Inflammation and Longevity
Learn about the link between inflammation and disease and how to protect your health.
In moderation, inflammation is a good thing. It shows that your immune system is responding to and eliminating a threat such an injury or an infection. But in excess, inflammation can be very dangerous. If you have chronic inflammation, your immune system can start attacking healthy systems in your body, causing disease and ultimately diminishing your longevity.
Chronic Inflammation Can Shorten Your Life
Chronic inflammation has been associated with many diseases commonly associated with aging. For example, if inflammatory cells circulate too long in your bloodstream, this can promote plaque buildup. This will trigger more inflammation as your immune system tries to fight the plaque. Eventually the plaque may become so thick that you develop heart disease or have a stroke.
Chronic inflammation has also been associated with a whole host of other diseases and conditions, including arthritis, high blood pressure, cancer, IBS, and Alzheimer’s.
In addition to causing or contributing to many chronic diseases, inflammation can also shorten your life by shortening your telomeres. Telomeres are the protective structures at the end of the chromosomes inside every cell. With each cell division, the telomeres shorten until eventually they are lost and the cell becomes exhausted and dies. Inflammation can contribute to telomere damage through oxidative stress.
What Causes Chronic Inflammation?
A variety of factors can cause inflammation, including stress, hormonal imbalances, and environmental pollution. However, one of the most important factors is diet. A diet high in sugar and carbs and low in protein can trigger inflammation, and without enough antioxidant vitamins to combat free radicals, there will be even more damage. Additionally, a poor diet that causes obesity can be damaging because inflammation-causing cytokines and C-reactive proteins are believed to be created in fat cells.
How to Control Chronic Inflammation
The best way to control chronic inflammation and promote longevity is to change your diet. The Mediterranean diet is an excellent eating plan to adopt, since this diet has been linked with lower inflammation and longer telomeres. This diet focuses on fruits, vegetables, olive oil, nuts, beans, unrefined grains, and fish, with very little sugar or processed foods.
You will also want to make sure your diet includes plenty of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids. The easiest way to get your omega-3s is from a supplement such as Renew Youth’s™ krill oil supplement.
If you would like to learn more about controlling inflammation and other means of boosting longevity, please contact us at 800-859-7511.
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