What is inflammation and how does it affect my health?

Table of Contents

• What is inflammation?
• Chronic versus acute inflammation
• What causes chronic inflammation?
• How can you test for inflammation?
• What can an inflammation test tell you?
• How can I reduce inflammation?
• Summary

What is inflammation?

When your body experiences physical injury or comes into contact with a threat such as bacteria, a virus, or toxic chemicals, the immune system is activated and inflammation occurs. During this reaction, your body tries to contain the threat to one area, eliminate harmful substances, and begin the healing process. This can lead to symptoms such as pain, redness, itching, and warmth in the affected area. Almost everyone has experienced inflammation at some point, whether from burning your hand, getting stung by a bee, or having a sore throat. However, this vital immune response can also affect our bodies in ways we cannot see, long after the threat of illness or injury has passed.

Chronic versus acute inflammation

There are two types of inflammation: acute and chronic. Acute inflammation is the most common form and occurs in response to illness or injury. In response to this threat, the immune system sends white blood cells to surround and protect the area. This type of inflammation is usually intense but short-lived. The affected area may become red or warm and can be accompanied by fever. A common example of acute inflammation is a sprained ankle. After the injury, your ankle may swell, turn red, and become painful to move. However, the swelling and pain usually subside after a few days as healing takes place.

Chronic inflammation can begin as an acute response to injury or illness but may become a persistent condition if the body continues to produce an inflammatory response even when no danger is present. Unlike acute inflammation, chronic inflammation can last for a long time at a lower level. Chronic, mild inflammation often does not cause noticeable symptoms and can therefore go undetected for a long time. Despite being less noticeable, chronic inflammation can negatively affect our health. Although researchers are still studying its effects on the body, chronic inflammation has been linked to conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, arthritis, and intestinal diseases like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis (Harvard Health, 2020).

What causes chronic inflammation?

Chronic inflammation can be caused by chronic diseases involving inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, but also by untreated acute inflammation resulting from a previous illness or injury. Exposure to certain toxins, such as specific chemicals or pollution, and lifestyle factors such as lack of exercise, alcohol consumption, obesity, chronic stress, and smoking are also associated with inflammation (Cleveland Clinic, 2021). Detecting chronic inflammation and taking steps to reduce it may help lower the risk of inflammation-related diseases.

How can you test for inflammation?

Inflammation in the body can be measured with a simple blood test. The following tests are commonly used:

C-reactive protein (CRP) test

A CRP test measures the amount of CRP in a blood sample. CRP is a protein made by the liver in response to inflammation. Elevated CRP levels may be temporary due to illness or injury (acute inflammation) or may persist over time (chronic inflammation). CRP tests can show whether you have inflammation in your body and how much, but not where it is or how long it has been present. Therefore, a single hs-CRP test is not sufficient to diagnose chronic inflammation. If your hs-CRP levels are elevated, the test should be repeated at least two weeks later to determine whether inflammation is persistently high.

CRP and heart health

Homed-IQ now offers a home Vitamin D that checks for vitamin D. Hs-CRP tests can detect lower levels of CRP that are more commonly found in chronic inflammation and are an indicator of future heart disease risk. High hs-CRP levels in the blood are associated with an increased risk of heart attacks. In addition, people with high hs-CRP levels who have had a heart attack are more likely to experience another one than those with normal hs-CRP levels (Musunuru et al., 2008).

Low vitamin D levels are associated with higher CRP levels due to its anti-inflammatory effects on the immune system. Testing vitamin D along with CRP can indicate whether elevated CRP is partly due to a vitamin D deficiency. This can help people take steps to increase their vitamin D intake.

In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, vitamin D is vital for bone health and immune system function. If you want to test your levels, try Homed-IQ’s Vitamin D Test.

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)

An ESR test measures how quickly erythrocytes (red blood cells) fall to the bottom of a test tube containing a blood sample. The faster they fall, the more likely it is that there is inflammation in the body. ESR tests can be used to diagnose diseases that cause inflammation, such as arthritis or Crohn's disease. They can also be used to check for infections or to monitor inflammation over time (NHS, 2022).

What can an inflammation test tell you?

The Inflammation Test checks your and CRP levels. This provides an indication of whether there is inflammation in your body and whether you have low vitamin D levels, a condition that can increase CRP. If the test results indicate inflammation, speak with a doctor. They may recommend repeating the test after a few weeks or months to see whether the inflammation persists. A doctor may also suggest additional tests to identify the source of the inflammation or recommend lifestyle changes to help reduce it.

How can I reduce inflammation?

Inflammation as a response to illness or injury is often temporary and resolves on its own. Chronic inflammation can be treated under the supervision of a doctor through the following:

• Vitamins and supplements: Certain vitamins and supplements can reduce inflammation and may be prescribed by your doctor.

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Medications such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and diclofenac reduce inflammation.

• Steroid injections: If inflammation affects only one joint or muscle (such as in rheumatoid arthritis), corticosteroid injections may be prescribed.

Certain healthy habits can also help reduce inflammation, such as:

• Eating anti-inflammatory foods such as fatty fish (salmon, sardines, tuna), fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and olive oil. Limit fried foods, refined carbohydrates (white bread, cookies), and simple sugars (candy, soda).

• Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.

• Exercising regularly.

• Avoiding or quitting smoking.

• Managing stress by making time for relaxing activities such as yoga or meditation.

• Limiting alcohol consumption.

Summary

In summary, inflammation is a powerful part of our immune system, but it can negatively affect our health if it persists without the presence of illness or injury. The Vitamin D by Homed-IQ is an easy way to gain insight into your inflammation and vitamin D levels from home. Simply take a finger-prick blood sample and send your test to one of our certified laboratories. Your test results will be available within a few days.