Are You Inflamed Without Even Knowing It? Here’s How to Tell
Have you ever felt like something wasn’t right in your body, even though all your tests returned "normal"?
Maybe it’s the fatigue you can’t shake.
The bloating after almost every meal.
That random ache in your joints.
You’re not imagining it.
You could be inflamed — and if you are, you’re certainly not alone.
Inflammation: The Silent Killer Nobody Talks About Enough
We often think of inflammation as something obvious — a swollen ankle, a cut that turns red and hot. But chronic inflammation is a different beast. It simmers quietly inside, damaging cells, tissues, and organs day after day. And the scary part? You might not even know it’s happening.
Chronic inflammation is now recognised as the root cause behind many of today’s most significant health issues — from autoimmune diseases to heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and even dementia.
In fact, some researchers estimate that around 60–80% of people are living with some level of chronic inflammation right now — often without a formal diagnosis.
But Isn’t Inflammation Normal?
Yes — when it’s acute (think: you cut your finger), inflammation is a good thing. Your body sends immune cells rushing to the scene to heal the injury.
Chronic inflammation, however, is when the immune response never entirely shuts off. It keeps burning, even when there’s no injury left to heal.
It’s like a fire alarm that won’t stop ringing — eventually, it starts causing damage.
Common Signs You Might Be Inflamed (Even If You Feel 'Okay')
If you’re wondering, “Am I inflamed?” — here are some clues your body might be giving you:
Persistent fatigue (even after a full night's sleep)
Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
Bloating, gas, or digestive issues
Unexplained weight gain or stubborn weight loss resistance
Joint pain or stiffness
Puffy face or swollen hands and feet
Skin issues (eczema, psoriasis, acne)
Recurrent infections (colds, sinusitis, UTIs)
Allergies or food sensitivities you never used to have
Mood swings, anxiety, or depression
Trouble sleeping
Hormonal imbalances (irregular periods, severe PMS, low libido)
High blood pressure
Blood sugar swings (crashing after meals or needing constant snacks)
Low-grade fevers or night sweats
It’s easy to brush these off as “just getting older” or “stress” — but often, these are your body’s early warning signs.
Why Inflammation Gets Worse with Age and Menopause
You’re not imagining it — it actually does get harder to stay inflammation-free as you age.
Here’s why:
Hormonal changes: Especially in menopause, a drop in oestrogen removes one of your body’s natural anti-inflammatory shields.
Mitochondrial decline: Your cells’ little energy factories become less efficient, creating more oxidative stress (which fuels inflammation).
Lifestyle accumulation: Years of processed food, poor sleep, alcohol, stress, and environmental toxins all catch up.
In fact, there’s even a word for this: inflammaging — the gradual rise of chronic inflammation as you age.
Women going through perimenopause and menopause are particularly vulnerable to a spike in inflammatory markers.
Common Illnesses That Scream “You’re Inflamed”
If you’ve been diagnosed with any of the following, chronic inflammation is already an issue:
Autoimmune diseases (like rheumatoid arthritis, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis)
Heart disease
Type 2 diabetes
Obesity
Depression
Alzheimer's disease
Asthma
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Endometriosis
PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis)
Cancer
Even conditions like osteoporosis and macular degeneration (eye disease) have inflammatory roots.
In other words — if you’re managing any of these, you are inflamed.
Startling Inflammation Stats You Need to Know
6 in 10 adults worldwide live with at least one chronic disease linked to inflammation.
Chronic diseases (fueled mainly by inflammation) are responsible for 74% of all deaths globally.
Women after menopause are twice as likely to develop inflammatory diseases compared to younger women.
People with chronic inflammation have a 2–3 times higher risk of developing dementia later in life.
Silent. Widespread. Deadly.
It’s time we stopped thinking inflammation is just about sore joints.
So, What Can You Do About It?
First, if you’re seeing yourself in any of these symptoms — don’t panic.
The beautiful thing about chronic inflammation is that you can reverse it with the right lifestyle changes.
Here’s what helps calm the fire inside:
Clean up your diet: Focus on whole, anti-inflammatory foods — think colourful vegetables, healthy fats like olive oil, wild-caught fish, and berries.
Move your body daily: Gentle movement like walking, yoga, or strength training reduces inflammatory markers.
Manage stress: Chronic cortisol release (hello, stress hormones!) fuels inflammation. Meditation, deep breathing, nature time — these aren’t luxuries; they’re medicine.
Prioritise sleep: Poor sleep is one of the fastest ways to spike inflammation.
Limit toxins: Choose natural skincare, clean your home with non-toxic products, ditch processed food as much as possible.
Support your gut: 70% of your immune system lives in your gut — and a healthy gut keeps inflammation in check.
Stay hydrated: Water helps flush inflammatory compounds out of your system.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait for a Diagnosis
You don’t need to wait until your body is screaming at you to take action.
The best time to start reducing inflammation is before you’re diagnosed with something serious.
If you’re feeling "off" — listen to your body. It’s wiser than you think.
Healing from chronic inflammation isn’t just about avoiding disease — it’s about creating a life where you have energy, joy, and resilience every single day.
And you deserve nothing less.
My Free Anti-Inflammatory Guide
Want to learn exactly which foods and habits will cool inflammation fast?
Be sure to grab my Anti-Inflammatory Eating Guide — it’s packed with tips, recipes, and everything you need to feel vibrant again.