Inflammation is a natural immune response that helps protect the body from injury and infection, but when it becomes chronic, it can pose a health threat, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Over time, chronic inflammation can contribute to rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, inflammatory bowel disease and cardiovascular disease.
Keeping the condition in check can help protect healthy tissues and support overall health, experts say.
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Jim LaValle, a clinical pharmacist and metabolic medicine expert based in Texas, told Fox News Digital that inflammation can be influenced by a variety of factors beyond injury or infection.
LaValle first pointed to the gut-immune-brain connection — the communication between gut microbes, the immune system and the central nervous system — as one pathway that can influence the body's inflammatory response.
Beyond gut health, he said several everyday lifestyle factors can play a role in preventing chronic inflammation.
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Managing stress and anxiety can help support the gut-brain connection and keep inflammation in check, according to LaValle.
He pointed to cortisol, a hormone released in response to stress, which he said can "wreak havoc on your chemistry" when levels remain elevated.
Chronic stress can also affect the intestinal barrier, potentially allowing substances that would normally remain inside the gut to pass through more easily, LaValle said.
This increased intestinal permeability is sometimes called "leaky gut."
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"So, it turns out that if I'm stressed out a lot, I can be more prone to irritable bowel," LaValle said, as stress can trigger or worsen digestive symptoms in some people.
Diets high in sugar, fat and ultraprocessed foods can also affect gut health.
Paying attention to which foods trigger certain symptoms may help identify potential food sensitivities or intolerances, LaValle noted.
Symptoms such as bloating, rashes or discomfort after eating certain foods may signal a food-related reaction, although they can have other causes.
Certain medications, including antibiotics, may also alter the gut microbiome, but their effects vary depending on the drug and the individual, the expert said.
Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels is another important factor in managing inflammation, according to LaValle.
LaValle noted that conditions such as diabetes and insulin resistance are often associated with chronic inflammation.
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Research suggests that GLP-1 medications, commonly prescribed for type 2 diabetes and obesity, may have anti-inflammatory effects, while scientists are investigating other potential benefits beyond weight loss and blood sugar control.
The "exposome," or the environmental exposures people experience throughout their lives, can influence inflammation and the risk of chronic disease, according to the National Institutes of Health.
LaValle pointed to emerging research on how environmental exposures — including "forever chemicals," microplastics, metals and pesticides — may affect weight, blood sugar regulation and other aspects of health.
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"A lot of us don't think about that kind of impact on our health and how that could trigger inflammation signaling," he added.
Regular exercise supports overall health, but intense workouts without adequate recovery time can put additional stress on the body, LaValle cautioned.
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"You’re not getting a good enough recovery," he said. "You’re training hard. And, in fact, you might be training hard every day to lower that cortisol, but you're not getting good recovery. And that could lead to silent inflammatory signaling as well."
Anyone who is concerned about chronic inflammation or is experiencing persistent symptoms should consult a doctor to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.
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