If you ever feel totally off but can’t quite put your finger on why, You might wake up exhausted, experience digestive issues, or even feel achy all over, yet doctors struggle to find anything wrong. If this sounds like you, you’re not making it up! You could be dealing with chronic inflammation, a sneaky culprit behind many unexplained symptoms. Let’s look at the signs and how to manage them.
What Is Chronic Inflammation?
Unlike acute inflammation—which is your body’s quick response to injury or infection and typically resolves in days—chronic inflammation can last for months or even years. It’s a slow, ongoing process that can leave you feeling drained and run down.
Symptoms vary, but common ones include fatigue, lethargy, joint pain, indigestion, swelling, and headaches. Sound familiar?
What Causes It?
According to Dr. Park Gye Young from Hanyang University Hospital, obesity is a significant factor in chronic inflammation, mainly when it’s triggered by a high-calorie, high-fat, and high-carb diet paired with a lack of exercise. But it’s not just about what you eat—environmental factors like insomnia, stress, smoking, and even exposure to fine dust can make things worse.
If left untreated, chronic inflammation can lead to serious health issues like cancer, diabetes, dementia, and cardiovascular disease.
Managing Chronic Inflammation
If you suspect chronic inflammation, it’s time to take action and make lifestyle changes. Start by focusing on your diet and exercise routines. A balanced, nutrient-rich diet is key. Think vitamin-packed veggies, high-fiber foods, and whole grains like brown rice, which help stabilize blood sugar levels. Unsaturated fats (hello, avocados!) are also your friend.
Dr. Seo Min Seok from Catholic Incheon St. Mary’s Hospital adds that staying well-hydrated and cutting back on refined sugars—think less soda and candy—is crucial for keeping blood sugar in check. And don’t forget to move! Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise daily, starting with something simple like walking and then incorporating aerobic activities that suit your style.
Chronic inflammation builds up over time, often due to poor lifestyle habits. According to Dr. Seo, reducing fat cells through a healthy diet and exercise is key, but managing stress, getting enough sleep, and quitting smoking are just as important.
How to Diagnose It
Doctors usually evaluate this condition with a high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) test. However, diagnosing chronic inflammation isn’t as simple as one test—it often requires a comprehensive evaluation by an expert.
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