Chronic Inflammation

occurs when the inflammatory response fails to resolve and rid itself of the invading infection or injury. While the immune system can be successful in fighting off foreign invaders or healing the body from injury, sometimes pathogens resist even the strongest defenses and colonize in the tissues where they continue to provoke the inflammatory response time and time again. Unlike the obvious signs of acute inflammation, signs of chronic inflammation can linger in the slightest, or come and go over time.

Often referred to as “silent inflammation”, chronic inflammation is often inconspicuous and painless. However, the constant release of inflammatory chemicals into the bloodstream will damage organs and tissues over time. This significantly increases the risk of developing chronic and deadly diseases such as diabetes, cancer, stroke, rheumatoid arthritis, among others.

Consider chronic inflammation as putting your body into a constant state of stress and alert. It can be caused by autoimmune disorders, exposure to irritants (such as pollution and toxic chemicals) and a range of other lifestyle and dietary factors, such as stress, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity and highcalorie diets.

While these are often tied to acute inflammation, chronic inflammation symptoms are often much more insidious. Typically, there is no sharp pain, swelling or redness directly tied to a specific area of the body.