Chronic Inflammation: what it is and how we help

Chronic inflammation at a glance

Inflammation is the body's natural response to injury and infection. When it stays switched on at a low level for months or years, it is linked with heart disease, type 2 diabetes, joint pain and ageing. Chronic low-grade inflammation is strongly influenced by lifestyle, especially visceral fat, inactivity, diet, sleep, stress and smoking, which means there is a lot you can do about it.

Signs that may accompany chronic inflammation

• Persistent aches and joint stiffness
• Fatigue and poor recovery
• Digestive discomfort and bloating
• Skin problems
• A raised CRP on a blood test

What drives chronic inflammation?

• Excess visceral fat around the organs
• Inactivity and long periods of sitting
• Diets high in ultra-processed food and sugar
• Short sleep and chronic stress
• Smoking and heavy alcohol use
• Autoimmune conditions, which need medical care

How we help in Chiswick

• Blood tests: CRP, HbA1c, lipids, liver function and vitamin D.
• InBody scan: measures visceral fat and body water balance.
• Fitness and nutrition: an anti-inflammatory eating pattern and regular exercise.
• Red light therapy: studied for local inflammation and recovery.
• Ayurveda: diet, spices such as turmeric and ginger, and routine; try our Vata diet plan.

What does the evidence say?

Regular exercise, weight loss where needed, a Mediterranean-style diet and good sleep lower inflammatory markers in studies. Supplements have much weaker evidence than these foundations. For a practical guide, see how to reduce inflammation in the body.

Acute or chronic inflammation?

Acute inflammation is the short-term redness, heat, swelling and pain that helps the body heal a cut, sprain or infection, and it settles within days. Chronic low-grade inflammation is quieter and longer lasting, often without obvious symptoms, and is linked with long-term conditions such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

What is CRP?

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a blood marker made by the liver when inflammation is present. A standard CRP rises sharply with infections and inflammatory diseases, while a high-sensitivity CRP test can pick up the lower levels linked to chronic inflammation and cardiovascular risk. A single result should always be read alongside your symptoms and other tests.

Anti-inflammatory foods

No single food switches off inflammation, but a pattern rich in oily fish, vegetables, fruit, beans, wholegrains, nuts, olive oil, herbs and spices is linked with lower inflammatory markers. Limiting ultra-processed food, sugary drinks, processed meat and alcohol helps too. Turmeric and ginger are traditional in Ayurveda and fit well with this way of eating.

What to expect at Omnia

We start with your health history, symptoms, lifestyle and goals, and may suggest a blood panel including CRP and an InBody scan to measure visceral fat. Your plan targets the drivers we find, combining activity, nutrition, sleep and stress support, with Ayurvedic guidance or red light therapy where helpful, and repeat measurements to track change.

What you can do at home

• Eat oily fish, vegetables, beans, nuts and olive oil
• Move every day and strength train twice a week
• Protect seven to nine hours of sleep
• Stop smoking and reduce alcohol

Blood tests that can help

A CRP blood test (£49) measures inflammation in the body. Our guide to CRP levels explains the result, and our guides to rheumatoid arthritis blood tests and lupus blood tests cover autoimmune causes. Blood tests are taken at our Chiswick clinic, with no GP referral, and you receive a clear results report, with a GP review available at an additional cost if you would like one. See every blood test and price.

Visit our longevity hub. Omnia Lifestyle, Chiswick W4. Book online or call 020 4515 0000.