Inflammation is described as the body's natural process of fighting off foreign material that can prove to be harmful to the body, such as toxins, chemicals and infections. This is done in order to protect the body, and the inflammation process is prompted by the body's immune system. The immune system plays an invaluable role in making sure that your body knows how to properly respond to potential dangers against your body and keep you safe when the time comes.
Antibodies and proteins are prompted to be released and fight off anything that is perceived to be harmful to the body. While inflammation is a natural process, it should not be done in excess. Inflammation can be a predisposing risk factor to a litany of respiratory and cardiovascular issues. Here are seven signs that you may be suffering from chronic inflammation.
1 - Red/Itchy Skin
One of the most cardinal signs of any inflammatory process is localized redness and itchiness. Normally it subsides, but in an extended process, there may be an underlying condition that causes prolonged redness. Most commonly, the redness is caused by an unhealthy liver or an allergic reaction.
2 - Aches/General Pain
You may be suffering from inflammation if you have muscles or joints that prove to be achy or hurt with minimal movement. During the inflammatory process, the immune system release products called cytokines. Cytokines are specialized molecules created for the sole purpose of regulating the inflammatory process. If excess cytokines are released, there is a good chance that you could experience increasing muscle pain and stiffness.
3 - Weight Gain
Another negative of chronic inflammation is that it can cause a natural resistance to your body's hormone levels. In this case, losing weight can prove to be a very difficult experience. That means that even if you are trying to diet or eat less food, you are actually packing on more pounds. Weight gain isn't uncommon in inflammatory processes, but if this issue persists for an extended period, you may want to consult with your provider. Alterations in your eating habits may be needed in order to accommodate to the changes caused by the inflammation.
4 - Digestive Problems
These can stem from a sick and inflamed gut which allows toxins to escape in your bloodstream. So, if you find yourself having issues with your gastrointestinal system such as gas, constipation, diarrhea or bloating. An over-permeable gut is a great conduit for bacteria and other harmful substances to enter your bloodstream.
5 - Constant Fatigue
Inflamed cells are sick cells, and they cannot produce the energy you require to feel fresh. Normally, healthy cells will permit you to wake up in the morning and perform all of your activities of daily living with little difficulty. However, in an inflammatory condition, cells are greatly weakened. There has been evidence to suggest that the hemoglobin that cells carry throughout the body decrease as the strength of the cells decrease. Fatigue can be a tricky sign to pinpoint because it is attributable to many conditions and can even be related to something that you experience daily, like long hours at work. Be sure to measure if certain activities you normally can accomplish such as driving or doing housework are a bit more difficult.
6 - Skin Problems
People that experience high levels of stress create a higher amount of inflammatory chemicals and these chemicals can lead to a number of skin conditions. Commonly, these topical conditions come in the form of acne and psoriasis. If you happen to have some of these conditions, not only can it mean that you have inflammation, but you may be more stressed out than needed.
7 - Chest Pain
Chest pain can be a sign of inflammation because the chest wall and lining are inflamed or irritated. As a result, you could experience pain when you cough, sneeze or even breathe. This means that there may be an inflammatory condition taking place in your lungs, and this can cause respiratory distress.