Chronic inflammation
Persistent low-grade inflammation accelerates tissue damage and contributes to many age-related diseases.
Inflammaging—chronically elevated IL-6, TNF-α, and CRP—predicts cardiovascular events, frailty, and cognitive decline independent of acute infection. Sources include senescent cells, gut barrier leak, visceral adipose, and latent infections (e.g., CMV).
How to minimize chronic inflammation
- Visceral fat reduction via diet plus resistance and Zone 2 training lowers inflammatory tone measurably.
- Higher omega-3 index, fiber-rich diets, and fermented foods show modest CRP reductions in trials.
- Periodontal and occult infection management in clinical settings—often overlooked drivers.
- Anti-inflammatory drugs (colchicine, canakinumab class) proved causal CVD links—but are not general anti-aging protocols.