Inflammation could be the link between trauma and disease

When the body and mind experience trauma and chronic stress – we lose the ability to properly regulate inflammation. There is a large amount of research concluding that inflammation is a component of nearly every disease – even more so in chronic disease. While the exact pathway is not yet clear – it is becoming more apparent that chronic stress can promote the development and progression of illness and chronic disease.

Much like stress, small amounts of inflammation protect us. However, inflammation that is too much or lasts for too long has adverse effects on our overall wellbeing. Elevated cortisol leads to resistance of the immune cells, decreased immune system function, and gut dysfunction – all components that play a role in systemic inflammation.

With this connection in mind – reducing stress, supporting the immune system, healing the gut, and implementing anti-inflammatory foods can help reduce the risk of chronic inflammation and the onset of serious health conditions.

Acute Inflammation vs. Chronic inflammation

Acute inflammation is a response to something like a sore throat, paper cut, or sprained ankle. This is a short-term response that works in the specific part of the body where the problem exists. Signs of acute inflammation include redness, swelling, heat, and pain. When the body has healed - the inflammation goes away.

Chronic inflammation is a consistent inflammatory response that lasts a long time. This type of inflammation has a whole-body effect and can contribute to the development of disease. This low-level inflammation is triggered by a perceived threat even if there is nothing to fix. When the inflammation response is initiated but has nothing to tend to, it can start attacking healthy organs and tissues.

Stress, Inflammation, and the immune system

Inflammation signals the immune system to respond to an injury or threat. This can be a foreign invader like a bacteria or virus, a physical injury or infection, and it can also be caused by emotional and psychological distress.

Molecules called cytokines produce inflammation to attack and remove the threat. Inflammation is one of the body’s important defense mechanisms. When the immune system recognizes a threat to the system – inflammation is the process used to remove it. This process is necessary to begin healing. Without inflammation, the body would not properly eliminate pathogens or repair damaged cells.

Once the threat has been eliminated, anti-inflammatory cytokines are released to end the inflammation. Complications occur with prolonged inflammation. When a threat is recurring or constant, such as in the case of chronic stress, inflammation continues to defend against this threat. Persistent inflammation can cross over into other parts of the body allowing for systemic inflammation and the development of disease.

Cortisol is high during stress and one of its many key functions is to reduce inflammation caused by an immune response. When prolonged stress leads to cortisol resistance it can affect the immune cells leading to excess pro-inflammatory chemicals. The result is chronic inflammation that increases the risk for disease.

Stress and inflammation are also known to contribute to Intestinal permeability (leaky gut) and dysbiosis. When the lining of the gut is compromised undigested food and toxins can enter the bloodstream and travel to other tissues causing more damage and systemic inflammation.

Common symptoms and diseases linked to chronic inflammation

Chronic pain, chronic fatigue, gastrointestinal issues, frequent illness, mental health issues, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, and unintentional weight gain or loss.

Chronic inflammation can go unnoticed for many years and appear later in life as common diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, IBS, Alzheimer’s, Type 1 & 2 diabetes, endometriosis, asthma, heart disease, and certain cancers.

Addressing inflammation early on can be a significant way to protect your health in the future.

Diet and lifestyle changes can help prevent chronic inflammation

Making diet and lifestyle changes is the most beneficial way to combat chronic inflammation. Including anti-inflammatory foods in the diet, eliminating foods and substances that add to the body’s toxic load, getting quality sleep, and reducing stress are powerful ways to reduce chronic inflammation. Try some of these strategies to combat chronic inflammation and reduce or eliminate your symptoms.

Reduce or eliminate sugar, processed foods, and fast foods
Eliminate alcohol and recreational drugs.
Eat a variety of colorful organic fruits and vegetables
Include anti-inflammatory foods such as broccoli, berries, avocado, olive oil, and omega-3 fatty fish
Include anti-inflammatory herbs such as curcumin (turmeric) and ginger
Eat a diet high in fiber
Take supplements that fight inflammation such as magnesium, vitamin D, selenium, zinc, and vitamin E
Exercise moderately daily – yoga, walking, and tai chi are great options for reducing inflammation
Get adequate sleep. Sleep helps to decrease inflammation, repair damaged cells, and release antioxidants. Sleep deprivation can increase inflammation. – Check out this article for ways to maximize sleep quality
Reduce stress – Eliminate stressors and practice self-care - spend time in nature, soak in a bath, get a massage, or any other activity that helps you release tension and stress - try supporting your stress response with breathwork and adaptogenic herbs.

Getting to the root cause of chronic inflammation

If you’ve been struggling with chronic inflammation and haven’t had relief from incorporating healthier diet and lifestyle habits you may need to look further for the root cause of your inflammation. Some root causes could include infection from harmful bacteria, fungus, viruses, or parasites. The toxic build-up of heavy metals, mold, or environmental toxins could also be the culprit. If you need extra support to get to the bottom of your chronic inflammation you can connect with me using this form.

Sources

1. Liu, Y. Z., Wang, Y. X., & Jiang, C. L. (2017). Inflammation: The Common Pathway of Stress-Related Diseases. Frontiers in human neuroscience, 11, 316. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2017.00316

2. Understanding acute and chronic inflammation [Internet]. Harvard Health. Apr. 2020. Available from: https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/understanding-acute-and-chronic-inflammation

3. Pahwa R, Goyal A, Bansal P, Jialal I. Chronic Inflammation. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; November 20, 2020.

4. Gill, J. M., Saligan, L., Woods, S., & Page, G. (2009). PTSD is associated with an excess of inflammatory immune activities. Perspectives in psychiatric care, 45(4), 262–277. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1744-6163.2009.00229.x

5. Pahwa R, Goyal A, Bansal P, et al. Chronic Inflammation. [Updated 2020 Nov 20]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493173/

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