ALL OF US ARE FAMILIAR WITH INCIDENTS OF ACCUTE INFLAMMATION. You accidentally hit your shin against the corner of the coffee table, or do something which makes a neck muscle goes into a spasm. Usually, the recovery is no big deal:

• Your body’s immune system immediately sends out an army of chemicals (called pro-inflammatory cytokines) to attack the symptoms of redness, swelling, heat, and pain.
• You can take anti-inflammatory medication and physiotherapy, if necessary.

The symptoms usually last for a limited period of time, as the body essentially heals itself.

BUT: NOT SO MANY OF US ARE AWARE OF CHRONIC INFLAMMATION; AND THE SERIOUS EFFECTS THIS CAN HAVE ON OUR HEALTH AND WELL-BEING.

Chronic, low-level inflammation can be caused by a variety of factors. When the body is not given enough time, or if the body is unable to resolve the immune response due to a deficiency of certain nutrients, it can lead to chronic inflammation. This condition can also be caused by untreated infectious pathogens such as bacteria and viruses, as well as the adverse effects of long-term exposure to pollutants and chemicals (such as smoking). Stress and obesity are also known factors leading to chronic inflammation.

WHAT ARE THE COMMON SYMPTOMS OF CHRONIC INFLAMMATION?

• Fatigue: when your immune system is in overdrive, it uses a lot of energy.

• Gastrointestinal problems: this includes constipation and diarrhea.
• Unexplained pains: especially in the abdomen, chest and joints.
• Skin issues: including rashes, redness, or puffiness.
• Weight gain: especially in the abdominal region, and known as visceral fats. As part of a vicious cycle, excess weight can be both a cause, and result, of chronic inflammation.
• High blood sugar: Inflammation can alter the body’s natural insulin processing, making the body less sensitive to insulin. High blood sugar levels also increase the inflammatory circulating cytokines.
• Brain fog: An imbalance in blood sugar levels can cause brain fog.
• Other chronic diseases linked to prolonged stress and chronic inflammation include Rheumatoid arthritis, Cardiovascular disease, and even Depression.

By this time you should be convinced that chronic inflammation is something not to be ignored, especially since the immediate effects are not as painful as hitting your shin against the table or experiencing a muscle spasm…

IN THE REST OF THIS SERIES ABOUT CHRONIC INFLAMMATION, WE ARE GOING TO FOCUS ON ONE CRUCIAL ASPECT OF THIS, AND THAT IS THE LINK BETWEEN STRESS, INFLAMMATION, AND CHRONIC DISEASES.

Research has shown that prolonged stress can cause chronic, low-level inflammation in the body, leading to a number of chronic health conditions. Many of us are getting tired with all the stuff being discussed and published about stress. This can lead to ignorance or even avoidance with regard to the topic of stress. Especially in South Africa we have been exposed to stress of all sorts over time, and some of us have “adapted” to this state of affairs, as we seemingly cannot change it. For many of us this has become the new normality, and it takes a relative or friend visiting from abroad to tell us how stress levels, due to anything from crime to road conditions, have increased.

A recent survey found that 69% of South Africans experience stress relating to their safety, financial situation, future…and the list goes on.

AND THE VERY REAL RISK OF THIS IS THAT IF WE BECOME SO DE-SENTISIZED TO THE PHENOMENON OF STRESS; WE LOSE SIGHT OF THE EFFECT THEREOF ON OUR PHYSICAL AND MENTAL WELL-BEING. SINCE WE DO NOT KNOW OR SEE THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN STRESS AND THE SYMPTOMS OF CHRONIC INFLAMMATION, WE CARRY ON TREATING THE SYMPTOMS!

In the next part of this series, we will explore the vicious cycle of stress, leading to inflammation, leading to a number of chronic health conditions. We will also unpack the ways in which you can start managing this, before it gets to a stage where it becomes life-threatening, or at the very least significantly decreases your quality of life.