- Inflammaging is chronic age-related inflammation caused by decreased efficiency of the immune system due to the passing years.
- Exercise causes temporary inflammation, but it stimulates the body to produce anti-inflammatory substances, strengthening natural defenses.
- Youthfulness better protects against inflammation, but an active lifestyle remains critical for long-lasting well-being.
As the years go by, our immune system starts to experience small failures, sometimes activating when there’s no need, or failing to respond when it really should. While a sedentary lifestyle is clearly harmful to overall health, there has also been some debate about the role of physical activity in either promoting or preventing inflammaging.
The role of inflammation
Inflammation is a double-edged sword. The body responds to inflammation as a protective mechanism. It’s important to keep this response alive so our immune defenses don’t become sluggish, especially when it comes to fighting off viruses and infections or triggering healing processes. However, when inflammation becomes persistent and widespread, it can pose serious risks to overall health. That’s why it should never be ignored or underestimated.
The role of physical exercise
Early studies focused on the role of exercise in producing temporary inflammation in the body. Over time, though, it became clear that the situation is more complex. While physical activity does lead to a short-term inflammatory response, the body reacts by producing anti-inflammatory substances. This reaction helps strengthen natural defenses and, with consistent training, may help prevent, or at least slow down, the process of inflammaging.
Not the elixir of eternal youth, but of lasting well-being
What would happen if someone trained regularly throughout their life? This was the question behind a study that compared athletes over the age of 35 with healthy but sedentary individuals of various ages. Taking into account the many factors that contribute to inflammation, the study found that active individuals had lower levels of inflammation than sedentary peers of the same age. Interestingly, younger sedentary individuals showed even lower levels than the older active group.
Youth beats exercise, but youth fades, while an active lifestyle that includes movement and sport is the true elixir of long-term well-being.
(Via Outside)