About inflammation

    Inflammation: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms, and Types

    Understand inflammation—how it happens, what triggers it, and the major types to watch for.

    Inflammation is your body’s immune response to irritation or injury, or to things it mistakes as threats. It can be helpful for healing, or harmful when it stays high for too long. What “high” means varies per person and may depend on your gut microbiome.

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    How inflammation works

    When tissues are injured or exposed to germs, immune cells release chemical signals called cytokines and chemokines. These signals increase blood flow, bring immune cells to the area, and create redness, warmth, swelling, and pain.

    Inflammation also controls microbes. Your body may recognize harmful patterns and try to “contain” them, but the same signals can spread beyond the original spot when the trigger lasts.

    Your gut microbiome can affect this balance. Certain bacteria help maintain the gut barrier and calm immune signaling, while others may promote irritation. If the gut lining becomes more “leaky,” immune activity can rise, contributing to ongoing low-grade inflammation.

    Why inflammation matters for your health

    Inflammation can change how you feel and function. It may reduce energy, affect sleep, and make you feel run-down even without a clear infection.

    It can also influence metabolism by altering how your body handles glucose and fats. Over time, ongoing inflammation is linked to a higher risk of problems like insulin resistance and heart and metabolic disease.

    For digestion, inflammation can disrupt the gut barrier and change bowel habits. If it becomes long-term, it can also increase the chance of chronic digestive symptoms and immune-related issues.

    What affects inflammation?

    - Diet and food: Highly processed foods and excess sugar may raise inflammatory signals.
    - Gut microbiome: Microbes help protect the gut barrier and regulate immune activity.
    - Lifestyle (sleep, stress): Poor sleep and high stress can increase inflammatory markers.
    - Biological factors: Age, infections, hormone shifts, and genetics can change your baseline inflammation.
    - Body weight and activity: Both low movement and excess body fat can promote inflammation.

    Why inflammation differs per person

    Two people can have similar symptoms but different inflammation levels. Your gut microbiome varies from person to person, and that shapes how your immune system responds to food, microbes, and gut irritation.

    Genetics also plays a role in how strongly your body turns inflammatory pathways on or off. Lifestyle factors—like stress, sleep timing, and exercise—can further shift your body’s baseline response.

    2-minute self-check Is a gut microbiome test useful for you? Answer a few quick questions and find out if a microbiome test is actually useful for you. ✔ Takes 2 minutes ✔ Based on your symptoms & lifestyle ✔ Clear yes/no recommendation Check if a test is right for me
    If you want a clearer picture, measuring your gut microbiome can help explain why your inflammation “runs hotter” or “runs cooler.” Personalized nutrition may then support a healthier gut environment and better immune balance. Consider discussing microbiome testing with a qualified provider or using InnerBuddies to start the conversation.

    Inflammation: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms, and Types

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    Chronic Inflammation: Definition, Causes, and Symptoms

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    Gut Inflammation: What It Is, Symptoms, and Common Causes

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