Chronic Inflammation
Current scientific thought places chronic systemic inflammation at the very heart of age-related diseases. From cancer to Alzheimer’s, Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, and even depression — all share this silent yet relentless process [1]. The term inflammaging, first coined by Claudio Franceschi, a professor at the University of Bologna, underscores inflammation as a central pillar of age-associated conditions [2]. Put simply, no chronic disease happens without it. But what exactly is chronic inflammation, and how can we jam the gears of this damaging mechanism in daily life?
Inflammation, in essence, is a natural and ancient defense. It helps protect the body from infections, invaders, and toxins, and acts swiftly in response to trauma. By activating both immune and non-immune mechanisms, it clears threats and supports repair (this is known as its sanogenic — or health-promoting — effect).
Acute inflammation is short-lived. It arises when needed and fades once the threat disappears. Think of a mosquito bite — redness, swelling, and temporary discomfort quickly pass. Or recall how symptoms of a cold or flu vanish after a few days.
Yet, problems begin when this process does not switch off. In some cases, inflammation lingers for weeks, months, or even years. This is chronic inflammation — marked by a subtle yet continuous immune activation that keeps signalling as if the body remains under attack.
So, what triggers this persistent state? First and foremost is a pro-inflammatory lifestyle. Poor diet, sedentary habits, and drug abuse top the list. However, factors beyond our control also play a role: exposure to toxins, social and emotional stress, and ageing itself.
But how can you tell if you are affected by chronic systemic inflammation? Often, it accompanies diagnosed inflammatory diseases like stroke, chronic respiratory conditions, heart disease, cancer, obesity, diabetes, arthritis, and allergies. Still, even without these, many may quietly endure its presence. Symptoms can include:
- Body pain, joint and muscle aches
- Chronic fatigue and insomnia
- Depression, anxiety, and mood changes
- Digestive issues such as constipation, diarrhoea, or acid reflux
- Unexplained weight changes
- Frequent infections [1]
If you recognise yourself here, it is time to act. Start by adjusting your lifestyle with the following strategies:
Diet
Shift from pro-inflammatory foods to those that heal. Reduce seed oils rich in Omega-6, such as soybean and corn oil. Instead, add more fatty fish and flaxseed. Supplementing Omega-3 is wise too — most people in the USA are deficient [3]. Atempo Natural offers premium krill oil, free from artificial ingredients. Its superior absorption and rich astaxanthin content deliver powerful antioxidant protection.
Eat more fruits and vegetables — they supply essential vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients. Consider supplementing magnesium and B vitamins, vital for metabolic processes. Phytonutrients like resveratrol, quercetin, and curcumin help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, safeguarding your DNA [4], [5], [6]. Explore Atempo Natural’s Turmeric and NAD+ formulas to support these needs.
Lastly, do not forget fibre. Your gut — and your immune system — will thank you.
Stress
Consider practical strategies to lower stress. While occasional stress is neutral, chronic stress is a major driver of inflammation. Arriving late to work once is not a big deal. However, if rushing, overwhelm, and exhaustion are daily routines, something must change. Chronic stress makes adrenal glands pump out cortisol. Over time, this leads to cortisol resistance — much like insulin resistance — and eventually adrenal fatigue. This weakens your ability to handle stress, creating a vicious cycle that feeds itself. Breaking this loop is key to lowering inflammation.
Decrease Exposure to Toxins
Though avoiding all toxins is impossible, you can still take meaningful steps. Start by reducing harmful compounds in your diet. Also, look closely at your medicine cabinet and supplements — some hide harsh chemicals despite seeming healthy (read more in our article on Fillers). Keep in mind that vitamins and minerals are essential for detox pathways. The more toxins your body faces, the more nutrients it uses to neutralise them. By lowering toxin intake, you free up these vital nutrients to support other key functions.
Conclusion
Chronic systemic inflammation may be silent, but its consequences are anything but. It quietly underpins many modern health problems, yet it is not unstoppable. By making conscious, daily choices — nourishing your body, easing stress, and reducing toxins — you can interrupt this harmful cycle. Prevention begins with awareness and action. Atempo Natural is here to support your journey with clean, powerful, and thoughtfully crafted supplements. Together, we can take meaningful steps toward healthier ageing and a better quality of life.
Scientific References
[1] R. Pahwa, A. Goyal, and I. Jialal, “Chronic Inflammation,” in StatPearls, Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing, 2025. Available: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493173/.
[2] “Inflammaging: a new immune–metabolic viewpoint for age-related diseases | Nature Reviews Endocrinology.” Available: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41574-018-0059-4.
[3] Y. Papanikolaou, J. Brooks, C. Reider, and V. L. Fulgoni, “U.S. adults are not meeting recommended levels for fish and omega-3 fatty acid intake: results of an analysis using observational data from NHANES 2003–2008,” Nutr. J., vol. 13, p. 31, Apr. 2014, doi: 10.1186/1475-2891-13-31. Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3992162/.
[4] M. Omidian et al., “The Effects of Resveratrol on Oxidative Stress Markers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials,” Endocr. Metab. Immune Disord. Drug Targets, vol. 20, no. 5, pp. 718–727, 2020, doi: 10.2174/1871530319666191116112950
[5] F. Aghababaei and M. Hadidi, “Recent Advances in Potential Health Benefits of Quercetin,” Pharmaceuticals, vol. 16, no. 7, p. 1020, Jul. 2023, doi: 10.3390/ph16071020. Available: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10384403/.
[6] Y. He, Y. Yue, X. Zheng, K. Zhang, S. Chen, and Z. Du, “Curcumin, Inflammation, and Chronic Diseases: How Are They Linked?,” Molecules, vol. 20, no. 5, pp. 9183–9213, May 2015, doi: 10.3390/molecules20059183. Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6272784/.