Inflammaging: what it is and its symptoms

The term " inflammaging " is a neologism that combines the words "inflammation" and "aging," and refers to the phenomenon of chronic, low-grade inflammation that occurs with age.

This process is considered a major contributor to the physical and cognitive decline associated with aging and the development of chronic diseases. In this article, we will explore what inflammaging is and its symptoms .

Furthermore, we will discover together how it can affect long-term health but also what solutions can be used to counteract this phenomenon. It should be noted, however, that these suggestions will not replace leading a healthy and balanced life.

What is inflammaging?

Inflammaging is a chronic inflammatory process that progressively increases with age. Unlike acute inflammation, which is an immediate and temporary response to injury or infection, inflammaging is characterized by persistent, low-grade inflammation .

This type of inflammation can damage tissues and organs over time , contributing to several age-related diseases such as atherosclerosis, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer's, and cancer.

At this point, however, you may be wondering: “Are there any causes for which inflammaging can occur?”. The answer is obviously yes, and now we are going to find out together what they are.

Causes of inflammaging: what are they?

The causes of inflammaging are multifactorial and, for this reason, it is impossible to establish whether this phenomenon is due to one or more causes. Generally, the most frequent ones include:

• Oxidative stress : The accumulation of free radicals and the consequent oxidation of tissues contribute to chronic inflammation;
• Mitochondrial dysfunction : Damaged mitochondria release signals that trigger inflammatory responses;
• Immunosenescence : The aging of the immune system leads to an altered inflammatory response;
• Gut microbiota : Changes in the gut microbiota may influence systemic inflammation;
• Accumulation of cellular damage: The accumulation of damaged or senescent cells that release pro-inflammatory molecules.

Symptoms of inflammaging

Inflammaging is often silent and, for this reason, does not always manifest obvious symptoms. However, some signs and symptoms may indicate the presence of chronic low-grade inflammation:

• Chronic fatigue : the constant feeling of tiredness and lack of energy;
• Muscle and joint pain: persistent pain without an apparent cause;
• Digestive problems: disorders such as bloating, diarrhea or chronic constipation;
• Cognitive decline : problems with memory and concentration;
• Skin changes: dry, irritated skin and appearance of premature wrinkles;
• Weight gain: difficulty losing weight or weight gain despite a balanced diet;
• Sleep disturbances: insomnia or poor quality sleep;
• Depression and anxiety : mood changes and depressive symptoms.

Diagnosis and evaluation of inflammaging

Diagnosing inflammaging can be difficult due to the subtle nature of its symptoms. However, certain tests and assessments can help identify the presence of chronic, low-grade inflammation:

• Inflammatory markers: Blood tests to detect inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP), TNF-alpha, and IL-6;
• Intestinal microbiota examination : stool analysis to evaluate the state of the intestinal microbiota;
• Oxidative stress assessment : These are tests that measure the levels of oxidative stress in the body;
• Genetic testing: Some genetic tests, such as the Holifya DNA test , can identify predispositions to inflammatory conditions.

Management and prevention of inflammaging

Managing inflammaging requires a holistic approach that involves lifestyle changes and, if necessary, some medical interventions. Here are some effective strategies:

• Anti-inflammatory diet : A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, fatty fish, and healthy oils (like olive oil) can help reduce inflammation. Avoiding processed foods, refined sugars, and trans fats is also important;
• Regular exercise : Moderate and regular physical activity can reduce systemic inflammation. It is recommended to combine aerobic exercise with resistance training;
• Stress Management: Relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, and tai chi can help reduce stress and associated inflammation;
• Quality Sleep : Ensuring adequate, quality sleep is essential for reducing inflammation. Creating a regular sleep routine and a comfortable sleep environment can make a big difference;
• Natural supplements : Some supplements, such as omega-3s, curcumin, resveratrol, and probiotics, may have anti-inflammatory properties;
• Adequate hydration : Finally, drinking plenty of water helps keep tissues hydrated and can help reduce inflammation.

Conclusions

Inflammaging is a complex and subtle phenomenon that can significantly impact health and well-being as we age. Understanding what inflammaging is and recognizing its symptoms is the first step to adopting effective preventive and management measures.

Through a combination of healthy diet, exercise, stress management, and other lifestyle changes, you can reduce chronic inflammation and improve your quality of life.

If you suspect you suffer from inflammaging or if you want to take preventive measures, it is recommended to take a DNA test for a complete and personalized evaluation. Depending on the result, it will be possible to take a personalized path !