In longevity research, one term has established itself in recent years as a central mechanism of biological aging: inflammaging. A portmanteau of inflammation and aging, it describes a state of chronic, low-grade systemic inflammation that develops prematurely with age, as well as through modern lifestyle factors.
Inflammaging does not cause classic symptoms of inflammation. There is no swollen joint, no fever. Yet, in the background, it causes continuous damage to vessel walls, nerve cells, the heart muscle, and the intestinal lining.
At the Buff Medical Resort, chronic inflammation is a key diagnostic finding.
The impact of chronic inflammation on the body
The clinical consequences of chronic inflammation are far-reaching:
● Cardiovascular disease: Atherosclerosis begins with inflammatory processes in the vessel wall. Elevated inflammatory markers are independent cardiovascular risk factors [1].
● Insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes: Pro-inflammatory cytokines disrupt insulin signaling in muscle and liver cells.
● Neurodegenerative diseases: Neuroinflammation is involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
● Accelerated biological aging: Chronic inflammation triggers cellular senescence and shortens telomeres [2].
● Impaired immune function: A permanently activated immune system loses its ability to regulate itself.
How chronic inflammation develops
The triggers are often mundane everyday factors that, in total, build up a chronic inflammatory load:
● Visceral fat: Metabolically active, it continuously produces pro-inflammatory adipokines
● Dysbiosis: A dysfunctional gut microbiome increases intestinal permeability, allowing bacterial components to enter the bloodstream
● Chronic stress: Activates NFκB, the central switch for inflammation
● Sleep deprivation: Increases IL-6 after just one poor night. After several nights, CRP levels rise due to the increase in IL-6
● Ultra-processed diet: A Western lifestyle characterized by ultra-processed foods, an unfavorable omega-6 to omega-3 ratio, trans fatty acids, and recurring blood sugar spikes and hyperglycemia promotes chronic low-grade inflammation
Diagnostics and therapy at the Buff Medical Resort
A complete inflammatory diagnostic workup goes beyond the standard CRP level. At the Buff Medical Resort, we measure a comprehensive inflammatory profile: high-sensitivity CRP, IL-6, TNF-alpha, homocysteine, ferritin, and, where relevant, specific autoimmune markers.
Therapeutically, we intervene at several points simultaneously: intestinal treatment based on F.X. Mayr principles, anti-inflammatory nutritional support, stress regulation, sleep optimization, physical activation, and, where medically indicated, apheresis therapy for the direct reduction of inflammatory mediators.
Chronic inflammation often goes unnoticed for a long time.
At the Buff Medical Resort, we make it visible and therefore treatable.
FAQ
What is inflammaging?
Inflammaging is a scientific term describing the chronic, low-grade systemic inflammation associated with the aging process. It does not cause classic symptoms of inflammation, but it accelerates biological aging and increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancer.
Which blood markers indicate chronic inflammation?
Key markers include high-sensitivity CRP (hsCRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), TNF-alpha, homocysteine, and ferritin. A normal standard CRP value does not rule out relevant chronic inflammation. High-sensitivity CRP is significantly more sensitive to low-grade inflammatory processes.
Can chronic inflammation be influenced by diet?
Yes. A Mediterranean diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, polyphenols, and fiber has been proven to reduce pro-inflammatory markers. Conversely, highly processed foods, trans fats, and excessive sugar consumption increase the inflammatory burden. Nutritional intervention is a key tool in anti-inflammatory medicine.
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