Busy moms & working women like you are often juggling a million things at once.
You’re balancing deadlines, school pickups, meal preps, and maybe even squeezing a moment for yourself if you’re lucky.
During this relentless hustle, you might brush off feelings of fatigue, joint pain, and mood swings as simply the inevitable consequences of a busy life.
After all, who wouldn’t feel tired and achy with so much on their plate? But what if these seemingly innocuous symptoms are actually red flags signaling something deeper?
Chronic inflammation is something that might not even be on your radar but deserves a spot on your health checklist.
But let’s start at the very beginning – What is inflammation?
Inflammation, often viewed as the body’s natural response to injury or infection, holds a dual role in our health.
Acute inflammation, with its telltale signs of redness and swelling, is your body’s rapid-fire response to injury or infection. It serves a protective function, aiding in tissue repair and pathogen elimination.
But here’s where it gets tricky: While acute inflammation serves as a crucial defense mechanism, chronic inflammation can lead to a cascade of health issues, essentially stirring up trouble long after the initial threat has passed.
To comprehend inflammation‘s nuances, it’s vital to acknowledge its dynamic nature. Dr. Robert H. Shmerling, medical editor at Harvard Health Publishing, likens inflammation to a car’s engine light – a warning sign demanding attention.1
Basically, acute inflammation is like a passing thunderstorm – intense but short-lived. Chronic inflammation, however, is a prolonged, low-grade immune response. Unlike acute inflammation, chronic inflammation operates insidiously and often without obvious symptoms.2
More about chronic inflammation
Chronic inflammation is stubborn.
It’s persistent and long-term and the immune system remains in a heightened state of alertness and inflammation long after the initial trigger dissipates.
And the implications? Well, let’s just say they extend far beyond its visible manifestations.
Now, here’s the deal: you don’t need to lose sleep over acute inflammation – it’s your body’s way of doing its job after all. But chronic inflammation, you need to keep an eye on. Its clandestine nature makes it a silent accomplice in the progression of other diseases and health conditions.3
It’s also very important to understand the complex interaction between inflammation and disease pathogenesis.
Research studies show that chronic inflammation creates an environment conducive to disease development, including cardiovascular disorders and autoimmune conditions.4
How to deal with chronic inflammation?
When dealing with chronic inflammation, you must take a holistic approach.5
Eat anti-inflammatory foods: Firstly, incorporating anti-inflammatory foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, polyphenols, and antioxidants can prevent inflammation. Leafy greens like spinach and kale, along with cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and Brussels sprouts, are excellent choices.
Kick the bad habits: Sorry, but those cigarettes and boozy nights? They’re not doing you any favors. Quit smoking and cut back on alcohol as much as possible.
Watch what you eat: Decrease consumption of sugar, refined carbs, fried foods, and processed meats. Steer clear of dairy and processed or packaged foods like chips or crackers.
Exercise regularly: Regular exercise reduces stress, helps in weight management, and improves overall physical health. Consider low impact activities like walking, biking, or swimming.
When dealing with chronic inflammation, you must take a proactive approach to your health.
Lifestyle modifications, including maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, prioritizing adequate sleep, and engaging in regular physical activity, form the cornerstone of inflammation management.
References:
- Harvard Health Publishing. (1 April 2020). Understanding acute and chronic inflammation. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/understanding-acute-and-chronic-inflammation
- Harvard Health Publishing. (1 April 2020). Understanding acute and chronic inflammation. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/understanding-acute-and-chronic-inflammation
- Harvard Health Publishing. (1 April 2020). Understanding acute and chronic inflammation. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/understanding-acute-and-chronic-inflammation
- Harvard Health Publishing. (1 April 2020). Understanding acute and chronic inflammation. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/understanding-acute-and-chronic-inflammation
- Piedmont Healthcare. (n.d.). 8 ways to reduce chronic inflammation. Living Real Change. https://www.piedmont.org/living-real-change/8-ways-to-reduce-chronic-inflammation