Chronic Inflammation

April 16, 2026

3 min read

Chronic diseases, lifestyle, and dietary deficiencies lead to chronic inflammation. It negatively affects all physiological functions of the body, causing an array of diseases such as diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disorders, autoimmune disorders, and aging¹.

Diets comprising high phenolic compounds that possess anti-inflammatory properties, such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, and oilseeds, are effective in reducing chronic inflammation².

Fats, particularly omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil and plant sources such as flaxseeds, walnuts, chia seeds, and edamame, have been shown to have a positive effect in decreasing the effects of chronic inflammatory diseases³.

C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) are the two tests widely used to diagnose inflammation in the body. These two tests alone do not detect chronic diseases, but they act as a biomarker for infection and inflammation, thus alerting healthcare professionals to further diagnosis.

Normal ranges for CRP are less than 3mg/dl, but a value above 10mg/dl indicates acute inflammation and may rise up to 500mg/dl in case of chronic inflammation⁴.
The result of an ESR is reported as the millimeters of clear fluid (plasma) that are present at the top portion of the tube after one hour (mm/hr).
Moderately elevated ESR occurs in inflammation but also in cases such as pregnancy, anemia, infection, and aging.
A very high ESR level is a strong indicative factor of severe infection in the body⁵.

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