Expert reveals 5 inflammation triggers, including gut health and stress

Key Points:

• Chronic inflammation, while a natural immune response, can lead to serious health issues such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, inflammatory bowel disease, and cardiovascular disease if left unchecked.
• Jim LaValle, a clinical pharmacist, highlights the gut-immune-brain connection as a key pathway influencing inflammation, with lifestyle factors playing a crucial role in managing chronic inflammation.
• Managing stress is essential as elevated cortisol from chronic stress can disrupt gut health, potentially causing increased intestinal permeability or "leaky gut," which may worsen digestive symptoms.
• Diets high in sugar, fat, and ultraprocessed foods can negatively impact gut health, and identifying food triggers may help reduce inflammation; blood sugar control is also vital, with some diabetes medications showing anti-inflammatory effects.
• Environmental exposures to chemicals, microplastics, and pesticides may contribute to inflammation, and while regular exercise is beneficial, overtraining without proper recovery can increase inflammatory stress on the body.