HEART DISEASE

Inflammation damages the lining of your arteries (the endothelium), making it easier for cholesterol to oxidize and stick to arterial walls. Over time, this leads to plaque buildup and narrowed blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. High-sensitivity CRP (C-reactive protein) is an inflammatory marker often elevated in people with cardiovascular disease.

TYPE 2 DIABETES

Prolonged inflammation disrupts insulin signaling by altering how cells respond to glucose. This leads to insulin resistance—where the body needs more and more insulin to manage blood sugar. Chronic high blood sugar, in turn, triggers more inflammation, creating a vicious cycle that fuels metabolic dysfunction.

OBESITY

Fat cells, especially those in visceral (belly) fat, don’t just store energy—they also act like inflammatory organs. They release pro-inflammatory cytokines that interfere with hormone balance, blood sugar regulation, and immune signaling. This makes it harder to lose weight and increases the risk of related conditions like fatty liver disease.

AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES

In autoimmune conditions, the immune system mistakenly targets the body’s own tissues. Inflammation is central to this process—it’s both a symptom and a driver of tissue damage. Diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis are all fueled by chronic inflammatory signaling.

ALZHEIMER'S AND COGNITIVE DECLINE

Inflammation in the brain—known as neuroinflammation—is now seen as a key contributor to Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. Microglial cells, which usually protect the brain, become overactive in chronic inflammation, damaging neurons and impairing memory, mood, and cognition.

CANCER

While inflammation is meant to be protective, when it becomes chronic, it creates an environment where abnormal cells can grow unchecked. Inflammatory mediators can encourage DNA damage, promote tumor growth, and help cancer cells evade the immune system. Many types of cancer have been linked to persistent inflammation, including colon, liver, and breast cancer.

DIGESTIVE DISORDERS

Conditions like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and even irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) often stem from or involve chronic inflammation in the gut. Inflammatory signals can disrupt the gut lining, leading to leaky gut, nutrient malabsorption, and immune overactivation that further harms digestive health.

DEPRESSION AND MOOD DISORDERS

The brain and immune system are deeply connected. Chronic inflammation can interfere with neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, contributing to mood swings, anxiety, and depression. Elevated inflammatory markers are now found in a large percentage of people with treatment-resistant depression.