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InflammationInflammation is the immune system's response to any perceived injury, whether it's an infection, irritant, or physical harm like a broken bone. With a surge of proteins and hormones, its job is to contain and remove any foreign substances, clear away cellular damage, and initiate repairs. But along the way, a person may experience side effects like swelling, pain, redness, or loss of function.
Inflammation was identified by the ancient Romans, and modern science has linked chronic inflammation with numerous illnesses, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, depression, and Alzheimer's. Improving sleep, diet, exercise, and stress management can modulate inflammation levels, but there is no current cutoff to indicate when inflammation is harmful, or a test to discern whether inflammation is chronic or acute.
Chronic inflammation, much like blood pressure, may not have outward symptoms, but mounting research suggests constant, low-level inflammation as we age—termed inflammaging—appears to lead to attacks against the body's own cells and tissues in ways that can wreak havoc on our minds and bodies.Explore Inflammation
What we've found
Inflammation appears to cause specific symptoms of depressionA large analysis of existing studies published in 2021 found that systemic inflammation is associated with fatigue, appetite changes, and sleep disruption, rather than some of depression's broader symptoms including hopelessness about the future, or feeling fearful. This may suggest that inflammation influences specific symptoms of the condition, rather than the disease as a whole. Psychiatry OnlineThere's no specific anti-inflammatory diet, but certain foods increase the chance of inflammationResearch suggests humans can reduce inflammation by limiting foods that are already known to be unhealthy for the human body—because they alter gut bacteria and stress the immune system—such as highly-processed foods, deep fried foods, sugary drinks, trans fats, red meats, and foods made with white flour. Foods that help the body include fatty fish such as salmon, legumes, fruits, and vegetables. Johns Hopkins UniversityLearn how colorectal cancer is linked to the American diet and chronic inflammationA University of South Carolina colon cancer researcher offers insights from his own research and notes that more exercise, social support, and eating fruits, vegetables, legumes, and foods like fish and olive oil—often called the Mediterranean diet—are associated with better health—and could improve our colons. TEDx TalksInflammaging is chronic low-level inflammation as we age, and it may be a key disease driverThe term refers to the idea that largely invisible but consistent low-level inflammation as humans age fuels chronic diseases and cellular aging. Inflammaging, this article says, is due to lifestyle factors like poor sleep, low levels of activity, and poor diet, acting in concert to cause cellular damage and trigger inflammation. Harvard UniversityAddressing lifestyle factors, which influence inflammation, can cure some chronic diseasesIn this video, a physician claims that he reversed a patient's Type 2 diabetes in six weeks by addressing inflammation drivers such as diet. More broadly, he argues that society needs to better consider and address numerous disease factors that are modulated by inflammation, such as stress, sleep, diet, and movement. TEDx TalksGLP-1s may lower inflammation, possibly helping to combat cognitive declineAn analysis of existing GLP-1 research, published in April 2025, indicated that GLP-1 drugs reduce inflammation, with numerous health benefits. The work notes that GLP-1s were linked with a statistically significant reduction in dementia in randomized clinical trials. AAMCNewsThere's no definitive test for inflammation, or a baseline for what's considered normalExisting tests can pick up proteins that indicate an immune response—in particular C-reactive protein, which the liver produces when the body's stressed—but that won't tell you why there's inflammation nor if it's chronic or acute inflammation. (Some users may experience a paywall.) The CutChronic inflammation can cause cellular damage and could lead to cancerOver time, this cellular defense system can inadvertently damage cells and tissues when it's in this heightened alarm mode over a prolonged period. This occurs because, when immune cells are sent somewhere without a true target, they may attack healthy cells and tissues. National Cancer InstituteHow one autoimmune disease patient is questing for inflammation curesThis article's writer, who has Hashimoto's Disease and characteristic symptoms from her body attacking her thyroid—like exhaustion, hair loss, and brain fog—shares big take-aways from an anti-inflammatory retreat in Italy. The writer suggests that a holistic approach to eating, sleeping, and stress management, are the only sustainable ways to lower inflammation. Conde Nast TravelerMS Drugs reduce inflammation, helping reduce relapses and slow disease progressionDisease-Modifying Drugs calm the body's inflammatory response to help stave off relapses—when new or existing MS symptoms show up for a day or longer. Avoiding smoking, exercising, reducing stress via mindfulness, checking for vitamin D deficiencies, drinking more water and eating well, all can slow disease progression.
[The jury's still out on if HRT around the time of menopause may reduce dementia risk](https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanhl/article/PIIS2666-7568(25)00122-9/fulltext)
Estrogen can reduce inflammation and support neural growth in the brain, and some research has suggested that beginning hormone replacement therapy around menopause—versus later in life—reduces Alzheimer's disease risk. Still, a recent systematic review concluded that taking HRT didn't affect dementia risk, regardless of when women started taking it, so the science remains unsettled. Aaron Boster MDReduced inflammation from cold plunges lacks scientific supportThe cold water triggers immediate cold shock, increasing heart rate and blood pressure, and prolonged exposure can lead to cold-water incapacitation and hypothermia. Plungers are encouraged to enter the water slowly and manage their breathing to reduce the risk of shock. Warm baths post-plunge are discouraged, and exercise is generally better for recovery. Smithsonian MagazineInhalers dilate airways and reduce inflammationPeople with asthma suffer from constricted airways in their lungs, whether from muscle pressure, mucus buildup, or inflammation. Inhalers help people breathe medicine directly into their lungs to immediately relieve these symptoms. TED-EdAutoimmunity is when the body attacks itself, causing inflammationInflammation is the body's way of healing itself, and acute inflammation saves our lives when we have injuries or infections. It increases blood flow to the affected areas to bring immune cells to fight off invaders. This often results in short-term swelling, redness, and pain. Kurzgesagt – In a NutshellA macrophage can eat 100 bacteria, on average, before it's exhaustedThese specialized immune cells are first responders during inflammation, responding to a threat or injury and then performing other inflammatory response tasks, including summoning neutrophils to help attack invaders. Kurzgesagt – In a NutshellAspirin was the first synthesized anti-inflammatory drugOnce used by the ancient Sumarians—extracted from willow bark—but now synthesized in the lab, the active ingredient of this popular medication has been used to treat headaches and pain for thousands of years. History of Simple ThingsInflammaging appears to differ across global populationsChronic, low-grade inflammation linked to aging is a byproduct of our industrialized lifestyles, according to recent research. The work compared two industrialized populations with two Indigenous, non-industrialized populations in Bolivia and Malaysia, and found that inflammation levels in the Indigenous groups—unlike the industrialized ones—did not seem to differ by age. Columbia UniversityGLP-1s are netting interest for treating autoimmune diseases, but are considered experimentalAlready used to treat type 2 diabetes, the novel medications are showing some early promise in experimental studies at reducing inflammation and treating autoimmune conditions including rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel conditions. But researchers caution that side effects are still under investigation—rarely the medication has caused lupus, an autoimmune disease. Medical News TodayThe gut microbiome may play a major role in autoimmune disease and symptom flare-upsCertain unhealthy foods can promote gut bacterial growth and inflammation in the lining of the gut, potentially disrupting its lining—leading to a leaky gut that may allow pathogens to dribble out into the bloodstream, fueling further inflammation that can both cause disease flare-ups and set the stage for future disease development. Rajsree NambudripadHorses can—rarely—get West Nile, tooThe animals can contract the virus via infected mosquito bites, but for horses there are four vaccines available. Though West Nile's often asymptomatic or mild in horses, the disease can sometimes be deadly, killing via severe neurological inflammation. There are no reported instances of people becoming sickened by infected horses or vice-versa. University of California Davis Weill School of Veterinary MedicineShort-term cortisol spikes can boost the immune systemElevated acute levels can enhance the immune system's ability to fight off infection or respond to injury. Chronic heightened cortisol levels, however, can lead to inflammation that harms cells and tissues over time. NPRExplore why swimmer's ear will not go away on its ownThis infection is typically treated with ear drops to reduce inflammation and fight the bacteria or fungus that led to the issue. But without treatment, complications can arise, including a deep tissue infection, bone or cartilage damage, or—very rarely—spreading beyond the ear into the skull bones and surrounding areas. Cleveland ClinicThe word allergy is partly derived from the Greek word 'allos' for 'other' For people with allergies, their immune systems recognize substances as a harmful "other"—cuing an inflammatory response. This podcast explores allergy details and related topics, including how scientists are interested in if the same allergic response mechanisms could underpin other health issues, including severe, painful symptoms around the time of menstrual cycles. Since estrogen acts on white blood cells called mast cells, which leads to the release of histamines—similar to what happens during allergic responses—an understudied question is whether the same process is fueling some of the uncomfortable symptoms around menstruation. An allergist guest notes this raises questions about if antihistamine medications like Pepsid might alleviate them, something that hasn't yet been explored in clinical trials. Ologies with Alie WardRead the Surgeon General's 2023 loneliness report claiming loneliness is an epidemicThis report details the specific health threats linked with loneliness, including that loneliness and social isolation can increase the risk of premature death by nearly 30%. Loneliness lowers our capability to mount an effective immune response to viruses and respiratory illness, can cause chronic inflammation on par with physical inactivity, and increases the risks for anxiety, depression, dementia, heart disease and stroke. US Department of Health and Human ServicesSnyder v. Phelps found that the First Amendment protects speech, even if it is deeply hurtful or inflammatoryWhen some members of the Westboro Baptist Church, carrying inflammatory signs, picketed the funeral of a fallen Marine, his father sued but lost. The Supreme Court ruled 8-1 that the protest addressed matters of public concern and was protected by the First Amendment. Necrosis is the unplanned death of cells and the tissue they compriseIf cells die prematurely due to a lack of blood flow, injury, or disease, they and their organelles can swell, leading to rupture of the surrounding cell membrane. This releases the cell's contents into the surrounding tissue, causing inflammation and damage to neighboring cells. Cleveland ClinicCentral vestibular disease is another common cause of vertigoUnlike peripheral vestibular disease that is caused by factors like inflammation in the inner ear, central vestibular disease involves dysfunction of one or more parts of the central nervous system. Vertigo of this type may last for seconds, hours, or even days. It's typically caused by issues with the brain stem and cerebellum and could be caused by stroke, tumor, and vestibular migraine, among other conditions. Vestibular Disorders AssociationPeripheral vertigo is a type of dizziness caused by disturbances the inner earThis type of vertigo can be triggered by several factors including viruses that cause inflammation in the inner ear, Ménière's disease, or benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, which can cause irregular nerve impulses that cause dizziness. FreeMedEducationShingles vaccine may slow biological aging in older adultsResearch published in 2025 that analyzed data from thousands of older adults found that those who had received the shingles vaccine exhibited signs of slower biological aging, such as lower levels of inflammation and slower epigenetic aging, than those who had not been vaccinated. University of Minnesota As of 2025, extensive research studies do not support fears about seed oilsAcross human trials, seed oils have not been shown to increase rates of disease or inflammation, with a study of over 800 Swedish men finding that higher seed oil diets were linked to living longer. Reviews of these trials found better health outcomes when saturated fats were replaced with seed oils. Science VsSepsis is the leading cause of death in hospitalsSepsis is the result of an overly aggressive immune system trying to combat infection, triggering inflammation throughout the body. After it begins, each passing hour increases the risk of death by 4% to 9%, and an estimated 350,000 people die from the condition in the US each year. Cleveland ClinicItching is caused by stimulated nerve cells in the skinScratching produces low-level pain signals to the brain, distracting from the itch. Scratching also releases serotonin, a neurotransmitter that creates a happy sensation, which resets the itch signal. This can cause a cyclical itch-scratch cycle. HealthlineWe're breathing microplasticsWhite blood cells can't fight off microplastics and that sparks inflammation and bigger health risks. They're in our food, water, even the rain. What does that mean for us? 1440Why do our ears pop on a plane?Ears can only work if the hearing system is pressurized equally to the outside environment. This is the job of the Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the upper throat. During flights, pressure shifts more than in everyday environments, inducing ear popping. Popular ScienceExercise changes your genes without changing your DNAPhysical activity can turn beneficial genes on and harmful genes off, without altering the underlying DNA code. This engaging article explains the epigenetic mechanisms that take place with exercise and ultimately result in improved metabolism, lower inflammation, and optimized brain function. Science Connected MagazineMyokines are molecules that facilitate some of the benefits of exerciseWhen muscles contract, they release ‘hope molecules’ (myokines) such as IL-6 and irisin. These proteins then travel through the bloodstream to reduce inflammation, improve insulin sensitivity, and even support brain repair. This piece illustrates how movement triggers a systemic healing cascade throughout the human body. NIHMicroplastics are infiltrating the human body with unclear but concerning effectsScientists have linked microplastics to immune system damage, hormone disruption, inflammatory diseases, and even cancer—yet most of their health impacts remain unknown due to limited research. Studies suggest we ingest about a credit card's worth of plastic weekly. National GeographicCan you microdose GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic?GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic can help with weight loss, diabetes, and anti-inflammation. For some users, normal doses are too much. So, they've started "microdosing"—taking a smaller amount than the lowest increment of the drug available. While not yet backed by clinical trials, some doctors observed positive effects for certain people. PopsugarA brief history of Cannes controversiesCannes is one of the most prestigious festivals in the world, but that hasn’t shielded it from controversies, including inflammatory statements, political protests, and booing audiences. IndieWireCombining two cancer drugs increased the life space of mice by 30%A study shows trametinib and rapamycin, two drugs used for cancer treatment in humans, increased mouse lifespan when used together. The medications delayed the onset of cancer and reduced chronic inflammation, results that will be explored in future research. The IndependentHow the buildings you occupy may affect your brain healthBeautiful spaces filled with light and natural motifs aren't just aesthetic, but likely key to your health. Researchers had study participants view photographs of two distinct buildings, one designed with more natural elements while the other featured more abstract shapes and lines. Using electroencephalograph readings of each participant, they discovered participants had less brain inflammation while viewing the "biophilic," or natural, architecture. Learn more about the interdisciplinary framework of so-called neuroarchitecture here. PsycheAre seed oils as bad as rumors say?Some claim seed oils—oils extracted from seeds, such as sunflower or canola—increase inflammation and disease risk, advising consumers reach for saturated fats instead. Saturated fats, typically solid at room temperature, are found in animal products and some vegetable oils, including coconut. When adjusting for lifestyle risk factors, research shows seed oils are, on average, good for one's heart and considered healthy alternatives to saturated fat. Science VSThere is no cure for the general condition of arthritisWhile there are innumerable conditions ultimately leading to the joint pain we collectively term "arthritis," one common pathway is progressive inflammation and joint damage many years after an injury. TED-EdRheumatoid arthritis affects about 1% of the populationRheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition leading to breakdown and inflammation of multiple joints throughout the body. This academic article provides an updated deep dive into our current cellular understanding of rheumatoid arthritis, how it is diagnosed, and the variety of medications available for treating this painful condition. NIHRheumatoid arthritis occurs when the immune system attacks cells within jointsRheumatoid arthritis is a specific type of arthritis that occurs when the body's immune system attacks normal cells within the connective tissues of the joint and degrades them. This sets off a painful cycle of inflammation and joint destruction that often requires lifelong medication to control. ElsevierVisualizing a joint under attack from rheumatoid arthritisA particularly difficult arthritis subtype is rheumatoid arthritis, a painful condition provoking a vicious cycle of joint inflammation, destruction, and dysfunction. It begins with a misfiring of the patient’s own immune system—for unknown reasons, it identifies joint and cartilage cells as foreign, initiating an attack to eliminate the supposed "invaders." NatureCan the gut microbiome drive addiction?New research suggests an imbalance of gut microorganisms may influence the likelihood of addiction and addictive behaviors by increasing the severity of withdrawal symptoms, triggering brain inflammation in regions of impulse control, and more. NatureInterest in intermittent fasting outpaces the scienceThe public interest in fasting diets has outpaced the science behind related health claims. This article details how the science of fasting diets is mainly exploratory and focused on longevity and disease prevention. Current findings suggest fasting kick-starts regenerative processes in the body, decreases inflammation, and improves health outcomes overall. However, much of this research focuses on the short-term impact of fasting. VoxExercise causes diet-independent changes in the gut microbiomeCardiovascular exercise has been found to boost the gut's population of beneficial bacteria, and exercise overall decreases the likelihood of developing a "leaky gut," a condition in which a porous gut lining allows bacteria to leak into the bloodstream and cause inflammation. MDPIHow the microbiome affects your healthThe gut microbiome is so influential to overall human health that some researchers consider it a separate organ. Its conditions, influenced by environmental and lifestyle factors such as medication and exercise, contribute to immunity, metabolism, inflammation, medical treatment efficacy, brain development and function, and the development of disorders and diseases, including asthma, depression, inflammatory bowel disease, and Alzheimer's. University of ChicagoCan microdosing improve mental health?Animal studies involving microdoses of psilocybin, the psychoactive component in magic mushrooms and ketamine, found it helped to alleviate anxiety and inflammation, an immune response that can cause damage when chronically active. Human studies are ongoing. In at least one double-blind study, where researchers and patients don't know who got a placebo versus the real thing, about half of the participants incorrectly guessed they had been given placebos. Harvard University
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