Chronic Saltism: A Scientific Approach and Solutions

Chapter 1: Inflammation, two faces of our bodies: a silent burrowing threat

1.1. Inflammation, essential defense for survival

Inflammation is the body's essential defense response to harmful stimuli. When a wound or infection occurs, our body's immune system resolves intruders or damaged cells through a series of protective processes called inflammation and helps regenerate tissues. It is like gathering an army to fight against external threats. This process involves immune cells, blood vessels, and various mediators, and immune cells, such as white blood cells, gather in the damaged area to fight germs, remove damaged tissues, and begin recovery.

These inflammatory reactions are essential for our body's survival. This is because without inflammation, even small infections or wounds can be fatal. Redness, heat, swelling, pain, and decreased function are signs that the inflammatory reaction is actively taking place, which means that the body's defense system is operating normally.

1.2. Acute and chronic, what is the difference?

Inflammation is divided into acute inflammation and chronic inflammation according to its duration and characteristics. Acute inflammation is usually a short-term response that lasts for several days in water. At this stage, white blood cells such as neutrophils are predominantly mobilized, characterized by swelling due to effusion of body fluids and plasma proteins. This is a quick response to isolate the wound site and to quickly deal with the intruders.

On the other hand, chronic inflammation lasts for a much longer period than acute inflammation. At this stage, lymphocytes and macrophages play a major role, and are characterized by tissue necrosis, vascular proliferation, and fibrosis – a phenomenon that causes tissue to become hard.

Interestingly, acute and chronic inflammation were previously understood as separate phenomena, but recent studies see the two as a continuous process for maintaining the body's homeostasis. This means that when the acute inflammatory response does not end properly and becomes chronic, it leads to chronic inflammation. In other words, it occurs when the body's natural mechanism of 'stopping' inflammation fails.

1.3. Chronic Inflammation Why You Became a 'Silent Killer'

Chronic inflammation is nicknamed the "silent killer." This is because there are no dramatic symptoms such as redness, pain, and swelling that are noticeable like acute inflammation, making it difficult to recognize. Instead, it often appears as nonspecific and ambiguous symptoms such as chronic fatigue, indigestion, insomnia, and ambiguous joint pain.

Chronic inflammation gradually destroys tissues and impairs cellular function over the years in this silence. The human body is constantly in low-intensity combat, which eventually creates an environment for developing various serious diseases. It's similar to a continuous invisible leak inside a house that gradually destroys the structure and then collapses at some point.

Chapter 2: Silent Warning Signs: Correlation between Chronic Inflammation and Major Diseases

2.1. Cardiovascular disease: the time bomb of blood vessels that inflammation creates

Chronic inflammation is blamed as one of the main causes of cardiovascular disease. Chronic inflammatory conditions damage the inner walls of blood vessels, and foreign substances, including cholesterol, accumulate in these damaged areas, causing blood clots to form. This process leads to arteriosclerosis, which makes blood vessels narrow and hard.

Of note here, it is an inflammatory indicator called C-reactive protein (CRP). CRP produced by the liver rises in levels in the presence of inflammation, especially when the highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) test can detect up to very low concentrations in the blood, which is useful for identifying chronic inflammatory conditions. Interestingly, there are studies showing that more than half of heart attack patients have normal cholesterol levels and blood pressure, further highlighting the importance of the hs-CRP test. The main cause of acute heart attack or stroke caused by the rupture of unstable blood clots in the blood vessels is also the chronic inflammatory condition of the coronary arteries. Therefore, in addition to traditional lipid assessment, checking hs-CRP levels may help more accurately predict the risk of cardiovascular disease.

2.2. Metabolic disease (diabetes, obesity): insulin sensitivity that makes inflammation insensitive

Obesity and excessive body fat accumulation are considered the main causes of chronic inflammation. Adipose tissue is no longer regarded as just an energy storage warehouse, but as an active endocrine organ that secretes substances that cause inflammation.

Chronic inflammation increases insulin resistance and plays a key role in diabetes. A research team at Seoul National University Hospital has confirmed that monocytes that penetrate adipose tissue secrete a substance that causes inflammation, lizystine, increasing insulin resistance. In this process, the mitochondria in the cells are damaged, slowing the action of insulin. According to domestic and international studies, people who frequently eat foods with high inflammatory indices have a up to 1.67 times higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome, and each time the dietary inflammation index rises, the risk of diabetes increases by 13%.

In particular, high insulin resistance and inflammation levels showed a significant increase in the risk of diabetes complications than when only one factor was higher. This forms a vicious cycle in which inflammation and insulin resistance worsen each other, suggesting that it is very important to manage both factors at the same time.

2.3. Cancer: Tumors grown by embers called inflammation

Chronic inflammation is very closely related to the development and progression of cancer. It has been confirmed several times through domestic and international studies that chronic inflammatory conditions increase the incidence of cancer. The research team at Seoul National University Hospital reported that people with high levels of chronic inflammation have a 38% higher risk of developing cancer in men and 29% higher in women than those with low levels of chronic inflammation.

One of the specific mechanisms is 'oxidative stress'. When the inflammatory response is prolonged, reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulate excessively, increasing the oxidation stress. This oxidation stress causes direct damage to the gene sequence of DNA, causing mutations, which can be the decisive cause of mutating normal cells into cancer cells. In particular, the oxidation of the guanine (G) base in DNA was found in certain cancer cells. These findings have significant implications in that they have clearly identified the mechanisms by which inflammation and oxidative stress cause cancer.

2.4. Autoimmune diseases: The betrayal of immunity attacking my body

An autoimmune disease is a chronic inflammatory disease in which the immune system attacks its normal tissues and organs by mistaking them for external pathogens. A typical example is rheumatoid arthritis, in which immune cells attack joints and cause chronic systemic inflammation. An autoimmune inflammatory response that has been initiated can spread beyond the joint to the whole body, including the lungs, nerves, and heart, resulting in various complications.

Drugs such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and steroids are used to treat these conditions. These drugs have the effect of quickly suppressing inflammation and pain, but they do not completely stop the progression of the inflammation itself and can cause side effects in long-term use. Therefore, while the drug treatment helps to temporarily control the inflammation, there may be limitations in stopping the underlying autoimmune response and requires long-term management.

Chapter 3: Chronic Inflammation Through the Eyes of Science: The Battle of the Microscopic World

3.1. Language of the immune system: cytokines and inflammatory storms

Our body's immune system communicates through a small group of proteins called 'cytokines.' Cytokines are signaling molecules that control and regulate immune responses, like language that helps immune cells respond effectively to infections, injuries, etc. Well-known cytokines include interleukins (ILs) and tumor necrosis factors (TNFs).

Cytokines are essential for maintaining immune homeostasis and defending against infection, but if their production and signaling are not properly controlled, they can have detrimental consequences. In particular, excessive or long-term release of inflammatory cytokines can lead to an uncontrollable immune response called a 'cytokine storm', which can also cause serious diseases such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Even in the case of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), it has been found that the balance between inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines is broken, leading to prolonged disease and tissue damage. This demonstrates that the core of the inflammatory response is not just to signal an attack, but also to the ability to regulate the release of it in a timely manner.

3.2. Key switch in inflammation: NF-κB pathway

In the microscopic world of chronic inflammation, the 'nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB)' acts as a key switch in regulating the inflammatory response. NF-κB is a transcriptional factor that regulates the gene expression associated with inflammation and immune response, and plays an essential role in normal immune activities.

However, dysregulation of NF-κB has been reported in several diseases, including cancer, resulting in excessive persistence of the inflammatory response. Therefore, controlling the activity of NF-κB has become a key target for the treatment of chronic inflammatory disease and cancer. In fact, it has been found that a specific novel kinase, CDC Like Kinase 3 (CLK3), functions as a negative regulator that inhibits the NF-κB signaling pathway. These studies suggest the possibility of developing new drugs to suppress chronic inflammation and demonstrate the efforts of the scientific community to control the underlying molecular mechanisms of the disease.

3.3. The sophistication of the immune system that distinguishes between 'I' and 'outside'

One of the most important roles of the immune system is its ability to distinguish between 'self' and 'non-self'. This ability is implemented through a sophisticated molecular defense mechanism called the cGAS-STING pathway. This pathway induces an inflammatory response by detecting DNA from an external pathogen, such as a virus.

However, it is possible that magnetic DNA fragments are present in human cells due to accidental bursting of the cell nucleus. Surprisingly, the cGAS-STING pathway does not respond to these magnetic DNA fragments. This is due to a low-molecular protein complex called the Barrier-to-Autotranslation Factor (BAF). BAF prevents unnecessary inflammatory reactions by first binding to the magnetic DNA fragments and essentially blocking them from accessing the cGAS proteins. When the BAF is removed, the magnetic DNA fragments have been found to stimulate the cGAS-STING pathway, causing inflammation. This finding shows the remarkable molecular sophistication by which our body minutely controls the inflammatory response by distinguishing between 'magnetic' and 'non-self', suggesting that a small malfunction of the system can contribute to chronic inflammation.

Chapter 4: Practical Roadmap to Solving Chronic Inflammation: Science-Based Lifestyle Strategies

4.1. Diet Revolution: The Transition to an Anti-Inflammatory Diet

The diet is one of the most powerful tools for controlling chronic inflammation. By avoiding foods that cause inflammation and eating foods that suppress inflammation, you can significantly lower your body's inflammation levels.

Inflammation-causing foods: Why should I avoid them?

 * Refined Carbohydrates and Sugar: White bread, cookies, soda, etc. raise blood sugar dramatically, causing an inflammatory reaction.

 * Fried and processed meats: Hot cooked foods form final saccharides (AGEs), damaging cells and causing inflammation. Processed meats like bacon and sausage promote inflammation due to saturated fats and nitrate additives.

 * Omega-6 Fatty Intake: Excessive intake of omega-6 fatty oils, such as soybean oil and corn oil, can cause inflammation by breaking the balance with the anti-inflammatory omega-3.

Anti-inflammatory Food: What Should I Eat?

 * Foods Rich in Omega-3: Blue-backed fish such as salmon, mackerel, and tuna, as well as perilla oil and nuts, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that inhibit inflammation and blood clotting.

 * Vegetables and Fruits: cruciferous vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, and kale contain antioxidants. Berries such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries include anthocyanins, a powerful antioxidant, which reduces inflammation and boosts immunity.

 * Spice and Tea: Curcumin in Turmeric, EGCG in Green Tea has a strong anti-inflammatory effect.

In particular, the intestinal microbial balance is closely related to chronic inflammation. It is important to avoid food that causes inflammation, remove food from harmful bacteria, and increase beneficial bacteria by eating fermented food, onions, and garlic, which are rich in prebiotics.

4.2. Reorganization of Lifestyle: Exercise, Sleep, and Stress Management

Exercise: Proper intensity is key

Regular exercise is a powerful way to reduce chronic inflammation. Aerobic exercise, such as walking, biking, and swimming, improves blood circulation, helping to release inflammatory toxins, and is effective in reducing abdominal fat, the main trigger of inflammation. Also, flexible exercise yoga and Pilates help relieve inflammation.

However, excessive high-intensity exercise can worsen inflammation. Excessive exercise can cause microscopic ruptures in muscles and increase cortisol, a stress hormone, which can cause a temporary inflammatory reaction. Therefore, it is important to keep exercising at an appropriate intensity that matches your physical strength.

Sleep and Stress Management: Finding Peace in Body and Mind

Chronic stress in modern people is the main cause of chronic inflammation. Hormones released under stressful conditions can stimulate the sympathetic nervous system and lead to an inflammatory response. Also, a lack of sleep can increase the chemicals that cause inflammation and reduce the body's condition and immunity.

Therefore, it is essential to control stress and sleep in order to manage chronic inflammation. You should prepare your own stress relief methods, such as yoga, meditation, reading, and hobbies, and get more than 7-8 hours of good sleep every day to give your immune system time to recover

4.3. Nutrition and Medical Access: Seek Expert Advice

A healthy diet and lifestyle are the basics of managing chronic inflammation, but certain nutritional supplements or medications can also be helpful. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements or curcumin can be useful to increase the anti-inflammatory effect. However, excessive use of omega-3 supplements can increase the risk of bleeding, so consultations with medical staff must be preceded.

Chronic inflammation can be a precursor to a serious disease and is a medical problem that requires specialized diagnosis and management. Therefore, it is important to check your physical condition through regular medical checkups including inflammatory indicator tests such as CRP. Medication such as aspirin and COX-2 inhibitors can also help prevent and treat inflammation-related diseases, but this must be done under the guidance of a professional medical staff. The smartest approach to addressing chronic inflammation is to combine science-based lifestyle improvements with expert advice.