Do You Have Chronic Inflammation?
By Sara Butler
Nearly everyone has stubbed a toe while walking through the living room. After the cursing has subsided, the toe in question is usually red, hot, and tender. That is inflammation in action, and it’s your body’s way of healing the area that was hurt. But that’s not the only inflammation out there; there’s actually another type of inflammation that is anything but healthy or helpful – chronic inflammation. Here’s what to be on the lookout for to know if you’re suffering from chronic inflammation!
What is Chronic Inflammation?
Chronic inflammation is a systemic condition that can be difficult to detect. Instead of assisting your body in the healing process, this type of inflammation has been linked to hair loss, diabetes, arthritis, and even Alzheimer’s disease. There are things you can be on the lookout for to know if you need to speak to a healthcare professional in order to find out if you have issues with chronic inflammation.
Depression
Not all depression is caused by this kind of inflammation, but researchers at the Emory School of Medicine think that inflammation can be a cause of depression in some people. They have found through their research that patients with heart disease who are also depressed often have markers for inflammation not found in other patients.
A connection has been found between an increase in omega-3 fatty acids in the diet, exercise, and a reduction in chronic inflammation – and those things can also help with feelings of depression too!
Stomach Pain
Inflammatory bowel disease is caused by inflamed bowels. This condition causes pain and cramping in the bowels, as well as diarrhea. Researchers are beginning to find connections between chronic inflammation and inflammatory bowel disorders, such as IBD, Celiac disease, and irritable bowel syndrome. They believe the manifestation of these conditions could be an outward symptom of an ongoing inflammatory process happening inside the body.
Fatigue
Many people assume they’re always tired because their lives are so busy, but the truth is that it may be caused by chronic inflammation. According to researchers at Smith College, as much as 15 percent of Americans experience extreme fatigue and they think inflammation may be the cause.
Researchers are still working on ways to clue them in to issues with chronic inflammation, but one thing that is known for sure is that it’s unhealthy. So, until more can be found out, make sure you’re eating a healthy, balanced diet, that you’re getting plenty of sleep, and you’re exercising!
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic.