Medical tests for inflammation

Measure systemic inflammation by testing the blood for inflammatory markers including high sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and fibrinogen.

Gut-brain axis

Research on the gut-brain axis (a communication system between the gastrointestinal tract and the nervous system) identifies several gut-based contributors to neuroinflammation.

Food Foes

Symptoms of food allergies can have a wider reach than the gastrointestinal tract, and can even affect brain function, potentially contributing to emotional and behavioural problems.

Brain fog is commonly reported among those with non-celiac gluten sensitivity, and the neuroinflammation triggered in celiac disease often manifests as cognitive impairment.

Gut Bugs

The balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut has a bearing on inflammation. Dysbiosis (a bad balance of gut bacteria) can trigger intestinal inflammation, leading to intestinal hyperpermeability (“leaky gut syndrome”) and opening the door to systemic inflammation.

Systemic inflammation can then increase the permeability of the bloodbrain barrier. Inflammation-driven permeability of the blood-brain barrier has been associated with changes in emotional regulation and mood. Breakdown of the blood-brain barrier contributes to Alzheimer’s disease.

Brain-boosted lifestyle

Transform stress with mind-body practices such as tai chi, qi gong, yoga, and meditation. They have been shown to reduce markers of inflammation, and improve well-being as well.

Keep your food, water, and home as natural as possible, since pesticides and toxins have been shown to induce inflammation.

Steer clear of the Western diet, which has been associated with intestinal hyperpermeability and low-grade systemic inflammation. Enjoy foods rich in flavanols (berries), healthy fats (fish), and whole grains.

Probiotics for the gut-brain axis

Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria probiotics lower chronic low-grade inflammation and may improve communication within the gut-brain axis.

Stress

Stress-induced inflammation has been shown to increase intestinal permeability. This disruption of the gut lining triggers a vicious cycle, because it may impair the gut’s ability to produce the happy neurotransmitter serotonin.

Extinguish the fire with

anti-inflammatory foods

Food Anti-inflammatory effects cacao intake has been shown to have an anti-inflammatory effect fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids—a higher intake is associated with lower levels of the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein ( CRP ) green tea polyphenols in green and black tea are associated with a reduction in CRP berries antioxidants and polyphenols may protect against inflammation olive oil mitigates pro-inflammatory markers tumour necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) tomatoes regular consumption of tomato juice, rich in the antioxidant lycopene, has been shown to reduce inflammation among overweight women broccoli sprouts have been shown to lower obesity-related inflammation whole grains consumed regularly, have been shown to reduce systemic low-grade inflammation beans have been shown to reduce low-grade inflammation among those with cardiometabolic diseases avocado consumed once per day, is associated with a decrease in CRP mushrooms rich in anti-inflammatory polysaccharides, which may be helpful in diseases related to inflammation

Risk Factors For Chronic Inflammation

• low sex hormones

• stress

• sleep disorders

• advanced age

• obesity

• cigarette smoking

• high intake of sugar and trans fats

• isolation

• chronic infections