and pain in the affected area as the body attempts to heal itself. Inflammation plays an important role in defending our bodies against illness, but when it becomes chronic, it can lead to a number of serious health issues.
What is chronic inflammation and how can it damage healthy cells in the body?
Chronic inflammation is a long-term inflammatory response in the body in response to an ongoing stimulus. It can occur anywhere in the body and cause lasting damage to healthy cells, tissues, and organs. This type of inflammation has been linked to many chronic diseases, including diabetes.
When the body experiences chronic inflammation, it releases chemicals called cytokines. These cytokines play an important role in the body's immune response, but when present for long periods of time can wreak havoc on healthy tissue and cause various types of damage.
The link between chronic inflammation and diabetes
In diabetes, chronic inflammation is believed to be a contributing factor in the development of insulin resistance. Insulin is a hormone that helps control blood sugar levels in the body. When cells become resistant to insulin, they can't process sugars properly, leading to high levels of glucose in the bloodstream. This can damage organs and lead to complications such as heart attack, stroke, blindness, and kidney disease.
The link between chronic inflammation and diseases like cancer and Alzheimer's
Chronic inflammation has also been linked to other chronic diseases including cancer, Alzheimer's Disease, and inflammatory bowel diseases. In these cases, it is thought to contribute to the progression of the disease by damaging healthy cells in the body and allowing for tumours or plaque deposits to form.
The rise of chronic inflammation
There is evidence to suggest that chronic inflammation is on the rise. Several studies have measured various markers of inflammation in the blood and found that they have increased in recent decades.
For example, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 2010 found that levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation, have increased by 64% in the United States population between 1988 and 2004. Another study published in the same journal in 2018 found that levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), another marker of inflammation, have increased in the U.S. population between 1998 and 2010.
Similar trends have been observed in other countries as well. A study published in the European Heart Journal in 2019 found that CRP levels have increased in the German population between 1997 and 2014. Another study published in the journal PLOS ONE in 2018 found that IL-6 levels have increased in the Chinese population between 2005 and 2014.
Chronic inflammation has been on the rise in recent years, mainly due to changes in lifestyle and environmental factors. Several factors have been identified as contributing to the increase in chronic inflammation, including:
- Sedentary lifestyle: A lack of physical activity and prolonged sitting can contribute to chronic inflammation.
- Poor diet: A diet high in refined carbohydrates, saturated and trans fats, and processed foods can increase inflammation in the body.
- Environmental toxins: Exposure to environmental toxins such as air pollution, pesticides, and heavy metals can contribute to chronic inflammation.
- Chronic stress: Chronic stress can increase the production of stress hormones and contribute to chronic inflammation.
- Aging: As we age, our immune system becomes less efficient at controlling inflammation, leading to a chronic low-grade inflammation.
These factors, among others, have contributed to the increasing prevalence of chronic inflammation in the population. However, lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, stress management, and avoiding exposure to toxins can help reduce inflammation and its associated health risks.
By understanding how chronic inflammation works and its role in developing diabetes and other chronic diseases, we can begin to develop strategies that reduce inflammation in the body and help prevent the onset of these conditions. Diet and lifestyle choices can have a significant impact on inflammation levels, and eating an anti-inflammatory diet can help to reduce chronic inflammation in the body. Regular exercise and avoiding unhealthy habits such as smoking or excessive drinking also play a role in reducing inflammation levels. Finally, getting regular check-ups and monitoring inflammation markers can help diagnose any problems early and allow for timely treatment.
By taking steps to reduce chronic inflammation in the body, we can reduce our risk of diabetes and other chronic diseases. Consuming natural products such as Matcha, Turmeric and Cacao can help reduce inflammation. All three of these superfoods have been found to contain powerful anti-inflammatory properties that can help the body fight off chronic inflammation. Matcha is rich in antioxidants and polyphenols which are known for their ability to reduce oxidative stress in the body, while turmeric contains curcumin which has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Lastly, cacao is an excellent source of flavonoids which have been shown to reduce inflammation markers in the body. Regular consumption of these foods can thus help protect against chronic inflammation and its associated health risks. So try to make positive lifestyle choices today that will help protect you from the damaging effects of chronic inflammation. Your body will thank you for it later!