Chronic inflammation management and dietary strategies

Chronic low-grade inflammation, often referred to as silent inflammation, is a systemic condition that can progressively damage tissues and blood vessel walls over time. Unlike acute inflammation, which presents with visible pain or swelling, this condition lacks immediate symptoms but increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic disorders.

To detect this risk, medical professionals often use high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) tests, which measure liver-produced proteins to identify mild inflammatory levels. Other indicators like erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and fibrinogen are considered less specific for metabolic inflammation as they often rise due to acute infections or trauma.

During National Nutrition Week, dietitian Amreen Sheikh from KIMS Hospitals suggests that managing inflammation starts with dietary habits. Rather than relying on restrictive diets, building a sustainable pantry with nutrient-dense staples can help stabilize blood sugar and maintain energy levels, countering the effects of stress, poor sleep, and sedentary lifestyles.