SO, you want to be an inflammation detective? Good for you! If you do not address chronic inflammation, the source of your long-term body pains or discomfort, it will likely lead, in a few years or less, to organ damage and more severe health consequences. Unfortunately, modern doctors sometimes stop looking and sort of give up after checking a few basic things. To help you take responsibility for your own health, here is a checklist to help you discover the cause of some undiagnosed illnesses. Keep in mind as well that many diseases are only labels for clusters of symptoms (arthritis, for example), and they do not describe the underlying cause. You may be told by your doctor that the cause is unknown, but this does not mean that it cannot be known. With effort, keeping a log of your symptoms, test results, diet, and activities, you may discover the source of your illness and recover.
1. Sugar: Consuming excess sugar can lead to inflammation by triggering the release of inflammatory chemicals in the body. You can test for inflammation by checking your blood sugar levels or taking an HbA1c test to monitor long-term blood sugar control. A fasting blood glucose test is a useful additional test, since HbA1c may be skewed by the length of time your particular red blood cells live compared to the average of three months (120 days).
2. Refined grains: Refined grains like white bread and pasta have a high glycemic index, causing spikes in blood sugar levels and promoting inflammation. Monitoring your blood sugar levels can indirectly indicate inflammation due to refined grain consumption.
3. Artificial trans fats: Trans fats increase inflammation by damaging blood vessels and raising levels of inflammatory markers. Blood tests can indicate the levels of trans fats in your body. Trans fats, commonly found in fried and processed foods, increase inflammation by raising bad cholesterol levels and suppressing good cholesterol. Reading food labels and avoiding products that contain hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils is important.
4. Vegetable oils: Many vegetable oils contain high levels of omega-6 fatty acids, which promote inflammation. Blood tests can determine omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acid ratios, indicating potential inflammation. Using healthier alternatives like olive or avocado oil is recommended.
5. Processed meats: Processed meats are high in saturated fat and sodium, contributing to inflammation. Blood tests can assess markers like C-reactive protein (CRP) or pro-inflammatory cytokines to detect inflammation.
6. Excessive alcohol consumption: Alcohol triggers inflammation by damaging liver cells and promoting the release of inflammatory immune factors. Liver function tests can detect alcohol-induced inflammation.
7. High-fructose corn syrup: High-fructose corn syrup increases inflammation by promoting insulin resistance and oxidative stress. Blood tests can indicate insulin resistance and liver function, providing indirect evidence for inflammation.
8. Tobacco smoke: Inhalation of tobacco smoke causes inflammation in the lungs and throughout the body. Lung function tests and blood tests can detect signs of smoke-related inflammation.
9. Chronic Excessive stress: Chronic stress triggers the release of stress hormones, leading to inflammation. Cortisol tests can measure stress hormone levels in saliva or blood to indicate inflammation. Stress hormones like cortisol can damage body tissues. Practicing stress management techniques such as exercise, meditation, and mindfulness can help.
10. Lack of sleep: Insufficient sleep disrupts immune system function and increases inflammation. Sleep studies can measure sleep quality and duration, reflecting potential inflammation. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule and creating a conducive sleep environment are essential for reducing inflammation.
11. Sedentary lifestyle: Prolonged sitting and lack of physical activity promote inflammation. No specific test exists, but monitoring physical activity levels can help manage inflammation. A lack of physical activity can promote chronic inflammation by reducing circulation and impairing the body’s ability to regulate inflammatory markers. Regular exercise, even light activities like walking, can reduce inflammation.
12. Air pollution: Inhaling air pollutants causes inflammation in the respiratory system. Lung function tests or monitoring levels of inflammatory markers in the blood can indicate the impact of air pollution on inflammation.
13. Chronic infections: Persistent infections like sinusitis or periodontitis can sustain chronic inflammation. Blood tests or specific diagnostic tests for each infection can confirm if inflammation is present. Vral, bacterial, or fungal infections, can cause chronic inflammation. Seeking appropriate medical treatment to address underlying infections is crucial for reducing inflammation.
14. Excessive weight: Obesity leads to chronic low-level inflammation due to increased fat tissue producing inflammatory molecules. Testing body mass index (BMI) or waist circumference can help assess the potential for inflammation. Excess body weight contributes to inflammation by releasing inflammatory chemicals and triggering insulin resistance. Maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise can reduce inflammation.
15. Food sensitivities: Certain foods can trigger immune responses, leading to inflammation. Elimination diets followed by reintroduction can help identify specific food sensitivities contributing to inflammation.
16. Pesticides and herbicides: Exposure to pesticides and herbicides has been associated with increased inflammation. Blood tests can detect pesticide residues in the body.
17. Heavy metal exposure: Heavy metals like lead or mercury can cause inflammation by damaging cells and triggering an immune response. Blood or urine tests can determine heavy metal levels.
18. Chronic gastrointestinal conditions: Conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or Crohn’s disease can cause ongoing inflammation in the gut. Colonoscopies, endoscopies, and stool tests can diagnose these conditions and assess inflammation.
19. Nutrient deficiencies: Deficiencies in vitamins, minerals, or antioxidants can promote inflammation. Blood tests can determine nutrient deficiencies and indirectly assess inflammation.
20. Excessive intake of processed foods: Processed foods often contain additives and preservatives that trigger inflammation. Assessing the dietary intake of highly processed foods can aid in determining potential inflammation.
Summary
Chronic inflammation is an underlying pathological condition that can lead to various diseases and negatively affect aging, disease susceptibility, and healthy life expectancy[4]. It is essential to identify and manage chronic inflammation to maintain overall health. Here is a checklist to help you become a “Chronic Inflammation Detective”:
Citations:
[1] https://newsi8.com/chronic-inflammation-detective-checklist/
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7147972/
[3] https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/House/Health_Aged_Care_and_Sport/BiotoxinIllnesses/Report/section?id=committees%2Freportrep%2F024194%2F26442
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6628010/
[5] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/21660-inflammation
