Inflammation is a vital defense mechanism of the body, activated in response to injury and infection, playing a crucial role in maintaining a healthy and robust immune system.
However, there are instances when the immune system mistakenly deploys inflammatory cells even when they are unnecessary, leading to a state of chronic inflammation.
Dr. Paul DiCorleto, a respected expert, explains, “Inflammation is a natural process within your body. However, when it becomes dysregulated or persists for prolonged periods, it can initiate disease processes.”
Here are five indicators, as cited by medical professionals, that can suggest the presence of inflammation.
Chronic joint pain
According to medical experts, chronic joint pain may indicate the presence of inflammation.
Rheumatologist Dr. Robert Shmerling explains, “In a common type of inflammatory arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis, a variety of immune cells can be found in the lining and fluid of the joint. These cells attract other immune cells and together lead to thickening of the joint lining, new blood vessel formation, and—ultimately—joint damage.”
Therefore, chronic joint pain should not be ignored, as it could be a potential sign of inflammation and underlying conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Cognitive loss
Cognitive loss is linked to inflammation, and inflammation can also lead to dementia.
Keenan A. Walker, a postdoctoral fellow in neurology at Johns Hopkins’ School of Medicine, highlights that “higher levels of inflammation were strongly associated with declines in memory,” particularly implicating inflammation in memory-related disorders like Alzheimer’s disease.
While it remains possible that inflammation is a consequence of underlying dementia rather than a direct cause, examining inflammation during middle adulthood allows for a more confident inference that inflammation precedes neurodegenerative changes.
It is highly unlikely for individuals in their 40s or 50s to exhibit neurodegenerative alterations at such early stages of life.
Chronic Fatigue
Experiencing persistent fatigue may indicate the presence of chronic inflammation.
Bindiya Gandhi, M.D., highlights that “Many older adults think it’s normal to take naps in the afternoon as they age, but it really isn’t; it’s a warning sign that something’s going on underneath.”
This emphasizes the importance of recognizing fatigue as a potential warning sign of underlying issues, such as chronic inflammation, rather than dismissing it as a normal consequence of aging.
Tummy Issues
Medical experts caution that gastrointestinal problems can indicate the presence of inflammation.
According to Dr. Gandhi, “Many older adults are on over-the-counter medications such as proton pump inhibitors, which can cause a lot of disruption to the bacteria in the gut. As a result, inflammatory compounds have an easier time entering the bloodstream, which can cause digestive problems like gas, bloating, diarrhea and/or constipation, as well as ongoing inflammation.”
This highlights the potential connection between disrupted gut health, gastrointestinal symptoms, and ongoing inflammation.
What You Can Do About It?
Registered dietitian Erin Coates, RDN, LD, emphasizes the impact of diet on inflammation, stating, “What you eat can affect inflammation. If you want to battle inflammation, start by taking a look in your kitchen. And when you make your grocery list, add less inflammatory foods and more anti-inflammatory foods like vegetables, fruits, nuts, beans, seeds, and fatty fish.”
Coates advises steering clear of inflammatory foods such as added sugars, trans fats, red and processed meats, omega-6 fatty acids, and refined carbohydrates in order to promote a more anti-inflammatory diet.