Episode 56: Chronic Inflammation is Accelerating Your Aging Process

Optimal HealthMitochondrial HealthFunctional Medicine
Written By Nicole Goode
 

In this episode, we dive into the powerful connection between chronic inflammation and aging, uncovering the science behind how long-term inflammation impacts cellular health, metabolism, and the immune system. You'll learn about the difference between acute and chronic inflammation—why short-term inflammation is crucial for healing, but prolonged inflammation, known as “inflammaging", can accelerate the aging process and contribute to age-related diseases.

We'll discuss the role of mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and cytokines in this process, and highlight the lifestyle factors—such as poor diet, lack of exercise, stress, toxins, and sleep deprivation—that contribute to chronic inflammation. More importantly, we'll explore practical, research-backed strategies to combat chronic inflammation, improve mitochondrial health, and ultimately slow down the aging process. With insights from functional medicine, this episode will equip you with actionable steps to improve your quality of life and support healthy aging.

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast and related website is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice. It is not intended to be used to diagnose or treat, instead it is designed to help educate and inspire. Always seek the advice of a professional medical practitioner or qualified health practitioner. Never ignore or disregard advice given to you based on information in this podcast or related website and do not delay in seeking medical advice.

 

Timestamps:

[01:01] - What inflammation actually is

[02:48] - What chronic inflammation is

[04:10] - Impact at the cellular level, mitochondrial dysfunction, and immune system

[06:01] - Cytokines and oxidative stress, and their role in the chronic inflammation

[07:16] - What causes chronic inflammation

[09:14] - How chronic inflammation accelerates aging

[11:58] - Chronic inflammation accelerates mitochondrial dysfunction

[13:19] - Inflammaging

[14:50] - Strategies for reducing chronic inflammation

[23:48] - Functional medicine for chronic inflammation

 
“Chronic inflammation is quite silent in the body, but it’s a powerful driver of aging and disease. Understanding its mechanisms allows us to take proactive steps to help combat its effects and slow down the aging process at the cellular level”
— Nicole Goode
 

Essential learnings from this episode…

  • The powerful connection between chronic inflammation and aging

  • The long-term inflammation impacts on cellular health, metabolism, and the immune system

  • Prolonged inflammation, known as “inflammaging", can accelerate the aging process and contribute to age-related diseases

  • The role of mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and cytokines in this process

  • Lifestyle factors, such as poor diet, lack of exercise, stress, toxins, and sleep deprivation, contribute to chronic inflammation

 
 

Thank You For Tuning In

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Nicole Goode
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Episode 55: Optimal Nutrition and The Role of Supplements with Rhian Stephenson