Inflammaging: How it Happens
Without realizing, we expose ourselves to inflammation. In fact, constant, low-level inflammation causes us to age more rapidly. Franschesci in 2000, coined the term inflammaging. He was the first to cleverly combine inflammation and aging, resulting in inflammaging.
Some inflammation is Healthy
Inflammation occurs when our immune system fights infections. The nervous and immune systems are responsible for the reaction that occurs. Normal, healthy inflammation occurs when an insect bites. First the area swells, then it becomes red. Generally speaking, this reaction is temporary and is over within a few days.
Usually, inflammaging is painless. Although we are aware of an insect bite, we do not realize when our body is under chronic inflammation.
What factors increase inflammation?
- Insufficient exercise
- Excess stress,
- Eating unhealthy foods,
- Obesity,
- Low level pain,
- Pollution and mold
Accelerated Aging
Additionally, low levels of inflammation cause accelerated aging. When inflammation stresses the body, it is as if we are pressing the gas pedal on aging. This occurs in chronic inflammation. When we have sustained inflammation, it promotes initiation in many diseases, such as (Fougere, Boulanger, Nourhashemi, Guyonnet, Cesari, 2017):
- Type 2 diabetes,
- Alzheimer’s disease,
- Cardiovascular disease,
- Osteoporosis,
- Cancer.
How to decrease inflammation?
- Exercise,
- Adequate sleep,
- Lowering stress levels,
- Good nutrition
Decrease Your Risk for Dementia
This blog is devoted to improving brain health. Although age is inevitable, we can prevent and delay dementia.
Coming Next:
Among the major contributors to inflammaging is advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). Next, please check out my 3-part series. It begins with Ten Reasons to Care about AGEs.
