10 Ways Chronic Inflammation Can Damage Your Body

Chronic inflammation causes diseases that can occur throughout the body and affect various organs, and all body systems.

The most common health problems caused by chronic inflammation include asthma and allergies, obesity, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, cancer, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, coeliac disease, ulcerative colitis, or cancer.

"Inflammation lies at the root of many chronic diseases, acting as a precursor to conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and even cancer." --- Dr. Andrew Weil

 

"Chronic inflammation is like a slow-burning fire within the body, silently contributing to the development and progression of various diseases." --- Dr. Mark Hyman

 

"Inflammation is the common denominator in many diseases; addressing it can often prevent or mitigate the onset of serious health issues." - Dr. Josh Axe

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease often caused by chronic inflammation which affects almost 40 million people in the US alone.

Many people over 40 years old, suffer from it and most are worried there is no cure. The degenerative nature of osteoarthritis, delaying action can lead to further injury and a longer recovery.

Chronic inflammation is real and it causes health issues, including:

•   Memory loss and cognitive decline, as well as alzheimer and dementia
•   Increased cardiovascular risk
•   Abnormal growth of healthy cells and cancer cells
•   Compromised digesting function
•   Loss of muscle tone and muscle strength
•   Weight gain and obesity, without necessarily eating a lot
•   Accelerated skin aging
•   Joing pain and loss of mobility

To help protect the body against inflammation, there are herbs that can be incorporated into your diet as teas, spices, or supplements to help combat inflammation and support overall health and well-being. As always, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional before adding new herbs or supplements to your routine, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medications.

1. Cardiovascular Damage
•   Chronic inflammation can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
•    REMEDY: Turmeric contains curcumin, a potent anti-inflammatory compound that can help reduce inflammation, help cardiovascular function, and alleviate symptoms of conditions like arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
2. Digestive Disorders
•   Chronic inflammation in the digestive tract can lead to conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and contribute to symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and malabsorption.
•   REMEDY: Boswellia, also known as Indian frankincense, boswellia contains compounds called boswellic acids, which have been shown to inhibit inflammation, help digestion, and provide relief from conditions like osteoarthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
3. Joint Degeneration
•   Inflammation in the joints can lead to conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, causing pain, stiffness, and joint damage over time.
•   REMEDY: Ginger contains gingerol, which has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, making it effective in reducing inflammation and easing symptoms of conditions like osteoarthritis and muscle pain.
4. Neurological Impairment
•   Inflammation in the brain can contribute to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, impairing cognitive function and motor skills
•   REMEDY: Green Tea contains polyphenols such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which have strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, helping to reduce inflammation and protect against chronic diseases.
5. Metabolic Dysfunction
•   Chronic inflammation is associated with insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes, leading to problems with blood sugar regulation and increased risk of cardiovascular complications.
•   REMEDY: Rosemary contains rosmarinic acid and other antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory properties, making it beneficial for reducing inflammation and supporting overall health.
6. Respiratory Issues
•   Inflammation in the airways can exacerbate conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), leading to breathing difficulties and decreased lung function.
•   REMEDY: Cinnamon contains cinnamaldehyde, which has anti-inflammatory effects and may help reduce inflammation associated with conditions like diabetes and heart disease.
7. Skin Problems
•   Chronic inflammation can worsen skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis, leading to irritation, redness, and flares.
•   REMEDY: Cloves is rich in antioxidants and compounds like eugenol, cloves have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms of conditions like arthritis and digestive disorders.
8. Organ Damage
•   Prolonged inflammation can damage organs such as the liver and kidneys, leading to conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD).
•   REMEDY: Peppermint contains menthol and other compounds with anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, making it helpful for reducing inflammation and relieving symptoms of conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and headaches.
9. Immune System Dysfunction
•   Chronic inflammation can dysregulate the immune system, leading to autoimmune diseases where the body attacks its own tissues, such as lupus and multiple sclerosis.
•   REMEDY: Chamomile contains flavonoids and terpenoids with anti-inflammatory effects, making it beneficial for reducing inflammation and promoting relaxation and digestive health.
10. Cancer Risk
•   Chronic inflammation can promote the growth and spread of cancer cells, increasing the risk of various types of cancer, including colorectal, lung, and breast cancer.
•   REMEDY: Holy Basil (Tulsi) contains eugenol, rosmarinic acid, and other compounds with anti-inflammatory properties, making it useful for reducing inflammation and supporting immune health.