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Inflammation is a natural immune response that helps the body fight off infection, heal injuries, and protect itself from harmful invaders. However, when inflammation becomes chronic or progresses unchecked, it can lead to a wide range of health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis. Recognizing the signs of progressing inflammation early can help you take action before it leads to more serious health problems. Here are seven signs that your inflammation might be progressing and what you can do about it.
If you're experiencing ongoing joint pain, stiffness, or swelling, it could be a sign of progressing inflammation. Inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or lupus cause the immune system to attack the joints, leading to pain and discomfort. Over time, untreated inflammation can damage the cartilage and bones, making movement difficult. If joint pain persists for weeks or months, it's important to see a healthcare provider to determine the cause and begin appropriate treatment. 1
Chronic inflammation can lead to constant feelings of fatigue, even if you're getting enough sleep. When your body is in a prolonged state of inflammation, it requires extra energy to fight off perceived threats, leaving you feeling drained and tired. This persistent tiredness is a common symptom of inflammatory conditions like fibromyalgia, autoimmune diseases, and chronic fatigue syndrome. If you're constantly feeling fatigued, it might be a sign that inflammation is affecting your body more than you realize. 2
Ongoing inflammation in the gut can result in digestive problems such as bloating, gas, diarrhea, or constipation. Conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis are all associated with chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. If you notice changes in your bowel movements, frequent stomach discomfort, or pain, it may be a sign of underlying inflammation affecting your digestive system. 3
Inflammation can also manifest in the skin, leading to conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or acne. If you're experiencing persistent redness, swelling, or breakouts, especially when combined with other symptoms like joint pain or digestive issues, chronic inflammation might be to blame. Skin inflammation can worsen over time, causing significant damage if not addressed properly. Consult a dermatologist if you notice changes in your skin that don't improve with typical skincare routines. 4
Inflammation can cause the body to retain excess fluid and fat, leading to unexplained weight gain, especially around the abdomen. Chronic inflammation can disrupt hormones like cortisol and insulin, which play a role in metabolism and fat storage. If you're struggling to lose weight despite dieting and exercising, progressing inflammation may be contributing to your difficulty. Managing inflammation through lifestyle changes, diet, and stress reduction can help address this issue. 5
When the body is in a state of chronic inflammation, the immune system becomes overactive and may not function properly, leading to an increased susceptibility to infections. If you're frequently catching colds, developing recurrent infections, or taking longer to recover from illnesses, this could indicate that your inflammation is progressing and interfering with your immune response. Strengthening the immune system through proper nutrition and anti-inflammatory practices can help boost your body's defense mechanisms. 6
Chronic inflammation doesn’t just affect the body—it can also impact mental health. Inflammation in the brain has been linked to mood disorders like anxiety and depression. It can also cause brain fog, difficulty concentrating, and memory problems. If you're experiencing emotional instability, trouble focusing, or a general sense of mental fatigue, it might be a sign that inflammation is affecting your brain and nervous system. Taking steps to reduce inflammation through diet, exercise, and stress management can have a positive effect on your mental well-being. 7
Recognizing the signs of progressing inflammation early is crucial for preventing long-term damage to your body. If you're experiencing persistent joint pain, fatigue, digestive issues, skin problems, unexplained weight gain, frequent infections, or mood swings, it's important to consult a healthcare professional for evaluation. Chronic inflammation is often a sign of an underlying condition that requires attention, and managing it through anti-inflammatory diets, regular exercise, and stress reduction can help reduce its impact on your overall health.
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†Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Product results may vary from person to person.