Inflammaging - A Fiery Link Between Inflammation and Aging

Inflammation and Aging: Inflammaging

If you’re looking to improve your health and slow down the aging process, you are probably somewhat familiar with the topic of inflammation. But what about inflammaging? As the name implies, inflammaging refers to age-associated inflammation.

Research into the concept of inflammaging has expanded, as reducing it may hold the key to leading a healthier, longer life.

Keep reading to learn more about inflammaging, signs you have inflammation, and how to reduce age-related inflammation for optimal health.

What is inflammaging?

Inflammaging is a term that combines the words “inflammation” and “aging.” It is used to describe the chronic low-grade inflammation that often occurs as part of the aging process.

This type of consistent inflammation is linked to an increased risk of a number of age-related chronic diseases like Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and heart disease.^[1]

It is thought that inflammaging arises from a complex web of factors such as cellular damage and oxidative stress - an imbalance within the body that can cause disease.^[2] Certain habits such as a poor diet, lack of exercise, and other unhealthy lifestyle practices, can contribute to inflammaging.

How does inflammation contribute to aging?

Inflammation and aging are closely linked. Inflammation can lead to cellular damage in the body, which can negatively affect how our body functions. For example, our cellular powerhouses called mitochondria decrease with age, and they become damaged and less efficient at producing energy.

Our mitochondria undergo an essential cellular renewal process called mitophagy, which occurs when the mitochondria become dysfunctional. Dysfunctional mitochondria are removed so that new healthier ones can be created. This process decreases as we age, contributing to the accumulation of faulty mitochondria, which can further contribute to the inflammatory process. Ensuring this process continues is important for protecting our physical health.

Internal signs of inflammation in the body

While some signs of inflammation in the body are visible, there are also internal signs that can indicate inflammation is present:

1. C-reactive protein - The most commonly used marker for inflammation is C-reactive protein (CRP), a protein made by the liver often elevated when inflammation is present. Your doctor can check CRP as part of a routine blood test.^[4]

2. Increased white blood cell count - The body often produces more white blood cells in response to inflammation. Therefore, a higher-than-normal count can indicate inflammation is present.^[5]

3. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate - ESR measures the changes in blood cells, called erythrocytes, that can occur with inflammation.^[6]

If you have any of these symptoms, always check in with your healthcare provider, as they may be signs of a serious illness.

Is inflammation related to skin aging symptoms?

Yes, chronic inflammation can accelerate skin aging. Factors such as UV exposure, pollution, and poor lifestyle choices can lead to inflammation. This can negatively impact your skin’s structure and appearance, leading to premature signs of aging.

Inflammaging is a complex process that accelerates the aging process, but eating a nutritious diet, exercising regularly, and focusing on getting quality sleep and managing stress can go a long way in helping to keep you healthy.

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