Inflammation is a natural immune response that helps protect the body from injury and infection, but when it becomes chronic, it can pose a health threat, according to the National Institutes of Health
Over time, chronic inflammation can contribute to rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, inflammatory bowel disease and
Keeping the condition in check can help protect healthy tissues and support , experts say
Jim LaValle, a clinical pharmacist and metabolic medicine expert based in Texas, told Fox News Digital that inflammation can be influenced by a variety of factors beyond injury or infection
LaValle first pointed to the gut-immune-brain connection — the communication between gut microbes, the immune system and the central nervous system — as one pathway that can influence the body's inflammatory response
Beyond gut health, he said several everyday can play a role in preventing chronic inflammation
Managing can help support the gut-brain connection and keep inflammation in check, according to LaValle
He pointed to cortisol, a hormone released in response to stress, which he said can "wreak havoc on your chemistry" when levels remain elevated
Chronic stress can also affect the intestinal barrier, potentially allowing substances that would normally remain inside the gut to pass through more easily, LaValle said
This increased intestinal permeability is sometimes called "leaky gut"
"So, it turns out that if I'm stressed out a lot, I can be more prone to ," LaValle said, as stress can trigger or worsen digestive symptoms in some people
Diets high in sugar, fat and can also affect gut health
Paying attention to which foods trigger certain symptoms may help identify potential food sensitivities or intolerances, LaValle noted
Symptoms such as bloating, rashes or discomfort after eating may signal a food-related reaction, although they can have other causes
Certain medications, including antibiotics, may also alter the gut microbiome, but their effects vary depending on the drug and the individual, the expert said
Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels is another important factor in managing inflammation, according to LaValle
LaValle noted that conditions such as and insulin resistance are often associated with chronic inflammation
Research suggests that GLP-1 medications, commonly prescribed for type 2 diabetes and obesity, may have anti-inflammatory effects, while scientists are investigating other potential benefits beyond weight loss and blood sugar control
The "exposome," or the people experience throughout their lives, can influence inflammation and the risk of chronic disease, according to the National Institutes of Health
LaValle pointed to emerging research on how environmental exposures — including "forever chemicals," microplastics, metals and pesticides — may affect , blood sugar regulation and other aspects of health
"A lot of us don't think about that kind of impact on our health and how that could trigger inflammation signaling," he added
supports overall health, but intense workouts without adequate recovery time can put additional stress on the body, LaValle cautioned
"You’re not getting a good enough recovery," he said "You’re training hard. And, in fact, you might be training hard every day to lower that cortisol, but you're not getting good recovery. And that could lead to silent inflammatory signaling as well."
Anyone who is concerned about chronic inflammation or is experiencing persistent symptoms should to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment