Inflammation

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Michaela Robbins, DNP | Apr 06, 2023

Inflammaging Part 1: What Causes Inflammation?

Inflammaging Part 2: Stress Management

Inflammaging Part 3: The Inflammatory Diet

Questions about Inflammation

What is chronic inflammation?

Chronic inflammation is a prolonged, persistent inflammatory response in the body. Unlike acute inflammation, which is a normal part of the body's healing process, chronic inflammation can be harmful and lead to tissue damage over time.

How is inflammation connected to the aging process?

Inflammation has been linked to the aging process, a concept sometimes called "inflamm-aging". Chronic, low-level inflammation contributes to many degenerative changes that occur with aging, including a decline in immune function and an increased risk of chronic diseases.

What are the links between chronic inflammation and diseases of aging?

Chronic inflammation has been associated with many diseases commonly seen in aging, such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and arthritis. This is thought to occur because the ongoing inflammatory process can lead to tissue damage and abnormal cell growth over time.

What are the root causes of inflammation?

Various factors can contribute to chronic inflammation. These include genetic predisposition, prolonged infections, exposure to environmental toxins, poor diet, lack of exercise, obesity, and chronic stress. Aging itself can also lead to a state of low-grade chronic inflammation.

How can we address inflammation?

There are many ways to address inflammation. Lifestyle modifications such as a healthy diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and stress management can all help reduce inflammation. Therapeutic interventions like low dose naltrexone therapy and high dose IV vitamin C are also being used to address chronic inflammation.

More About Inflammation

Inflammation is a natural and essential response of the immune system to injury or infection. It plays a crucial role in the body's defense mechanisms, helping to initiate the healing process. However, as we age, the balance of inflammation within our bodies can shift, leading to chronic low-level inflammation. This persistent state of inflammation has been linked to various age-related diseases and the overall aging process.

As we grow older, the immune system undergoes changes, resulting in a phenomenon known as "inflammaging." Inflammaging is believed to contribute to the development of age-related diseases, including cardiovascular conditions, neurodegenerative disorders, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.

At a cellular level, chronic inflammation can accelerate the aging process. It can lead to the accumulation of oxidative stress and damage to cellular components, including DNA, proteins, and lipids. This damage impairs cellular function and can contribute to the development of age-related conditions. Moreover, chronic inflammation triggers the release of harmful molecules called cytokines, which can promote tissue degeneration and disrupt normal cellular communication. Mitochondria, the powerhouse of our cells, are essential for energy production. Chronic inflammation can impair mitochondrial function, leading to increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and a decline in cellular energy production. This mitochondrial dysfunction further exacerbates the aging process and contributes to the development of age-related diseases.

While inflammation is a natural part of our immune response, chronic inflammation should be minimized to promote healthy aging. Lifestyle factors such as regular exercise, a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, and stress reduction techniques can help reduce chronic inflammation. Additionally, certain medications and supplements, can be used to help manage inflammation such as NAD+ supplementation, Omega-3 Fish Oil, Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN), High Dose IV Vitamin C and Butyrate supplementation. These solutions should be taken only under the supervision of a medical professional. At Modern Age, we believe that understanding the relationship between inflammation and aging is vital for promoting healthy aging and preventing age-related diseases.