Silent Inflammation
Silent inflammation, is a chronic inflammatory process in the body that often goes unnoticed but can still have serious effects on health. This type of inflammation is not as obvious as acute inflammation, which is accompanied by swelling, redness and pain. It is a completely different immunological reaction in which a low-threshold inflammation prevails over many years. This silent inflammation occurs largely at the cellular level, through a variety of genetic adaptations.
What is Silent Inflammation?
Silent inflammations are inconspicuous inflammations in the body that can affect a person’s health unnoticed for many years.
Hidden inflammations lead to the continuous production of various immune messengers (pro-inflammatory cytokines), which permanently activate and confuse the immune system.
In addition, permanent silent inflammation leads to an increase in oxidative stress and nitrosative stress (nitrostress).
Silent inflammation can occur anywhere in the body and from there represent a permanent burden on the entire organism – various chronic diseases can manifest themselves as a result.
Hidden Inflammation in the Body - Symptoms
The symptoms of hidden inflammation in the body are varied and very unspecific. The symptoms can vary greatly depending on genetic predisposition, toxic exposure, the state of the immune system, diet or stress management.
It is important to know that all types of inflammation increase the body’s general tendency towards inflammation and unbalance the immune system.
Hidden inflammation can lead to the following symptoms:
- Lack of energy, as an activated immune system robs the body of a lot of energy
- Rapid exhaustion and fatigue
- Mitochondriopathy, due to oxidative stress and nitrosative stress
- Lack of drive and depression
- Allergic reactions
- Sleep disturbance and night sweats
- Susceptibility to infections
- Dizziness
- Digestive problems and food intolerance
- Inflammation of the skin
- Joint pain
Possible Consequences of Silent Inflammation
People who are permanently exposed to silent inflammation can experience health effects.In the long term, a variety of diseases can develop as a result.Possible diseases associated with silent inflammation include:
- Fatigue and ME-CFS
- Allergies and intolerances
- Depression
- Arteriosclerosis and, as a result, coronary artery disease, heart attack, stroke
- Type 2 diabetes
- Autoimmune diseases
- Neurological diseases (multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease)
- Different types of cancer
- Gastrointestinal diseases
- COPD and asthma
Types of Silent Inflammation
Silent inflammation can occur anywhere in the body. Some common silent inflammations are:
- Different types of jaw inflammation, for example FDOJ / NICO
- Inflammation of the teeth, for example after root canal treatment
- Periodontitis and inflammation of the gums
- Hidden gastrointestinal inflammation
- Sinusitis (inflammation of the paranasal sinuses )
- Inflammation of the blood vessels (vasculitis)
- Inflammation of the joints (arthritis)
- Inflammation of the skin
It is important that these hidden inflammations are diagnosed and treated by specialists in different fields.
Causes of Silent Inflammation
The causes of silent inflammation are manifold and mutually reinforcing. Silent inflammation is often the result of a multifactorial process in which various causes lead to silent inflammation.
The following causes of silent inflammation are discussed:
- Toxic exposure, for example with mercury in amalgam fillings
- Condition after operations, for example FDOJ / NICO after tooth removal
- Caries and periodontitis, which can lead to jaw inflammation
- Various medications
- Dysbiosis in the mouth or gastrointestinal tract
- Infectious diseases, for example with EBV, CMV and Lyme disease
- Reduced detoxification capacity, for example "poor detoxifiers" with a genetic predisposition
Treating Silent Inflammation
Complementary treatment of silent inflammation focuses on addressing the underlying causes and reducing inflammation in the body.
Measures have included:
- Elimination of dental inflammations: jaw inflammation, periodontitis and caries
- Elimination of all other inflammations, for example in the intestines, maxillary sinus, skin and joints
- Intestinal cleansing and optimization of the intestinal flora
- Removal of amalgam under protection
- Removal of heavy metals and other toxins
- Improvement of the body's own detoxification capacity
- Treatment of hidden infectious diseases such as EBV, CMV or Lyme disease
- Stabilization and calming of the immune system
- Anti-inflammatory systemic therapies, for example INUSpheresis®, ozone therapy, hyperthermia and laser therapy
- Replenishment of missing micronutrients after precise diagnostics
- Adaptation of the diet (anti-inflammatory, alkaline and wholesome)
- Adjustment of stress management, physical activity and sleep rhythm
In the treatment of silent inflammation, it is important that an experienced therapist makes a correct diagnosis, carries out the therapy on this basis and monitors it on an ongoing basis.
Silent Inflammation and the Influence of Lifestyle
The daily lifestyle should definitely be adapted so as not to put additional strain on the body. The following aspects should be taken into account in order to better compensate for silent inflammation.
- Dietary optimization: an anti-inflammatory, non-stressful diet rich in fruits, vegetables, animal foods, healthy fats and antioxidants can help reduce inflammation in the body
- Exercise: regular physical activity can fight inflammation by promoting the release of anti-inflammatory substances and boosting the immune system. Exercise should be moderate and not excessive to prevent increased oxidative stress
- Stress management: stress can exacerbate inflammation in the body, so it is important to practice stress management techniques such as meditation, yoga or deep breathing
- Sleep: adequate and quality sleep is crucial for regulating the immune system and reducing inflammation.
- Nutritional supplements: certain supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids, curcumin, vitamin D and probiotics can have anti-inflammatory properties and help fight silent inflammation. It is important that a precise assessment of the individual micronutrient status is always carried out before taking them.
Med. pract. Dana Hreus M.A.
The healing of silent inflammation is only possible if the causes are eliminated and the immune system is normalized again. Cooperation with specialists from different disciplines is crucial.
Further information
The information listed contains relevant topics and serves to improve understanding.