Could combating chronic inflammation be the next fountain of youth?
Inflammation is your body’s natural response to injury, illness or infection.
Initially, it acts as a protective mechanism and can start off the healing process.
Photo:Getty Images. EatingWell collage.
In the short term, thats a positive.
However, when inflammation becomes chronic, it can contribute to wear and tear on our bodies.
What Is Inflammation?
Inflammation is the body’s natural defense mechanism to protect and heal itself.
There are two categories of inflammation: acute and chronic.
This short-term healing response is usually beneficial.
Chronic inflammation, by contrast, is more long-term.
Think of it as your bodys alarm system being stuck in the on position.
Chronic inflammation can affect the whole body, and in many cases displays no symptoms, says Enright.
It Impairs Cellular Health
Telomeres are like protective caps of DNA at the end of our chromosomes.
When inflammation is present, this shortening happens faster.
It Decreases Your Energy
One way inflammation contributes to aging is through its impact on mitochondrial function.
Mitochondria, known as the powerhouses of the cell, are responsible for producing energy for our cells.
As mitochondrial function declines, cells may have less energy to repair and regenerate.
It Interferes with Your Metabolism
When inflammation is chronic, it can interfere with normal metabolic processes.
Certain nutrients may be particularly helpful.
Ensure Adequate Sleep
Poor sleep can elevate inflammation.
At the same time, behavioral changes to treat insomnia have been shown to decrease inflammation.
The Bottom Line
Inflammation is your bodys natural response to illness and injury.
However, it’s important to be mindful of its long-term effects.
Di Giosia P, Stamerra CA, Giorgini P, et al.The role of nutrition in inflammaging.Ageing Res Rev.
2022;77:101596. doi:10.1016/j.arr.2022.101596
National Institutes of Health.
National Human Genome Research Institute.Telomere.
2022;10(2):198-234. doi:10.1080/23328940.2022.2109932
