High Inflammatory Markers? Chronic Inflammation, the Silent Assassin Eating Away at Your Body

The stagnation of fire described in Donguibogam corresponds remarkably well to chronic inflammation in modern medicine. While acute inflammation is an essential reaction that protects the body, chronic inflammation refers to a state where the human defense system continually malfunctions and instead turns on the body. Even when there are no external invaders, our immune cells sound an emergency alarm and maintain an overactive response. This chronic inflammation causes microscopic damage throughout the entire body, reaching blood vessels, nerves, and even the brain. Major culprits include diets centered on processed foods, stress, sleep deprivation, lack of exercise, and gut dysbiosis. When gut health breaks down, the intestinal barrier loosens as seen in leaky gut syndrome, allowing inflammatory substances to enter the bloodstream. Chronic stress also causes excessive secretion of cortisol, disrupting the immune system and fueling inflammation. Such persistent inflammatory reactions steadily undermine vital bodily systems. For example, when inflammation develops in blood vessels, circulation worsens and the risk of arteriosclerosis rises. When inflammation spreads to the brain, neurological symptoms like cognitive decline, depression, and lethargy may appear. In addition, adipocytes secrete inflammatory substances that worsen insulin resistance, setting off a vicious cycle leading back to metabolic syndrome and obesity. Like a leaking dam, chronic inflammation affects every system in the body, ultimately serving as the seed for various chronic diseases including cancer, autoimmune disease, and cardiovascular disease. If you feel unwell and your vitality is low despite clear test results, it is worth suspecting the invisible presence of chronic inflammation.