Neuroinflammation: Triggers, testing & treatment
Date
23 Jul 2024
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Table of Contents
What is neuroinflammation?
Inflammation is an essential biological process triggered by injury, infection, and trauma suffered by cells or tissues. A successful inflammatory response eliminates invading pathogens and initiates wound healing and angiogenesis. However, unresolved inflammation can adversely affect recovery and lead to tissue degeneration.1
Key highlights
- Neuroinflammation is crucial in neurodegenerative diseases affecting the brain's response to injury and infection.
- Genetic predisposition, ageing, traumatic brain injury, chronic stress, environmental toxins, and gut inflammation can influence neuroinflammation.
- Neuroinflammation can be assessed through neuroimaging, electroencephalography, blood markers of inflammation, and stool testing.
- Symptoms of neuroinflammation include brain fog, low mood, poor memory, concentration issues, fatigue, headaches, digestive disturbances, and nincreased pain sensitivity.
- Early intervention is key. Treatment includes stressmanagement, dietary changes, physical activity, sleep improvement, and supplementation with anti-inflammatory nutrients like zinc, magnesium, vitamin C, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids.