Silent Inflammation
What are silent inflammations? Can they cause harm, and if so, what exactly are the risks? We’ll soon provide information on what you should know about so-called “silent inflammations.”
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"Silent" versus "Noisy" Inflammation
We’re all familiar with the obvious signs of inflammation: when a sprained joint swells, a scrape turns red, or when an injury causes a sensation of heat and, above all, pain. Our senses tell us that inflammation is present in the body. These symptoms are a sign that the immune system has been mobilized to address the problem. Once the danger has passed, the signs of inflammation subside.
Silent inflammation gets its name because it is hidden and imperceptible. And that is exactly what makes it so dangerous. Scientists now know that inflammation that smolders silently and unnoticed can significantly impair our health.
Such inflammation then becomes chronic, keeping the immune system constantly active. It can spiral out of control, potentially leading to autoimmune diseases, for example. Other long-term health consequences and degenerative diseases may also occur.
Long-Term Effects of Silent Inflammation
- Degenerative diseases and deposits such as atherosclerosis, among others
- Neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and others
- Increased fat accumulation (especially in the abdominal area) due to elevated insulin secretion
- Promotion of carcinogenic diseases through increased cell growth (of both healthy and diseased cells)
- Induction of oxidative stress with the potential to damage tissues, genetic material, and DNA
- Psychological distress (depressive moods) caused by inflammatory processes in the brain
- Faster exhaustion due to an overactive immune system and increased inflammatory activity in the liver.
- Faster Aging Process
Field Report
“In our naturopathic practice, we repeatedly observe that patients have elevated inflammatory markers in their blood, such as CRP levels, the liver enzyme gamma-GT, and LPS levels. At the same time, they often have a low omega-3 index. This usually manifests as typical ‘inflammatory diseases’ such as
- Atherosclerosis
- Fatty Liver
- severe fatigue / exhaustion
- Autoimmune reactions, among other things
To manage inflammation, we always recommend, as a foundation, dietary adjustments, sufficient exercise, omega-3 fatty acids, and other micronutrients and forms of therapy appropriate for the specific condition."
Dr. Andreas Wies (HP), equalance Naturheilpraxis
Which organs are particularly affected?
The causes of inflammation are often found in the gut, the liver, and the mouth. That is why we should pay special attention to these areas and actively strengthen them.
Gut
If the composition of the gut flora (microbiome) deteriorates, it can lead not only to intestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s disease. If components of the cell walls of gut bacteria (known as LPS) enter the bloodstream, they trigger an infection response throughout the body.
Chronic inflammatory processes in the gut can lead to the destruction of the intestinal barrier over time. This is referred to as a leaky gut.
You can strengthen your gut especially well through your diet—here's how:
- Avoid sugar, sweeteners, and other additives
- Do not use ready-made products
- Use organic products that are as wholesome as possible
- Sour milk products, plain yogurt, and, if applicable, probiotics
- Micronutrients: vitamins D and A, magnesium, turmeric, and omega-3 fatty acids. The latter have a particularly strong anti-inflammatory effect.
In this post, you can read about which foods are especially good for your gut.
Liver
The liver regulates the supply of nutrients to the body's cells and, to that end, stores fat and ample amounts of glucose, which it releases into the bloodstream as needed.
However, our modern lifestyle often causes this system to go out of control. It forces the liver to store more fat than it can handle. Fatty liver is frequently diagnosed. Today, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFL) is found in nearly one in four adults. Even slim and young people (including children) can be affected.
Because of the excess fat in the tissue, the immune system floods the liver with inflammatory substances, which becomes a problem not only for the liver—the body’s metabolic center—but for the entire organism.
If you want to take good care of your liver, you should keep the following things in mind:
- Little or no alcohol
- Reduce your intake of fat and “empty” carbohydrates (such as sugar, flour, and pasta)
- Eat foods containing bitter compounds (such as those found in many vegetables). By the way, these also help curb cravings for sweets.
- No sodas or sweetened beverages. Be careful not to drink too much fruit juice.
- Medicinal plants: milk thistle, dandelion, and others
Mouth
Gum inflammation puts a strain on the entire immune system and can lead to serious illnesses. This is because the area between the teeth and the gums is a very sensitive boundary between the body’s interior and exterior.
Periodontal infections not only increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes; studies have even found a clear link to Alzheimer’s disease. Chronic inflammatory processes have been shown to be major contributing factors.
You can help prevent periodontitis primarily by taking the following steps:
- Good dental care, including regular professional dental cleanings
- Mouthwashes made from sage tea: Sage strengthens the gums, prevents bleeding gums, and has anti-inflammatory properties.
- According to a study, clove essential oils appear to have a stronger antibacterial effect than a chemical antibacterial agent.
- Micronutrients: Vitamin A, vitamin C, folic acid, and magnesium reduce inflammation in the mouth.