29 Sep Acute Inflammation vs. Chronic Inflammation

The term “inflammation” seems to pop up everywhere these days. But what causes it? How do you know if it’s affecting you? And when does it shift from being natural and helpful to something that could harm your health?

Let’s simplify it so you can better understand what’s happening in your body and make choices that support your wellbeing.

Not All Inflammation Is Bad

We’ve all bumped into a coffee table or a hard object at some point. The swelling that follows? That’s your body’s built-in healing system kicking in. When you’re injured or fighting an infection, your immune system sends blood, protective cells, and nutrients to the affected area. This response is called acute inflammation, and it’s completely normal.

The redness, swelling, heat, and pain you feel are signs that your body is doing its job. Acute inflammation is usually short-lived, and the symptoms typically clear within a few hours to a few days as you heal.

What About Chronic Inflammation?

When inflammation sticks around too long, that’s when you need to pay attention. When your body can’t resolve the inflammatory response, often due to nutrient deficiencies, ongoing stress, toxins, or untreated infections, it can lead to chronic inflammation. Over time, this ongoing low-grade inflammation can disrupt your body’s normal functions and may lead to longer-term health challenges.

Common symptoms of inflammation include:

• Fatigue: When your immune system is in overdrive, it uses a lot of energy and can also trigger a low-grade fever.
• Gastrointestinal issues: Think constipation, bloating, or diarrhoea.
• Unexplained pain: Especially in the abdomen, chest, and joints.
• Skin flare-ups: Redness, puffiness, or recurring rashes.
• Weight gain: Especially around your belly. Chronic inflammation and weight gain often go hand in hand.
• High blood sugar: Inflammation can affect your insulin response, making it harder to regulate blood sugar.
• Brain fog: Blood sugar imbalances can also impact your focus and mental clarity.

A Helpful Marker: hs-CRP

One way to check for inflammation is a blood test that measures your high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels. This protein is produced by your liver when there’s inflammation in your body, even if it’s low-grade and ongoing.

Higher levels of hs-CRP can be a useful sign that something isn’t right. That said, this test alone won’t pinpoint the cause or severity of inflammation. It’s just one tool your healthcare provider may use to better understand your overall health.

What Can You Do?

While acute inflammation is part of your body’s natural healing toolkit, chronic inflammation isn’t something to ignore, especially when it can quietly wear down your health over time.

You can support your body naturally by:

• Eating more anti-inflammatory foods and taking antioxidant supplements
• Reducing refined sugar and highly processed foods
• Exercising regularly and managing stress where you can
• Prioritising good sleep and hydration
• Supporting your gut with probiotics and natural supplements
• Choosing low-toxic products for your home and body

These conscious shifts can help reduce inflammation and bring your body back into balance. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms above and suspect chronic inflammation might be at play, it’s always a good idea to check in with your healthcare practitioner.

Disclaimer:This content is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare professional for advice on medical issues.

Credits: Metagenics