Chronic low-grade inflammation
A persistent, low-intensity inflammatory state with no visible acute symptoms, considered a common denominator of many modern chronic diseases.
Acute inflammation is healthy and necessary (a temporary response to injury or infection). Chronic low-grade inflammation is different: it is a fire that smoulders all the time, quietly, with no obvious redness or pain, but which erodes the body over years.
It is associated with: atherosclerosis, type 2 diabetes, obesity, depression, neurodegenerative diseases, certain cancers and accelerated ageing (“inflammaging”).
An original angle: this silent inflammation is fuelled by factors of modern lifestyle:
- Visceral fat (around the organs), which secretes pro-inflammatory cytokines
- Gut dysbiosis and leaky gut (bacterial LPS leak into the blood)
- Excess omega-6 relative to omega-3
- Refined sugars and repeated glucose spikes
- Chronic stress (cortisol) and lack of sleep
- Sedentary habits
A measurable marker: high-sensitivity CRP (C-reactive protein) in the blood. A low level indicates little inflammation.
The key concept: inflammation is not to be “suppressed” but resolved. Omega-3s (EPA/DHA) produce pro-resolving mediators (resolvins) that actively put the fire out. An anti-inflammatory diet (Mediterranean, rich in polyphenols, fibre and omega-3) supports this natural resolution.