October 16, 2024, 4:30 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
In itself, inflammation is not harmful to us: this condition means that a wound is being cared for and is healing. In old age, however, chronic inflammation can occur that affects the whole body. So-called inflammaging means that the immune system is in constant alarm mode – an important prerequisite for diseases such as Alzheimer’s and cancer. Researchers have now discovered what can help combat inflammaging. STYLEBOOK summarizes the most important facts.
After approximately two decades of experimentation and research, it has been determined that we can take action against inflammaging. This intention is desirable, as increased cell proliferation can be observed in inflamed tissue. If cancer cells attack the body, the consequences can be devastating. Researchers at the Fritz Lipmann Institute in Jena, Germany, have established a link between our diet and immunosenescence.
Overview
This is what “inflammaging” means
“Inflammaging” is made up of the words “inflammation” and “aging.” This refers to age-related, chronic inflammation. This does not refer to acute inflammation associated with injuries – the term refers to mild inflammation throughout the body that weakens the immune system. This makes the body more susceptible to diseases typical of old age.
A report on the consequences of so-called inflammaging states that it can promote cardiovascular disease, anemia, cancer, type 2 diabetes, dementia, osteoporosis, muscle atrophy, chronic kidney disease, and depression, among other things. Inflammaging is also described as a risk for general frailty, physical and cognitive disabilities, and premature death. It therefore seems more than important to prevent this as much as possible.
A study shows how we prevent inflammatory aging
Scientists Prof. Dr. Francesco Neri and Dr. Mahdi Rasa from the Leibniz Institute on Aging at the Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI) in Jena have succeeded in identifying risk factors for inflammaging through a series of experiments on animals. They came to the conclusion that a low-calorie diet has a positive effect on age-related inflammation. It did not matter whether this diet was short-term or long-term.
The study states that flies, worms, rodents, and monkeys all lived longer when they followed a reduced calorie intake. Mice with 30 percent less food extended their lifespan by as much as 10 to 15 percent! Consequently, the test animals experienced an additional 3 to 4 months of life.
Study offers new therapeutic approaches
The scientists explain the connection between a low-calorie diet and less inflammation with the process at a molecular level: “The calorie-reduced diet appears to change the microbiome, which dampens the inflammatory response,” says Franceso Neri. Does this imply that we must forgo tasty meals to prevent or fight inflammaging?
“If food supplements also influence the microorganisms, then we could possibly achieve the same positive effects without a calorie-reduced diet,” Neri continues. In other words, the detailed study provides a stable basis for further research and new therapeutic approaches. It might not be essential to adhere to a strict diet to curb chronic inflammaging. However, a healthy diet is always a good prerequisite for healthy aging!
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“Inflammaging” and its impact on our skin
Of course, chronic inflammation can also have negative effects on the appearance of our skin. In the beauty world, methods have already been found to combat this rapid deterioration. According to the magazine “Beautypunk,” warning factors for inflammatory aging of the skin are UV rays, environmental pollution, stress, and an unhealthy diet.
Skincare with anti-inflammatory ingredients such as vitamin C, green tea extract, or niacinamide would help against this. Probiotics are also said to help with skin that is prone to inflammation. Internal care positively influences our largest organ, and a balanced diet plays a role in managing dermatological inflammaging.