“I’m not saying I’m inflamed, but even my excuses are swelling.”

Chronic inflammation is like a slow-burning fire inside the body—quiet, constant, and dangerous. Unlike the signs of acute inflammation (think swollen ankle or sore throat), which show the processes that help the body heal form injury or infection, the effects of chronic inflammation hang around too long and starts doing damage to the very tissues they are intended to repair. Chronic inflammation has been linked to everything from heart disease and diabetes to Alzheimer’s and cancer. The worst part? You can be subjected to chronic inflammation for years without obvious symptoms, until it manifests as a chronic disease.

What causes it? Additives in processed foods, lack of quality sleep, sedentary habits, sugars, unmanaged stress —you know, modern life. Over time, inflammation wears down tissues, messes with your immune system, and accelerates aging at the cellular level. It’s like rust for your insides.

The good news? You can cool it down—no prescription required. Anti-inflammatory lifestyle changes have a powerful cumulative effect. Eating whole foods, staying active, getting enough sleep, and managing stress all help bring inflammation back to a healthy balance.

3 Easy Action Steps:

1. Eat anti-inflammatory foods. Leafy greens, berries, fatty fish, olive oil, turmeric, and green tea.
2. Cut ultra-processed stuff. Eliminate refined sugar, and packaged junk that keeps inflammation simmering.
3. Move your body daily. Even 20 minutes of walking reduces inflammation markers.

It’s not about being perfect—it’s about making small choices that stop adding fuel to the fire.