NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Inflammation is a natural immune response that helps protect the body from injury and infection, but when it becomes chronic, it can pose a health threat, according to the National Institutes of Health. Over time, chronic inflammation can contribute to rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, inflammatory bowel disease, and cardiovascular disease. Keeping the condition under control can help protect healthy tissues and support overall health, experts say. DOCTOR SAYS Jim LaValle, a Texas-based clinical pharmacist and metabolic medicine expert, told Fox News Digital that inflammation can be influenced by a variety of factors beyond injury or infection. Inflammation is a natural immune response that helps protect the body from injury and infection, but chronic inflammation can damage healthy tissues and contribute to serious diseases. (iStock) LaValle first pointed to the gut-immune-brain connection (the communication between gut microbes, the immune system, and the central nervous system) as a pathway that can influence the body’s inflammatory response. Beyond gut health, he said several everyday lifestyle factors can play a role in preventing chronic inflammation. DOCTORS SAY 8 FORGOTTEN HABITS COULD HELP FIGHT STRESS, OBESITY AND CHRONIC DISEASESNo. 1: Manage StressManaging stress and anxiety can help strengthen the gut-brain connection and keep inflammation under control, according to LaValle. He pointed to cortisol, a hormone released in response to stress, which he said can “wreak havoc on chemistry” when levels remain elevated. Stress can “wreak havoc on chemistry,” the expert warned. (iStock) Chronic stress can also affect the intestinal barrier, potentially allowing substances that would normally remain within the intestine to pass more easily, LaValle said. This increased intestinal permeability is sometimes called “leaky gut.” ZERO SUGAR, MORE PROBLEMS? STUDY REVEALS SURPRISING EFFECTS ON GUT HEALTH “So, it turns out that if I’m very stressed, I may be more prone to irritable bowel,” LaValle said, since stress can trigger or worsen digestive symptoms in some people.No. 2: Watch out for food triggers Diets high in sugar, fat, and ultra-processed foods can also affect gut health. Paying attention to which foods trigger certain symptoms can help identify possible food sensitivities or intolerances, LaValle noted. Paying attention to what types of foods trigger certain reactions or sensitivities can help pinpoint what is causing inflammation in the body. (iStock) Symptoms such as swelling, rashes, or discomfort after eating certain foods may indicate a food-related reaction, although they may have other causes. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP Certain medications, including antibiotics, can also alter the gut microbiome, but their effects vary by drug and individual, the expert said. 3: Keep Blood Sugar Under Control Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels is another important factor in controlling inflammation, according to LaValle. Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels is another important factor in controlling inflammation. (iStock) LaValle noted that conditions such as diabetes and insulin resistance are often associated with chronic inflammation. CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES Research suggests that GLP-1 drugs, commonly prescribed for type 2 diabetes and obesity, may have anti-inflammatory effects, while scientists are investigating other potential benefits beyond weight loss and blood sugar control. 4: Be aware of environmental exposures The “exposome,” or environmental exposures that people experience throughout their lives, can influence inflammation and chronic disease risk, according to the National Institutes of Health. According to the expert, microplastics could trigger signs of inflammation. (iStock)LaValle highlighted emerging research on how environmental exposures (including “permanent chemicals,” microplastics, metals and pesticides) can affect weight, blood sugar regulation and other aspects of health. 5: Don’t train too much Regular exercise promotes overall health, but intense workouts without adequate recovery time can place additional stress on the body, LaValle warned. TRY OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ “You’re not getting a good enough recovery,” he said. “You’re training hard. And in fact, you might be training hard every day to reduce cortisol, but you’re not getting good recovery. And that could also lead to silent inflammatory signals.” Anyone who is concerned about chronic inflammation or experiences persistent symptoms should consult a doctor to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment. Angelica Stabile is a lifestyle reporter for Fox News Digital.
