Inflammaging, Explained in Plain Words

Inflammaging is a word researchers use for the slow, low-level inflammation that tends to build up as we get older. It is a blend of two words: inflammation and aging. It sounds technical, but the idea is simple.

Good inflammation and lingering inflammation

Short-term inflammation is a healthy response. When you cut your finger or catch a cold, your immune system sends help, the area heals, and things calm down.

Inflammaging is different. It is quiet and ongoing. You usually cannot feel it. Over the years, this steady background activity is linked with many of the changes we associate with aging.

What drives it

There is no single cause. Researchers point to a mix of factors that add up over time:

• An immune system that becomes less precise with age
• Extra weight, especially around the middle
• Too little movement
• Poor sleep and ongoing stress
• Diets low in fruits, vegetables and healthy fats

Everyday habits that help

The good news is that daily habits make a real difference. None of them are complicated.

1. Move every day. A 20 to 30 minute walk counts.
2. Eat more plants and healthy fats. Think vegetables, beans, nuts, olive oil and oily fish.
3. Protect your sleep. Aim for a regular bedtime and a calm evening routine.
4. Stay connected. Time with friends and family is good for body and mind.
5. Fill nutrient gaps. Omega-3s, vitamin D and magnesium all support normal body functions that tend to need more help with age.

How our products fit in

We built Longevity Health Co around this idea. Each ingredient in our line has research linking it to the body's inflammatory balance. EPA from omega-3s is one of the most studied nutrients in this area. Vitamin D3 and K2 are linked with healthy immune regulation. And low magnesium, which is common in older adults, is associated with higher markers of low-grade inflammation.

Our Omega-3, D3 + K2 and Magnesium are simple daily basics. They are not a replacement for healthy habits. They are there to support them.

The bottom line

Inflammaging is a normal part of getting older, but it is not something you have to ignore. Small, steady habits are the best tools we have.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is inflammaging?

Inflammaging is a word researchers use for the slow, low-level inflammation that tends to build up as we get older. It is a blend of two words: inflammation and aging.

Is all inflammation bad?

No. Short-term inflammation is a healthy response. When you cut your finger or catch a cold, it helps your body heal. Inflammaging is different because it is quiet and ongoing, and you usually cannot feel it.

What can I do about inflammaging?

Simple daily habits make a real difference: move every day, eat more plants and healthy fats, protect your sleep, stay connected and fill nutrient gaps. Talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement.

References

1. Franceschi C, Garagnani P, Parini P, Giuliani C, Santoro A. Inflammaging: a new immune-metabolic viewpoint for age-related diseases. Nature Reviews Endocrinology. 2018;14(10):576-590. doi.org/10.1038/s41574-018-0059-4
2. Franceschi C, Bonafè M, Valensin S, et al. Inflamm-aging: an evolutionary perspective on immunosenescence. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. 2000;908:244-254. doi.org/10.1111/j.1749-6632.2000.tb06651.x
3. National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. ods.od.nih.gov
4. National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. Vitamin D: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. ods.od.nih.gov
5. National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. Magnesium: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. ods.od.nih.gov