A number of years ago I was introduced to the idea of how chronic inflammation can affect health, energy levels, and overall health risks by a colleague. I learned that inflammation usually begins in the gut and results in multiple food sensitivities as gut inflammation allows for food to be improperly allowed to enter the bloodstream where the inflammatory processes of the immune system attack it. He had explained that the process was known as leaky gut. I took a blood panel called the Alcat test which identified food sensitivities and their severity. After all the info was gathered, I was placed on a diet designed to health the gut and reduce inflammation. Months later and 18 lbs lighter, I had more energy and felt less tired and sore than before. Over the years, I adopted a habit of taking Deflame packs which have supplements designed to reduce inflammation resulting in a much better blood panel when I needed to renew a term life policy. Many doctors recommend we reduce cholesterol levels but it has been shown that while medicines can reduce these levels, it affects muscle, your brain and other functions requiring constant monitoring by your doctor. The medications will also cause other problems. Researchers have found that plaquing in the arteries from cholesterol actually is caused by inflammation which allows the cholesterol to permeate the lining of the blood vessel and collect underneath it. Again, it is inflammation that is the culprit and long-term inflammation can cause heart attacks, arterial dissections, and many other health problems such as autoimmune diseases. I found a great article that explains the effects of inflammation and how many of us who have this problem don't even know it. Check it out below Chronic Inflammation is Insidious and Dangerous. You May Not Even Know You Have It. People often learn they have it when by developing an autoimmune disease. But the ailment might also play a role with heart disease, cancer, other disorders. The Washington PostMarlene Cimons Most of us think of inflammation as the redness and swelling that follow a wound, infection or injury, such as an ankle sprain, or from overdoing a sport, “tennis elbow,” for example. This is “acute” inflammation, a beneficial immune system response that encourages healing, and usually disappears once the injury improves. But chronic inflammation is less obvious and often more insidious. Chronic inflammation begins without an apparent cause — and doesn’t stop. The immune system becomes activated, but the inflammatory response isn’t intermittent, as it is during an acute injury or infection. Rather, it stays on all the time at a low level. Read more