Chronic inflammation of the body - what it is, symptoms, treatment
Chronic inflammation of the body is a dangerous inflammation that does not go away for several months to several years.
TekstLudwik Jelonek
Tekst
Ludwik Jelonek
Natu.Care Editor
Ludwik Jelonek is the author of more than 2,500 texts published on leading portals. His content has found its way into services such as Ostrovit and Kobieta Onet. At Natu.Care, Ludwik educates people in the most important area of life - health.
Ilona Krzak obtained her Master of Pharmacy degree from the Medical University of Wrocław. She did her internship in a hospital pharmacy and in the pharmaceutical industry. She is currently working in the profession and also runs an educational profile on Instagram: @pani_z_apteki
Bart Turczynski is the editor-in-chief of Natu.Care. He is responsible for the quality of the content created on Natu.Care, among others, and ensures that all articles are based on sound scientific research and consulted with industry specialists.
Nina Wawryszuk specialises in sports supplementation, strength training and psychosomatics. On a daily basis, in addition to writing articles for Natu.Care, as a personal trainer she helps athletes improve their performance through training, diet and supplementation.
Articles on Natu.Care are written based on scientific research, data from government websites and other reliable sources. The texts are written in cooperation with doctors, nutritionists and other health and beauty experts. Articles are reviewed before publication and during significant updates.
Content on Natu.Care may contain links to products from the sale of which we may receive a commission. When creating content, we adhere to high editorial standards and take care to be objective about the products discussed. The presence of affiliate links is not dictated by our partners, and we select the products we review ourselves completely independently.
Inflammation is your body's natural response to a threat or injury. It is what makes you able to fight various infections such as colds.
The problem arises when your body does not stop sending out inflammatory cells, even though the external threat is long gone. That's when you're dealing with chronic inflammation.
That's a very dangerous condition.
This is a very dangerous reaction of your body, so together with Ilona Krzak, MSc, we will introduce you to its causes, symptoms and potential treatment.
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From this article you will learn:
What inflammation is, what types of inflammation there are and why it is dangerous.
What causes it and what it is and why it is dangerous.
What causes it and how it manifests itself.
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In which areas of the body is chronic inflammation most common.
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What diseases it can result in and how it is treated.
Chronic inflammation, also known as long-term, slow inflammation, is a protracted response by the immune system. Your body triggers it, for example, because of a disruption in its function, tissue damage or a violation of homeostasis.
Most often, chronic inflammation is characterised by an insignificant severity, but occurs over several months or even years. When not treated properly, it can lead to dangerous conditions such as heart disease, type II diabetes and even cancer.
What is the difference between chronic inflammation and acute inflammation?
Acute and chronic inflammation are two dangerous conditions of the body that at first glance appear similar. Despite this, they are characterised by a number of important differences.
Origorous inflammation usually occurs as the body's response to injury or infection. It is short-lived - lasting from a few minutes to a few days. It can be intense but ends quickly as the body removes pathogens and repairs the damage.
On the other hand, chronic inflammation is a long-term process that can last weeks, months or even years. It is often the result of an unresolved acute inflammatory response or a condition that causes ongoing irritation, such as chronic illness, long-term infection or exposure to irritants.
What leads to chronic inflammation?
Most body problems have a cause. Chronic inflammation is no different. What leads to it?
Why does it cause chronic inflammation?
Regular exposure to external toxins such as tobacco smoke increases the risk of chronic inflammation.
Factor
Why does it cause chronic inflammation?
Autoimmune diseases
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In people with autoimmune diseases, the immune system attacks the body's healthy cells, resulting in chronic inflammation.
The immune system attacks the body's healthy cells, resulting in chronic inflammation.
Chronic stress
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Permanent stress can contribute to the creation of inflammation by affecting the body's immune response.
A diet high in saturated fat, simple sugars and low in fibre adversely affects the body's function.
Diet high in saturated fat, simple sugars and low in fibre adversely affects the body's function.
Obesity
Overabundance of body fat, especially in the abdominal area, is one of the factors in chronic inflammation.
Exposure to toxins
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Regular exposure to external toxins such as tobacco smoke increases the risk of chronic inflammation.
Chronic infections
In some cases, the body is unable to completely rid itself of the infection - this results in prolonged inflammation.
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Fat tissue itself produces mediators of inflammation. This is why its reduction is so important in the treatment of pre-diabetes, diabetes or circulatory failure, adds pharmacist.
What are the symptoms of chronic inflammation?
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Symptoms of chronic inflammation vary according to its location, severity, and the characteristics of the patient's body. However, there are a few symptoms that are present in most people. What should raise your concern?
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Chronic fatigue. A constant feeling of exhaustion that does not disappear even after rest is a common symptom of chronic inflammation. Fatigue most often affects the ability to work normally and carry out daily activities. Chronic exhaustion usually results from the immune system's constant effort to deal with inflammation.
Pain. Pain, especially in joints or muscles, often occurs during chronic inflammation. It can be constant or come and go. In most cases, it is caused by continuous inflammatory factors that irritate the nerves in the affected areas.
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Mood disorders. There is growing evidence that chronic inflammation can have a major impact on mental health. Inflammation affects the brain, contributing to symptoms such as feelings of anxiety and mood volatility.
Difficulties with concentration. Chronic inflammation affects not only the body, but also the brain. Therefore, it can lead to problems with concentration, memory and other cognitive functions. Sometimes people with chronic inflammation develop what is known as brain fog - a condition characterised by feelings of disorientation and difficulty concentrating.
Sleep disorders. Problems falling asleep, waking frequently during the night, restless sleep or feeling sleep deprived upon awakening can all be associated with chronic inflammation. Typically, it is the restlessness or pain caused by inflammation that can make it difficult to fall asleep, or to get a deep sleep.
Gastrointestinal problems. Chronic inflammation also affects the digestive tract, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhoea, bloating or nausea. In most cases, it is caused by digestive problems or dysbiosis, a disruption of the gut flora.
Although the symptoms listed above may indicate chronic inflammation, remember that they can also occur in many other conditions and diseases. These symptoms are quite general and can therefore be associated with many different factors, not just inflammation.
Therefore, if you notice one or more of these symptoms in yourself, you should always consult your doctor. Only a professional medical assessment and possible investigations can lead to a correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
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Where does chronic inflammation most commonly occur?
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Chronic inflammation can occur virtually anywhere in the body, but there are a few areas that are particularly frequently affected by it. Some of these include, for example, the endometrium, throat, sinuses, vagina, cervix, thyroid, teeth and tonsils.
Gastric
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Severe gastritis is most commonly caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, which colonises the stomach. Other causes include long-term use of certain agents such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking or stress.
Symptoms of chronic gastritis can vary, but most commonly include abdominal pain, a feeling of fullness, nausea, vomiting, heartburn and loss of appetite.
Chronic gastritis, if left untreated, can lead to more serious conditions such as ulcers or cancer.
Treatment of chronic gastritis depends on the cause and usually includes treatment of H. pylori infection, lifestyle changes (elimination of smoking, alcohol, stress), possible changes in medication and taking gastric acid suppressants.
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Endometrium
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Permanent inflammation of the endometrium usually results from a bacterial infection accompanied by local inflammation. In some women, this condition may produce no symptoms, while in others it leads to unpleasant symptoms such as:
unusual vaginal bleeding,
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pain in the lower abdomen,
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problems with fertility,
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Chronic endometritis can also cause the formation of endometrial polyps (small outgrowths in the endometrium) and can even lead to the development of endometrial cancer.
Treatment of chronic endometrial inflammation usually includes antibiotics to combat the resulting infection. Sometimes drugs are also used to control inflammatory reactions. In extreme cases, surgical removal of the uterus (hysterectomy).
Regular screening, such as cytology, allows for early detection of any endometrial abnormalities.
Throat
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Permanent inflammation of the throat can be caused by many factors. Most commonly, however, it is led by chronic or recurrent viral or bacterial infections, such as tonsillitis.
Symptoms of chronic pharyngitis include:
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pain or discomfort in the throat,
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difficulty swallowing,
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hoarseness,
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prolonged cough,
difficulty coughing,
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enlarged lymph nodes in the neck,
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Unmedicated chronic inflammation of the throat, leads to more serious health problems such as sleep apnoea (caused by enlarged tonsils) or chronic infection that can invade other parts of the body.
Chronic pharyngitis is most often treated by fighting the infection (if it exists) with antibiotics and painkillers. Symptomatic treatment with throat rinses, for example, is also used. In more severe cases, where infections regularly cause serious problems, the doctor may suggest removal of the tonsils.
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Inflammation
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Severe sinusitis is usually caused by bacterial or viral infections, but can also be the result of allergies or other factors such as nasal polyps or a deviated nasal septum.
Symptoms of chronic sinusitis include:
chronic rhinitis,
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pain or discomfort in the facial area (especially around the forehead and nose),
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sneezing,
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clogged nose,
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loss of smell,
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Some people may also experience additional symptoms, such as headaches, fatigue or trouble sleeping.
Severe sinusitis is usually treated with antihistamines, nasal corticosteroids, saline rinses and, in some cases, antibiotics.
There are some cases of chronic sinusitis.
In worse cases, if pharmacological treatment is unsuccessful, surgical treatment may be necessary.
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Vaginitis
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Severe vaginitis, also known as chronic vaginosis, is a condition in which the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted, leading to chronic inflammation.
Most often it is caused by an excess of bacteria of the species Gardnerella vaginalis, which outcompete the naturally predominant bacteria Lactobacillus. This results in symptoms such as:
pruritus,
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burning,
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discomfort,
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unusual discharge,
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unpleasant odour,
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Prolonged vaginal inflammation, especially if not properly treated, leads to more serious health problems such as increased risk of sexually transmitted infections, pelvic inflammatory disease and fertility problems.
There is no single solution for treating chronic vaginitis - it depends on the cause. However, antibiotics or other antimicrobial drugs are most commonly given to help restore the normal vaginal bacterial flora.
There is no single solution for chronic vaginitis.
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Cervix
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Cervical chronic inflammation is usually caused by infections, often sexually transmitted, such as chlamydia. Sometimes, however, the cause of chronic cervical inflammation can also be due to inappropriate hormone levels, physical trauma or an allergic reaction.
Symptoms of chronic cervicitis include discharge, pain during intercourse, discomfort in the lower abdomen and abnormal bleeding. However, many women do not experience any visible symptoms.
Chronic cervicitis, if not treated properly, leads to serious complications such as infertility, ectopic pregnancy or an increased risk of cervical cancer.
Thyroid
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Severe inflammation thyroiditis -otherwise known as Hashimoto's disease -is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, leading to chronic stress on it.
Unusually the initial symptoms are inconspicuous and vague, but over time they can progress to symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as:
fatigue,
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cold intolerance,
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constipation,
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weight gain,
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depression,
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concentration disorders,
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Treatment of chronic thyroiditis usually involves continuous intake of levothyroxine, a thyroid hormone that helps to both control symptoms and prevent possible complications.
Treatment of chronic thyroiditis usually involves continuous intake of levothyroxine, a thyroid hormone that helps to both control symptoms and prevent possible complications.
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Teeth
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Chronic inflammation of the teeth, most commonly occurs in the form of chronic pulpitis, or pulpitis, or chronic periodontitis (periodontitis).
Pulpitis is an inflammation of the tissue interior of the tooth caused by decay, mechanical damage or other factors. Symptoms of this condition include.:
pain,
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sensitivity to heat and cold,
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swelling and redness of the gums around the tooth,
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On the other hand, chronic periodontitis, also known as periodontal disease, is a condition in which the gums and other supporting structures of the teeth become inflamed. This can lead to bleeding gums, swelling, pain, bad breath and, in advanced stages, even tooth loss.
The treatment of chronic dental inflammation usually involves dental procedures such as root canal treatment, professional teeth cleaning, following good oral hygiene habits and, in some cases, the use of antibiotics.
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Malarials
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Chronic tonsillitis usually occurs through recurrent bacterial or viral infections. In some cases, it can also be the result of other problems, such as allergies or chronic irritation.
Symptoms of chronic tonsillitis include :
long-term sore throat,
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difficulty swallowing,
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fever,
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enlarged lymph nodes in the neck,
difficulty in swallowing,
difficulty in swallowing,
fever.
enlarged, red tonsils,
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The treatment of chronic tonsillitis often depends on the cause. Some people need antibiotics to fight bacterial infections, others need medication to relieve pain and swelling, and the rest need throat rinses.
There is no need for antibiotics.
For severe or recurrent tonsillitis, the doctor may suggest tonsillectomy, a surgical procedure to remove the tonsils.
In what other areas of the body is chronic inflammation common?
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Joints,
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skin,
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neural system,
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ears,
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Achilles tendon,
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macica,
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gut,
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prostate,
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pancreas,
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Why is chronic inflammation dangerous?
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Chronic inflammation is dangerous primarily because it leads to many diseases. In addition to this, it can also damage tissues and limit the function of the immune system. Moreover, untreated, long-term inflammation can result in organ dysfunction.
Why chronic inflammation is dangerous?
Tissue damage. Inflammation is the body's natural repair process. However, if it becomes chronic, it can lead to tissue destruction due to the constant attack of the immune system.
Inflammation is the body's natural repair process.
Chronic diseases. Chronic inflammation can result in many chronic conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, as well as autoimmune or neurodegenerative conditions (e.g. Alzheimer's disease) and some types of cancer.
Higher immune system function. If the immune system is consistently stimulated by inflammation, it functions less well, increasing susceptibility to infection.
Organ dysfunction. Chronic inflammation can also cause organ dysfunction, for example through fibrosis (excessive connective tissue buildup) in organs such as the heart, lungs and kidneys.
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How is chronic inflammation treated?
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The treatment of chronic inflammation always depends on the basis of the disease, the patient's current condition, as well as other factors. Nevertheless, there are a few general principles that are often used in this process.
Anti-inflammatory drugs. Agents such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often the first step in the treatment of chronic inflammation. They inhibit the production of inflammatory mediators that cause inflammation, which can help to reduce unpleasant symptoms.
Lifestyle changes. Incorporating healthy eating habits, regular physical activity, stress management and ensuring adequate length and sleep hygiene are also important elements of treatment against chronic inflammation. These changes can help to boost the body's overall immunity and reduce chronic inflammation.
Specific medications. Depending on the cause of the chronic inflammation, for example with rheumatoid arthritis or Crohn's disease, doctors may prescribe specific medications to effectively combat the condition. These may be disease-modifying agents such as methotrexate or biologic drugs.
Physical therapy. If chronic inflammation affects mobility, physiotherapy or massage, for example, may be necessary. These methods help to increase the patient's range of motion, muscle strength and general wellbeing.
Surgery. In some cases, when other treatment methods prove insufficient, surgical intervention may be necessary. It is not infrequently the definitive method of treatment, reserved for the most critical conditions.
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Remember to always consult a treatment plan for chronic inflammation with your doctor. Only a specialist can tailor this process to your current condition.
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How to detect inflammation
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Blood tests can help detect chronic inflammation by identifying certain inflammatory markers. The most commonly used tests for this purpose are:
CRP, or C-reactive protein. This protein is produced by the liver in response to inflammation. CRP levels usually rise when there is inflammation in the body.
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Biernacki's test (ESR). Test This measures the rate at which red blood cells sink to the bottom of the tube over an hour. A higher result may indicate inflammation in the body.
Tests for autoimmune antibodies. These tests can detect certain autoimmune diseases that often cause chronic inflammation. Examples include the rheumatoid factor (RF) test, which is used in the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis.
Remember that blood tests are only one diagnostic tool, and the results should always be interpreted in the context of other symptoms by a specialist.
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On the other hand, it is worth checking the Passer's Reaction together with other inflammation parameters, as it rises slowly and also slowly falls - even over several to several days. Thus, we manage the inflammation and the parameter continues to indicate it. In addition, elderly people or pregnant women may have physiologically elevated ESR levels, advises magister of pharmacy.
How to reduce chronic inflammation on your own?
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Chronic inflammation is a dangerous problem that should always be addressed by a doctor. However, if you have already received recommendations, it is worth doing something more to speed up the recovery process. How to reduce chronic inflammation?
Lifestyle changes. Maintaining healthy habits such as regular exercise and getting enough sleep can reduce inflammation.
Consider the following.
Anti-inflammatory diet. A diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods such as fruits, vegetables, fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids and low in processed foods is beneficial not just for people with inflammation, but for everyone.
Manage stress. Practising relaxation techniques and managing stress can reduce inflammation, as stress contributes to its maintenance.
Avoiding stimulants. Alcohol, tobacco and other stimulants increase inflammation in the body. Avoiding these substances can alleviate chronic inflammation.
Maintain a healthy body weight. Excess body fat, especially belly fat, can contribute to chronic inflammation. Maintaining a healthy body weight can help reduce inflammation.
What diet to follow for chronic inflammation?
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Adequate diet is important for everyone. But for people with chronic inflammation, it gets especially important. What's worth eating when you're struggling with this problem?
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Nutrients
Why does it work?
What to eat?
Omega-3 fatty acids
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Omeega-3 fatty acids have natural anti-inflammatory properties, so they may help relieve chronic inflammation.
Ome-3 fatty acids have natural anti-inflammatory properties, so they may help relieve chronic inflammation.
Antioxidants neutralise harmful oxidative stress, which can cause inflammation and tissue damage.
berry
dark chocolate
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nuts
citrus
spinach
Fiber
Fiber promotes gut health, which can support the fight against inflammation - especially with autoimmune diseases that are related to the gastrointestinal tract.
avocado
asparagus
full grain cereal products
legumes
legumes
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legumes
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flaxseed
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Probiotics and prebiotics
Probiotics and prebiotics support gut health by promoting good bacteria, which reduces the havoc wreaked by chronic inflammation.
Probiotics and prebiotics support gut health by promoting good bacteria, which reduces the havoc wreaked by chronic inflammation.
natural yoghurt
kefir
sauerkraut (sauerkraut, cucumbers)
pickles
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garlic
cucumber
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Polyphenols
Polyphenols exhibit potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help protect the body from chronic inflammation.
green tea
red wine
blueberries
dark chocolate
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olive oil
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Do ice baths work for chronic inflammation?
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Ice baths are often used by athletes and people with active lifestyles to reduce inflammation and speed up muscle recovery after intense cardio workouts. Although some studies suggest that they may help reduce chronic inflammation, the evidence is still mixed, with most trials looking at short-term rather than chronic inflammation.
Ludwik Jelonek is the author of more than 2,500 texts published on leading portals. His content has found its way into services such as Ostrovit and Kobieta Onet. At Natu.Care, Ludwik educates people in the most important area of life - health.
Master of Pharmacy
Ilona Bush
Verified by an expert
Ilona Krzak obtained her Master of Pharmacy degree from the Medical University of Wrocław. She did her internship in a hospital pharmacy and in the pharmaceutical industry. She is currently working in the profession and also runs an educational profile on Instagram: @pani_z_apteki
Editor-in-Chief
Bart Turczynski
Bart Turczynski is the editor-in-chief of Natu.Care. He is responsible for the quality of the content created on Natu.Care, among others, and ensures that all articles are based on sound scientific research and consulted with industry specialists.
Natu.Care Editor
Nina Wawryszuk
Nina Wawryszuk specialises in sports supplementation, strength training and psychosomatics. On a daily basis, in addition to writing articles for Natu.Care, as a personal trainer she helps athletes improve their performance through training, diet and supplementation.