5 signs you are experiencing chronic inflammation

Chronic, low-level inflammation is so incredibly common, thanks to the effects of our modern lifestyles. Environmental toxins, poor nutrient intake, lack of movement, high stress and less sleep are all culprits adding to our inflammation levels, and over time it has been shown to increase the risk of a range of illnesses including diabetes, cardiovascular disease and hormone-related conditions such as PCOS. Here are 5 warning signs that you may be experiencing chronic inflammation, before the diseases begin to show:

1. Anxiety and mood swings

Inflammation not only affects the body - it can wreak havoc on the brain too. Known as neuroinflammation, chronic levels of inflammation can result in low mood, heightened anxiety and brain fog, as effective communication between different parts of the brain becomes more challenging.

2. Fatigue and trouble sleeping

Increased inflammation has a cascading effect on overall hormone balance, including the hormones that are essential for our sleep-wake cycle. Specifically, cortisol (the stress hormone) and melatonin (the sleep hormone) can be negatively impacted by chronic inflammation, in turn causing sleep disturbances.

3. Heavy and painful periods

Hormones play pivotal roles in the female reproductive system and must stay in tight balance to work effectively. As systemic inflammation creates imbalances between these important hormones, it comes as no surprise that symptoms such as heavy bleeding, irregular periods and cramping are common in those with increased inflammatory markers.

4. Issues with digestion

The gut is often referred to as the ‘second brain’, because its functioning is so intrinsically linked to the rest of the body and brain - in fact, most of our immune system is located in our gut. Chronic inflammation is a direct result of immune system dysfunction (click here to read more) and this in turn is why digestives issues, such as bloating, nausea, diarrhea and constipation, are often some of the first signs of increased inflammation levels. 

5. Unexplained aches and pains 

Chronic inflammation creates an internal environment that means cells all over the body cannot function as effectively as they should, which is why the range of inflammatory symptoms are so broad. Bodily aches and pains, not caused by injury, are incredibly common in those with increased inflammation levels, and pain-associated conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, endometriosis and fibromyalgia.