Signs You Might Be (Inflamm) Aging
/What the heck is inflammaging you might be asking? Well…the term “inflammaging” has been credited to a Dr. Claudio Franceschi, MD, from the University of Bologna in Italy to describe the somewhat out-of-control, chronic inflammation that can lead to premature aging.
Inflammation can be a sneaky, silent contributor to debilitating chronic diseases often associated with aging including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, depression and dementia. Contributors can include genetics, obesity, increased gut permeability and health of the gut microbiome along with immune cell dysregulation and chronic infections or viruses. Levels of inflammation can be examined via elevated levels of blood inflammatory markers such as C-Reactive Protein and pro-inflammatory cytokines, however, often once these are measured… inflammation has taken hold.
Fortunately, if you are listening to your body… it shares warning signs that inflammaging may be on the uptick.
Chronic pain. The number one sign of low level inflammaging is chronic pain that has no apparent cause. Chronic pain accounts for 1 in 5 doctor office visits around the world with a much higher prevalence among older women. Inflammaging-related pain may show up as muscle or joint weakness and pain along with redness and soreness.
Moodiness. If your normal chill composure has been replaced with agitation and you are easily angered or upset by small annoyances, you may be experiencing inflammaging. Pro-inflammatory cytokines and gut permeability can cause immune-related reactions in the brain which can have a damaging impact mood + emotional health. Along these lines, some experiencing inflammaging can feel spacy and foggy more of the time.
Gut issues. Inflammatory damage in your intestinal lining can result in acid reflux and/or changes in bowel health and new or increasing inabilities to tolerate some foods.
Skin concerns. Rashes, acne, redness, undereye circles, wrinkles can all be part of aging but inflammation can accelerate or exacerbate these issues. Often women experiencing inflammaging report they look older than they feel they should. he good news is there are countless ways to prevent inflammaging from gaining a foothold, and even helping to reverse some of the damaging effects, through lifestyle and supporting the body with supplementation.
Working with a medical provider is a good idea if you suspect high levels of inflammation in your body. And… there are countless ways to get started to reverse some of the damaging effects, through nutrition and self-care.
You can get started by focusing on anti-inflammatory foods such as wild-caught fish and seafood, olives and olive oil, berries, dark leafy greens, walnuts, seeds and sip on green and black teas.
Adding turmeric + ginger and other anti-inflammatory herbs to your diet such as rosemary, parsley and cinnamon can add flavor and powerful antioxidants.
Kick C.R.A.P. (Chemical. Refined. Artificial. Processed) products to the curb.
Identify and address any food sensitivities + work to support gut healing.
Work with your healthcare provider or nutrition counselor to optimize key nutrients levels such as Vitamin D, C, omega-3s and consider supplementation if necessary.
Ensure you dial in to your stress levels, sleep and exercise.
Adequately addressing inflammaging requires a full systems approach to optimize gut health, detoxification, blood sugar balance and cellular repair. While it can first seem overwhelming, small shifts can begin to have a positive impact and the changes you make will help you not just feel better now but help you age with the energy and vibrance you desire (and deserve!).
Sources:
Ferrucci L, Fabbri E. Inflammageing: chronic inflammation in ageing, cardiovascular disease, and frailty. Nat Rev Cardiol. 2018 Sep;15(9):505-522. doi: 10.1038/s41569-018-0064-2. PMID: 30065258; PMCID: PMC6146930.
Di Giosia P, Stamerra CA, Giorgini P, Jamialahamdi T, Butler AE, Sahebkar A. The role of nutrition in inflammaging. Ageing Res Rev. 2022 May;77:101596. doi: 10.1016/j.arr.2022.101596. Epub 2022 Feb 24. PMID: 35219904.
