Inflammaging is the blending of the word’s inflammation and ageing. The term is used to refer to the chronic inflammation which happens as our bodies age. Low level inflammation is present naturally as part of your immune response and is activated when you get a virus like flu or a flare up of osteoarthritis and back pain. It’s a protective response to minimise damage that happens in the short term whilst the body recovers. As we get older the balance of the inflammation shifts and rather than being activated in short bursts when injured or unwell it becomes the norm, and we can have chronic inflammation.
Scientists know that an overactive inflammatory response when there is no threat to the body can leave you more at risk of developing long term health problems like heart disease, type 2 diabetes or cancer and it can also affect your mortality. This lingering chronic inflammation leaves your body in a constant state of alert, but it can present so subtly in the body that you might not even notice. Some symptoms might include general fatigue, depression and anxiety, gastrointestinal issues like diarrhoea or constipation (which can be mild rather than severe) . This ongoing low-level inflammation has also been linked to osteoarthritis, decreasing muscle mass, strength and cognitive function.
If you are concerned that you may have a problem with chronic inflammation it is recommended to speak with your general practitioner to rule out other conditions.
‘Immunosenesence’ is another word you might come across and is the name given to changes happening in the immune system as a natural part of the bodies ageing process. The terms immunosenesence and inflammaging are often used together.
To try and reduce the effects of inflammaging there are a few things that are recommended.
One is exercise, which is thought to delay the process, even short periods of exercise can have a positive effect on your immune system.
There are also thought to be links between a Mediterranean diet and reduced levels of inflammation. A Mediterranean diet consists of low saturated fats and high good fats like extra virgin olive oil. It includes a colourful plate of vegetables, fruit and nuts with lots of sources of fibre. It is believed that we all lack enough fibre in our diets, and we should actively increase our consumption of this, especially through vegetables like leafy greens.
A Mediterranean diet contains lots of polyphenols and this compound is thought to have close links with anti-inflammatory effects. Also keeping a moderate weight is beneficial for health.
As The Mind and Body Guide, my approach to therapy is to help you to understand yourself mentally and physically.
I have decades of experience in health care, including years spent working as a senior physiotherapist in the NHS. I’ve taught Pilates to hundreds of people. And I’m a qualified psychotherapist with a suite of therapy skills to draw on.
By working together, we can plot your pathway to a healthier, happier life.
For further information, I have listed some resources below which you might be interested in.
