Chronic inflammation: a silent threat to long-term health

When you hear the word inflammation, you probably imagine swelling and redness— signs the body is responding to an injury or infection. It’s acute or temporary inflammation, and it’s a healthy part of the healing process.

But according to Elliot Rosenstein, MD, a rheumatologist at Atlantic Health, there’s another type of inflammation that is far more insidious and of potential long-term concern. That’s called chronic inflammation, and it’s quiet, persistent, and a contributor to many serious health conditions.

“Unlike acute inflammation that flares up but then ultimately resolves, chronic inflammation is a slow, long-term process that’s hiding in plain sight and subtly damages tissues and organs over time,” says Dr. Rosenstein.

What is chronic inflammation?

“Inflammation in the body is like a thermostat,” he says. “When an injury or illness triggers acute inflammation, the thermostat turns up to fight the threat and turns down when healing is complete. But with chronic inflammation, the thermostat never shuts off completely. It stays slightly elevated and constantly releases inflammatory signals to the body.”

Over time, the subtle signs of chronic inflammation can show up as fatigue, muscle and joint pain, digestive conditions, skin problems, and cognitive issues. It can also affect metabolism and hinder weight loss efforts.

Why is chronic inflammation troublesome?

Chronic inflammation builds up slowly in the body. It can develop from persistent or repeated infections, autoimmune disorders, environmental exposures, genetic factors, and lifestyle choices. Research shows that it also contributes to a host of chronic diseases such as:

Heart disease and damaged blood vessels
Type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance
Cancer and a disordered immune system
Cognitive decline, particularly among Alzheimer’s disease patients
Mental health and mood disorders
Digestive diseases such as Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis

How can I keep chronic inflammation in check?

1. Eat a diet that’s rich in whole, unprocessed foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, lean proteins, and herbs and spices with anti-inflammatory properties.

2. Exercise regularly with moderate movements like walking, biking, or even mind-body activities like yoga or tai chi. The key is consistency.

3. Prioritize sleep so your body can repair and regulate itself. Aim for seven to nine hours of restful sleep each night to avoid the build-up of sleep deprivation.

4. Manage stress with mindfulness and meditation to keep daily stressors from building up and negatively affecting the immune and endocrine systems.

5. Avoid smoking and limit alcohol, which are both directly linked to increased inflammation and a wide range of diseases.

6. Maintain a healthy weight to keep your inflammatory markers low. Excess pounds are directly connected to chronic inflammation.

“The good news is that chronic inflammation is strongly influenced by our everyday lifestyle choices,” says Dr. Rosenstein. “Managing chronic inflammation isn’t just about preventing disease — it’s really about optimizing your overall health, energy, and well-being.”

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Published: September 22, 2025

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