Page 88 - Mayrlife 2025 English

BODY ON FIRE
How silent inflammation fuels disease
What makes silent
inflammation so
dangerous?
Small, often unnoticed inflam-
mations can persist in the
body for years, silently
damaging tissues and cells.
This ongoing process accel-
erates premature ageing and
increases the risk of heart at-
tacks, strokes, and dementia.
It’s like a hidden fire within the
body, steadily undermining
our health without obvious
symptoms.
Are only those who are
overweight at risk?
No, even those who are slim can
be affected by silent inflamma-
tion. People with visceral
(internal) fat, for example, may
release inflammatory signals,
while those who experience
stress, lack of sleep, or poor
diet are also vulnerable. In such
cases, the body remains in a
state of constant alert, which,
while not always immediately
noticeable, can have long-term
consequences.
How can I reduce
silent inflammation?
The most effective way to combat
silent inflammation is through diet.
At MAYRLIFE, we focus on an indi-
vidually tailored nutrition plan that
is scientifically supported and
sustainable. The cornerstone of this
approach is an anti-inflammatory
diet, inspired by the Mediterranean
lifestyle: oily fish, high-quality olive
oil, a variety of vegetables, and
spices like turmeric, ginger, and
chilli. Omega-3 fatty acids play
a crucial role, too. This diet is
complemented by adequate sleep,
regular relaxation, and physical
activity, providing a holistic
approach to health.
What promotes silent
inflammation?
Our modern lifestyle, charac-
terised by poor diet, seden-
tary habits, chronic stress,
and inadequate sleep, creates
the perfect storm for silent in-
flammation. Foods high in
sugar, refined flour, and pro-
cessed foods are major con-
tributors. Ongoing stress
weakens the immune system,
while additives, preservatives,
and environmental toxins,
such as fine dust and nicotine,
can further irritate the gut, in-
flaming the body from within.
What are the
warning signs?
Silent inflammation often goes
unnoticed because it doesn’t
present the typical symptoms
of inflammation. This subtlety
makes it particularly danger-
ous. Signs to watch out for in-
clude chronic fatigue or ‘brain
fog’, frequent infections, diges-
tive issues, and unexplained
joint or muscle pain.
How long does it take
for silent inflammation
to subside?
Initial improvements can be seen
within just a week, such as after ad-
justing the diet, incorporating exer-
cise, and improving sleep. However,
it can take months for the body to
restore balance, as changes to gut
flora, fat metabolism, and cellular
stress take time. In cases of autoim-
mune disorders or chronic illnesses,
medical consultation is essential.
How can silent inflam-
mation be diagnosed?
A blood test, coupled with a
lifestyle assessment, can often
provide useful insights. For a
more comprehensive picture,
advanced lab tests may be
necessary.
The gut is the control centre
of our immune system.
PHOTO: iStock
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