What is Chronic Inflammation and Its Causes

The one subtle thing that keeps you alive... and could also kill you in the form of diseases related to stress-induced inflammation.

The intricate workings of the human body have intrigued me since I was very young. I am in awe of the many protective built-in functions that keep it working well.

In my childhood home, I would turn the pages of stacks of medical books with childlike curiosity.

Most of the books focused on problems – malfunctions of the human body. The journals featured swollen limbs, abnormal growths, and grotesque eye and skin problems. I didn’t know then that many of these issues had one common cause: inflammation.

The good news is that inflammation is manageable when caught early. But if ignored, it can progress into a severe and chronic problem.

However, not all inflammation is visible. For example, stress left unchecked leads to stress-induced inflammation and the resultant chronic health issues. Thankfully, we have ways to test for stress.

What is Inflammation?

Inflammation is a physiological response that protects the body from viruses, bacteria, and invaders. It can become systemic and chronic and can present in subtle ways. We need to pay close attention to our bodies and emotions when undergoing stress.

These stressors include:

• Trauma

• Injury

• Illness

• Infection

• Exposure to toxins (for example, pesticides on produce)

• Overexercise (believe it or not, too much exercise causes the release of the stress hormone cortisol)

• Insomnia (do you find it hard to get to sleep or stay asleep?)

• Grief

• Divorce

• Loss of a job

• Getting married

• Difficult relationships

• Emotional problems

• Emotional pain (current or past)

• Financial issues

• Moving

Some of the "triggers" on this list are more subtle forms of stress. But all this stress can accumulate in the body, leading to chronic inflammation. In the study "Inflammation: The Common Pathway of Stress-Related Diseases," scientists concluded that low-lying stress contributes to 75-90% of all diseases. Yikes!

Are you stressed about stress yet? Remember, it’s manageable! However, it’s essential to recognize it first so we can stop it before it becomes a problem.

Inflammation originates from psychological, environmental, and physiological sources, as listed above. We often forget to consider the effects of these everyday life stressors. For example, past pain – whether physical or emotional – takes a toll on our bodies and immune system.

It’s essential to release this stress through tools like cognitive therapy, emotional coding, or EMDR. Additionally, toxic environmental substances like pesticides or unfiltered water are hazardous to our bodies. Whether you drink it, eat it, or put it on your skin, toxins can prevent your body from fighting inflammation.

Do you now see how overlooking stress can be hazardous to your health? Our bodies become vulnerable to disease when we dismiss it as “normal.” Unfortunately, it has become the new “normal.” Given the latest statistics for stress here in the US, you’re likely experiencing stress right now. 65% to 87% of the population is stressed out, according to the Stress in America Survey.

And the statistics of disease align with these percentages. If stress isn’t dealt with, it can lead to medical conditions, including deadly diseases. At the very least, if a virus attacks you while you’re under physical, psychological, or environmental stress, your body cannot fight the virus because it is preoccupied with battling the stressor instead.

What Causes Chronic Inflammation and Stress?

Chronic stress and inflammation can sneak into our bodies through everyday habits like these:

1. Excessive watching or listening to the news.

The Stress in America Survey 2022 stated that:

• 81% of Americans who participated in the poll were stressed out due to supply chain issues.

• 87% of Americans are stressed due to rising inflation, up from 59% in August 2021.

• 80% of Americans are tense and stressed about possible cyberattacks or threats to the U.S.

• 65% of Americans responded that they were stressed about money and the economy.

I am certainly no political advisor, but for your mental health, consider avoiding a constant barrage of news. Unless you are a person of GREAT influence in the nation, knowing the headlines can be more than enough. Now, I’m not the only one saying this; more prominent figures are also beginning to take this stand.

Worrying about things we cannot control is pointless. All news channels enjoy the viewers’ attention, thus endless hours of news coverage. If you’re worried about the state of the country, consider reducing stress (and gaining back a sense of control) by writing a letter or voting for the people you want in office. Your health will improve by leaning into your power and focusing on self-care.

2. Procrastination

Research shows that people who procrastinate have higher stress levels and lower well-being. They end up carrying feelings of guilt, shame, or anxiety with their decision to delay. This “unchecked box” creates stress in and of itself. The consequences of not completing the task will weigh on them until they finish the task. This is still the case whether they are avoiding it consciously or subconsciously.

So what’s the solution for procrastination? Remove the fears that hold you back from completing the tasks. Work through it as quickly as possible so that you can check the box and dispel the impending stress!

3. Too much on your “to-do” list

Ensure that the items you place on your to-do list are important tasks. Thin out your list weekly so that you don’t get side-tracked with trivial busy work.

4. Coffee, tea, or soda

Too much caffeine, even just one cup, can lead to anxiety or nervousness. You might even find that while it gives you an initial boost, you become more fatigued later.

5. Too much alcohol

Alcohol is a toxin. Your body must go through a complex string of processes to eliminate this.

6. Not getting enough sleep

Too little sleep will wreck hormonal balance, causing cortisol to spike, resulting in inflammation.

7. Sitting too much

Sitting is the new smoking. Your body needs to move. Not moving leads to slowed lymph flow, meaning a stall in immune function.

8. Eating unhealthy or “unprocessed” foods

Processed foods in the US contain preservatives, dyes, and unhealthy sweeteners. They also contain bleached or overly processed fats that do not break down and wreak havoc on the body. Our bodies are smart and know how to handle some of it, but these toxins usually end up enrobed by fat cells. Too much fat can lead to being overweight and other health problems and diseases.