Inflammaging: The Hidden Link Between Inflammation & Ageing
Ageing is a natural part of life, but what if some of the changes we associate with "getting older" were actually driven by something happening beneath the surface? Scientists call it inflammaging: the slow, steady build up of low-grade inflammation that can speed up the ageing process and affect everything from joint comfort and energy levels to heart and brain health.
The good news? While we can't turn back the clock, we can take meaningful steps to calm inflammation and support healthier, more vibrant ageing.
What Exactly Is Inflammaging?
Inflammaging is the combination of chronic inflammation + ageing. Unlike the short bursts of inflammation that help us heal from a cut or a cold, inflammaging is long-lasting and often goes unnoticed.
Over time, it can quietly affect cells and tissues, accelerating the ageing process and contributing to common age-related issues such as:
- Joint or muscle discomfort, stiffness and reduced mobility
- Fatigue and low energy even after rest
- Slower recovery from exercise or illness
- Brain fog or cognitive decline
- Cardiovascular challenges
- Digestive discomfort
- Premature wrinkles, uneven skin tone and loss of skin elasticity
What Causes It?
Several factors can drive inflammaging, including:
- Ageing itself: As we get older, our immune system naturally weakens and becomes less efficient at switching off inflammatory responses.
- Stress: Chronic stress raises cortisol, which can disrupt immune balance and heighten inflammatory markers.
- Lack of movement: Sedentary lifestyles and lack of exercise weaken the body's defences and raises inflammation levels.
- Poor diet: Highly processed foods, excess sugar and unhealthy fats can trigger inflammatory pathways.
- Environmental factors: Exposure to pollutants, harmful chemicals, toxins, poor sleep and oxidative stress all play a role.
How To Reduce Inflammaging and Support Healthy Ageing
- Choose Anti-Inflammatory Foods - Fill your plate with antioxidant-rich nutrients such as vegetables, omega-3s from fatty fish, beans and legumes, lean protein and spices such as turmeric and ginger.
- Move Daily - Even moderate exercise can reduce inflammation and strengthen the immune system. Walking, yoga, and resistance training all make a difference. Remember to always stay hydrated.
- Sleep Well - Quality sleep allows your body to repair and recharge, lowering inflammation.
- Manage Stress - Chronic stress keeps inflammation switched "ON". Mindfulness, meditation, yoga, breathing exercises or time outdoors can help lower stress levels.
- Support with the Right Nutrients - Supplements such as curcumin and boswellia have been studied for their role in supporting the body's natural inflammatory response. When delivered with advanced technologies like liposomal encapsulation, their absorption is even greater.
Closing Thoughts
Ageing is a natural part of life, but how well we age is something we can influence. By calming inflammation through food, daily lifestyle habits, targeted nutrients and smart supplementation, we can create the foundation for stronger, healthier and more vibrant ageing for years ahead.
Scientific References
- Inflammaging: chronic inflammation in ageing, cardiovascular disease, and frailty. Nature Reviews Cardiology (2018). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6146930/
- Inflammation and brain aging. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2024). https://www.mdpi.com/2978740
- Inflammaging and Brain: Curcumin and Its Beneficial Potential as Regulator of Microglia Activation. Molecules (2022) https://www.mdpi.com/1438052
- Inflammaging as a target for healthy ageing. Age Ageing (2023). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36735849/
