Inflammation is a wildly misunderstood function of the immune system. Inflammation is actually a good function of the body with the major purpose of clean-out the old and stimulate new growth. Unfortunately, inflammation does have a few drawbacks. The main drawbacks are the stimulation of the tissue breakdown, pain pathways, heat generation, and water retention. A good example of an inflammatory state is a sprained ankle. Inflammation is designed to be a temporary product of the body and is very destructive if produced in excess. In fact, excessive inflammation will affect every system and cell of the body converting cells into inflammation producing machines.
Of the ten leading causes of mortality in the United States, chronic, low-level inflammation contributes to the pathogenesis of at least seven. These include heart disease, cancer, chronic lower respiratory disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and nephritis.
Risks factor associated with low level inflammation:
- Age
- Obesity
- High Carbohydrate Diet
- Low hormone levels
- Smoking
- Sleep Disorders
- High Stress levels
Chronic inflammation is not routinely detective and tested in the medical community and the treatment is lacking. Chronic inflammation is the type of condition where functional medicine is very proficient and effective. It is important to be tested for chronic inflammation. Common tests done to detect levels of inflammation are blood levels of CRP, Homocysteine, HAIC, Sedimentary Rate, and Oxidized LDL as well as a Urine MDA (oxidata test).
Chronic inflammation is highly associated with almost every negative aspect to aging. Each person should consider creating a specific nutritional and herbal program to help resolve inflammation and prevent chronic inflammatory states.