Breaking Down Chronic Inflammation: What It Means for Your Health

Breaking Down Chronic Inflammation:

What It Means for Your Health

“The body keeps giving us signals such as a little discomfort, a little ache, a little inability to do certain things, but we are so obsessed with our own ideas and with our own work, that we don’t care. After all, if there is some problem somewhere, it needs attention, otherwise it will multiply. Most of the times when the problem becomes serious, it is indicated quite a long time earlier. This consciousness about the body can come through yoga because we are in touch with the body.” - Dr. Jayadeva Yogendra, Yoga and Total Health, April, 2018

Dr. Jayadeva talked about inflammation as the body's natural defense signal. Inflammation is sometimes essential for healing injuries and fighting infections. However, when inflammation becomes chronic, it turns into a silent disruptor, contributing to long-term health issues. One of the most overlooked yet significant concerns is chronic stomach inflammation, which can lead to digestive disorders and systemic health complications. Understanding how inflammation affects the body is the first step toward managing and preventing its harmful effects.

Cardinal Signs of Inflammation

Inflammation, whether acute or chronic, presents with distinct physiological signs. In medical texts, five cardinal signs of inflammation have been recognized. These signs help in identifying and understanding the inflammatory response:

 

1. Rubor (Redness) – Increased blood flow to the affected area causes visible redness. This occurs due to the dilation of blood vessels, allowing immune cells to reach the site of injury or infection.
2. Calor (Heat) – The inflamed area may feel warm due to increased circulation and metabolic activity at the site. This is the body's way of accelerating healing by enhancing immune function.
3. Tumor (Swelling) – Fluid accumulation in the tissues leads to swelling. This happens as a result of the body's immune response, which increases permeability in the blood vessels, allowing plasma and white blood cells to reach the affected tissues.
4. Dolor (Pain) – Inflammatory chemicals such as prostaglandins sensitize nerve endings, leading to pain. Pain serves as a protective mechanism, preventing further damage by restricting movement in the inflamed area.Functio Laesa (Loss of Function) – In severe cases, inflammation can impair normal function, such as difficulty moving an inflamed joint or experiencing digestive issues due to chronic stomach inflammation
5. Functio Laesa (Loss of Function) – In severe cases, inflammation can impair normal function, such as difficulty moving an inflamed joint or experiencing digestive issues due to chronic stomach inflammation.

These cardinal signs are more pronounced in acute inflammation but can also manifest subtly in chronic disease and inflammation, often leading to long-term damage without immediate symptoms. Recognizing these early signals helps in addressing inflammation before it progresses into more serious health conditions.
 

What is Chronic Inflammation
Inflammation is classified into two types—acute and chronic. Acute inflammation occurs in response to injury or infection and subsides once healing is complete. Chronic inflammation, however, lingers for months or even years, slowly damaging tissues and organs. There are several types of chronic inflammation, and identifying them is crucial for effective management.

• Chronic Low-Grade Inflammation: Subtle, long-term inflammation associated with obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.
• Autoimmune-Related Inflammation: The immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells, leading to conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
• Digestive System Inflammation: Includes conditions like chronic stomach inflammation, which impacts gut health and nutrient absorption.

Chronic Stomach Inflammation: Causes and Symptoms

One of the most prevalent yet often undiagnosed forms of inflammation affects the digestive system. Chronic stomach inflammation (gastritis) results from prolonged irritation of the stomach lining, often due to:

• H. pylori infection – A bacterial infection that inflames the stomach lining.
• Overuse of NSAIDs – Painkillers like ibuprofen can erode the stomach lining.
• Alcohol consumption – Weakens the stomach’s protective barrier.
• Stress and poor diet – Increases acid production, triggering inflammation.

Recognizing the symptoms of chronic stomach inflammation is essential for timely intervention. Common signs include:

1. Persistent indigestion – A burning sensation in the upper abdomen.
2. Bloating and nausea – Feeling overly full after small meals.
3. Unexplained weight loss – Chronic inflammation affects digestion and appetite.
4. Black or tarry stools – Indicates internal bleeding due to stomach lining damage.

Ignoring these symptoms can lead to ulcers and increase the risk of stomach cancer, making early diagnosis and lifestyle modifications essential.

Chronic Disease and Inflammation: The Hidden Connection

• Diabetes: Inflammation plays a role in insulin resistance. 
• Heart disease: Chronic inflammation leads to plaque buildup in arteries. 
• Alzheimer’s disease: Persistent inflammation in the brain accelerates cognitive decline. 

Managing inflammation is not just about relieving symptoms—it is about preventing life-altering diseases. 

Chronic Stomach Inflammation Treatment: A Holistic Approach

The good news is that chronic stomach inflammation treatment doesn’t have to rely solely on medications. A combination of dietary adjustments, yogic practices, and stress management can significantly reduce inflammation.

1. Diet for Chronic Inflammation

What you eat determines how your body responds to inflammation. The right foods can soothe the stomach lining and prevent further damage.
Foods to include:

• Ginger and turmeric – Natural anti-inflammatory spices that aid digestion.
• Probiotic-rich foods – Curd and fermented foods restore gut bacteria balance.
• Leafy greens and fiber-rich foods – Improve gut health and reduce acid reflux. 

Foods to avoid:

• Processed and fried foods
• Caffeine and alcohol
• High-sugar and high-fat meals 

Yoga for Chronic Inflammation: Restoring Balance

The practice of yoga for chronic inflammation is a proven way to regulate stress hormones, improve digestion, and reduce inflammatory markers in the body. Here are 2 yogic techniques to help soothe the stomach and enhance overall gut health.=

Yogendra Pranayama - Bhramari

Bhramari pranayama derives its name from the humming sound resembling a bee that is produced during this practice.

• How to do it:
• Do preliminary conditioning in Sukhasana or any other meditative posture.
• Sit on a firm chair with an erect backrest, if unable to sit on the floor.
• Keep the body above the waist straight, the spine erect and the eyes closed.
• Keep the mouth closed throughout the practice.
• After a deep inhalation, start exhaling, make a sound of the humming bee slowly, smoothly and continuously in a controlled manner.
• The sound need not be very loud but should create the vibrations.
• Recommended practice: 1. Practice 5 rounds/session, with pause in-between rounds.
• How it helps: Calms the nervous system, reducing stress-related inflammation in the stomach.
• Things to avoid: Avoid practicing on a full stomach.

Yogendra Vajrasana

How to do it:

• Take a kneeling position on a mat, the knees and toes touching each other and the heels kept apart.
• Keep the mind relaxed and passively aware.
• Lower the body gently and sit comfortably on the hollow formed by the toes and heels.
• Hold the body erect, chin in and parallel to the ground, shoulders square, keeping the head, neck and trunk in one straight line- abdomen held in normal contour.
• Place the hands upon their respective knees, just before the knee cap.
• The legs should be flat on the ground folded under the thighs.
• Close the eyes (or keep the gaze fixed at one point) and passively observe the breath (final position).
• Mind may wander to other thoughts but gently bring it back to breath.
• Slowly open the eyes and gently raise the hips to go back to the starting position.
• Sit on the mat and gently stretch the legs forward (if required).
• Maintain the mental state for as long as possible.
• Recommended practice: Practice daily. Begin with 5 minutes, increasing to 10 minutes with regular practice. 
• How it helps: Improves digestion and reduces acid reflux, a key factor in chronic stomach inflammation treatment. 
• Things to avoid: Not recommended for those with severe knee pain. 

Preventing Chronic Inflammation: Long-Term Strategies
Addressing inflammation at its root requires sustained lifestyle changes. Key habits include:

• Regular physical activity – Moderate exercise keeps inflammatory markers in check.
• Adequate hydration – Drinking warm water with lemon in the morning helps flush toxins.
• Quality sleep – Poor sleep increases inflammatory responses in the gut.
• Stress management – Meditation and deep breathing regulate cortisol levels. 

By making these changes, we can reduce the effects of chronic disease and inflammation before they escalate.

FAQs on Chronic Inflammation

• What causes chronic inflammation in the stomach?
  Bacterial infections, NSAID overuse, stress, and unhealthy diet.
• What are the symptoms of chronic stomach inflammation?
  Indigestion, bloating, nausea, weight loss, and black stools.
• Can stress worsen chronic stomach inflammation?
  Yes, stress increases stomach acid production, aggravating inflammation.
• How can diet help with chronic stomach inflammation treatment?
  Anti-inflammatory foods like turmeric, ginger, and probiotics help heal the gut lining.
• Can chronic inflammation be reversed?
  Yes, with diet, yoga, and lifestyle changes, inflammation can be managed.
• Is yoga effective for chronic inflammation?
  Yes, pranayama and asanas improve digestion and reduce inflammatory stress.
• How long does it take to heal chronic inflammation?
  It varies, but consistent dietary and lifestyle changes show results in weeks.
• Why do processed foods worsen inflammation?
  They contain unhealthy fats and additives that trigger inflammatory responses.
• Can herbal teas help with stomach inflammation?
  Yes, ginger and chamomile tea soothe the digestive tract.
• What role do probiotics play in inflammation?
  They restore gut microbiota, reducing stomach irritation.
• Can dehydration worsen stomach inflammation?
  Yes, lack of water leads to acid buildup and irritation.
• How does meditation help with inflammation?
  It lowers stress hormones that contribute to chronic inflammation.
• What are the best natural remedies for chronic inflammation?
  Yoga, turmeric, ginger, and a balanced diet.

Understanding chronic stomach inflammation treatment and incorporating yoga for chronic inflammation can significantly improve overall health and prevent future complications.