Patriot Health Digest
Since inflammation happens deep inside your body, symptoms are not always obvious. Here, we have spoken to medical experts to help you find the subtle signals that you have chronic inflammation.
1. Concentration and Memory Issues
Your brain will likely bear the brunt if your body is suffering from inflammation.
Chronic stress usually leads to your body being constantly stimulated, especially around the sympathetic nervous system.
And this state of prolonged alertness can affect your sleep, which then can harm your memory and focus.
2. Muscle Weakness or Pain
If your muscles weak or sore but you don’t know why, it could be a sign of chronic inflammation.
When inflammatory cytokines are heightened in your body, they can cause muscle soreness along with swelling.
In fact, chronic inflammation can damage your muscle fibers, which means weakness and can also affect your arteries that pass through your muscle.
Plus, inflammation leads to swelling around and inside your joints, which can cause pain and discomfort.
3. Insulin Resistance
Chronic inflammation also causes an increase in your cortisol, which leads to your cells being more resistant to insulin, which is a hormone that regulates your blood sugar levels.
Because of this, inflammation-caused insulin resistance might lead to high blood sugar and maybe even type 2 diabetes.
How to Lower Chronic Inflammation
There are some easy habits you can do to stop chronic inflammation if you think you have it:
1. Lower Stress
Start doing activities that decrease stress like meditation, deep breathing and deep muscle relaxation.
2. Get Better Sleep
You should be getting at least seven hours every night. Sleep supports human growth hormone production and testosterone, which aids in the repair of your body.
3. Change Your Diet
Eat more anti-inflammatory items like vegetables and fruits, which are filled with antioxidants and polyphenols.
4. More Exercise
Routine exercise can help lower pro-inflammatory molecules and cytokines.
When to See a Doctor
If you have the signs of chronic inflammation, you should see your medical provider, who can do an assessment, including doing blood tests, and giving appropriate treatment options.
Author: Blake Ambrose
