Acute inflammation is a healthy, short-term response to injury or infection. Chronic inflammation is different — it's a low, persistent simmer that goes on for years, quietly damaging tissues, blood vessels, and hormonal signaling. It's now considered a foundational driver of cardiovascular disease, metabolic disease, autoimmune conditions, and cognitive decline.
What tends to fuel it
- Poor sleep and irregular sleep timing
- Chronic stress without recovery
- A diet heavy in ultra-processed foods, refined sugar, and seed oils
- Low muscle mass and a mostly sedentary day
- Untreated insulin resistance and excess visceral fat
What lowers it
- Sleeping 7–9 hours on a consistent schedule
- Resistance training and daily walking
- Whole-food, protein-forward eating
- Omega-3 intake from fatty fish or quality supplementation
- Stress management — breathwork, nature, downtime that isn't a screen