Chronic Inflammation

Inflammation is a natural and essential biological mechanism that occurs in your body in response to injury, infection, or harmful stimuli. Although it is a protective mechanism, prolonged or chronic inflammation is a sign of dysregulation in the body, and it can wreak havoc in the long term.

Chronic medical conditions, cancer, and obesity all share a common disease process: metabolic dysregulation and pro-inflammation. At Apex Weight Solutions, we understand that pro-inflammation contributes to your chronic fatigue and lack of energy.

Our team collaborates with you to take back control of your health and improve your quality of life.

Do you have questions about excess weight-related inflammation?

Call us to schedule an appointment today.

Types of Inflammation

There can be two types of inflammation: acute or chronic.

Acute inflammation is the body's quick response to any injury or infection. When the body detects a threat, it activates immune cells to eliminate the danger and promote tissue repair. This is short-term inflammation which is necessary for healing and recovery.

Chronic inflammation is a prolonged reaction that can be triggered by prolonged infections, autoimmune disorders, and overweight or obesity. It can last for weeks, months, or even years and is linked to various health conditions.

Inflammation & Obesity

Obesity and excessive weight trigger a state of chronic, low-grade systemic inflammation. Chronic, low-grade inflammation is a prolonged, non-resolving, low-level state that can have a lasting negative impact on your health.

Unlike acute inflammation, chronic low-grade inflammation is not the typical defense mechanism of the body. It is an ongoing state of heightened immune activity caused by dysregulation that stems from medical conditions, including obesity.

Effect on Your Metabolism

Low-grade chronic inflammation in metabolic tissues is known as metabolic inflammation or meta-inflammation. Meta-inflammation can disrupt your body's normal metabolic processes, interfering with the regulation of blood sugar and lipids and leading to insulin resistance.

This prolonged inflammatory state can contribute to the development and progression of long-term health complications, such as fatty liver, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.

These diseases and inflammation engage in a complex interplay, each reinforcing the other. As inflammation escalates, it exacerbates insulin resistance and other related conditions, further fueling the inflammation.

Symptoms of Chronic Inflammation

Chronic inflammation can cause less obvious symptoms that may be harder to detect. Common symptoms associated with chronic inflammation include:

Abdominal pain
Chest pain
Fatigue
Insomnia
Fever
Joint pain
Weight gain
Muscle weakness
Frequent infections
Depression
Diarrhea

Diagnosis of Inflammation

The process of diagnosing chronic inflammation involves a combination of specific tests and physical examinations.

Medical history and physical examination: This includes assessing your symptoms, medical history, and any recent injuries or illnesses. A physical examination is also performed to check for signs of acute inflammation in specific areas of the body.
Blood tests: Various blood tests are necessary to diagnose chronic inflammation. This may include testing your C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and changes in white blood cell count. Elevated levels of CRP indicate inflammation in the body.
Imaging tests: In some cases, imaging studies, such as X-rays, ultrasounds, or MRI scans, may help visualize inflamed tissues or organs. These tests can help identify the location and extent of inflammation.

Treatment of Inflammation

Treatment of inflammation focuses on managing symptoms and targeting the root cause.

At Apex Weight Solutions, we specialize in providing comprehensive treatment plans tailored to your specific needs, aiming to restore you to optimal health. The treatment approach for inflammation may include:

Weight loss: If you are experiencing obesity-related inflammation, weight loss is a crucial aspect of treatment. Losing excess weight can enhance insulin sensitivity and improve metabolic processes, ultimately reducing systemic inflammation. At Apex Weight Solutions, we provide prescription weight loss medications tailored to your needs, as part of our weight loss program.
Anti-inflammatory nutrition: Certain foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, can help fight inflammation. Our team provides personalized nutritional counseling to address your specific needs and support your body's healing process.
Lifestyle modifications: These changes may focus on stress management, regular physical activity, adequate sleep, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. We provide behavior counseling to help you make lasting changes for improved health and reduced inflammation.

Treating Chronic Inflammation in Illinois

Chronic inflammation can significantly impact your overall health and contribute to a range of health conditions, affecting your quality of life. At Apex Weight Solutions, we understand the far-reaching effects of chronic inflammation and offer comprehensive care to manage and alleviate its impact on your health.

To schedule your consultation with our team, request an appointment online or call us at 708-797-3541.