First off, not all inflammation is bad. 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.
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.
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. Ask for a blood test to check your high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels – a protein produced by your liver when there’s inflammation in your body, even if it’s low-grade.
What can you do? 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.
Find out more by visiting Faithful to Nature.
