There is so much written about wrong eating habits and lack of exercise leading to weight gain. But have we ever wondered what exactly this does to our bodies? Does Inflammation Cause Weight Gain?
Here’s looking at one of the hardly discussed topics – Inflammation. We associate inflammation with injury – redness, swelling, warmth and or pain. This is the body’s natural response to injury. Sometimes inflammation is obvious – like injuries, allergies, asthma, arthritis and (IBS) inflammatory bowel disease.
Inflammation is a process by which the body’s immune system malfunctions. The inflammation and weight gain have some connections.
Does Inflammation Cause Weight Gain?
Just go through the below information to know about the Weight Gain-Inflammation Connection in detail.
Silent Killer
Then there’s chronic inflammation, which can be silent. If you are overweight, you may not know it, but you are experiencing silent inflammation.
As we gain weight, some fat cells expand beyond their capacity to store extra calories as fat. They may leak as they are increasingly stretched.
Immune cells (macrophages) rush to the site to clean up the mess. They release anti-inflammatory chemicals in the fat cells as they are cleaning up.
At this point, these fat cells aren’t just fat storage warehouses—they’re like little inflammation factories, sending out signals to activate the immune system. This inflammatory response may be the mechanism behind many of the negative effects of excess weight on health.
Poor lifestyle
An unhealthy diet, not exercising enough and consuming too much sugar can contribute to silent inflammation. These habits turn the immune system on and help it stay activated for a long period of time.
Along with other factors, chronic inflammation can lead to chronic illness.
Even food allergies trigger inflammation. The anti-inflammatory chemicals released by the fat cells interfere with the functioning of leptin (satiety hormone, also known as the body’s ‘master weight control’ hormone). Leptin prevents overeating.
Leptin Resistance
Inflammation makes it impossible for leptin to function properly. This is Leptin Resistance. In optimally healthy people, leptin is responsible for automatically maintaining weight at the right level.
Leptin levels are usually high among those who are overweight but it cannot function properly. This leads to more weight gain. It’s a vicious circle. As they lose weight, leptin resistance reduces.
So inflammation isn’t just linked to swollen joints — it goes hand-in-hand with digestive disorders to autoimmune diseases and abdominal fat.
Excessive or persistent inflammation leads to tissue destruction, disease, and weight gain. Its very presence can interfere with our fat loss goals. Reducing inflammation is an absolutely vital step in allowing the body to lose unwanted fat.
Reasons for Inflammation
Here I listed the major reasons for inflammation.
Poor Digestive Health
Sixty percent of the immune system revolves around the digestive system.
Compromises to digestion; including food allergies, bacterial imbalance, deficiency of enzymes or acids, yeast overgrowth, parasites and stress, negatively affect not only the process of digestion but also our entire immune system.
Gas, bloating, heartburn, reflux, constipation, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome are all related to inflammation in the digestive system.
Overconsumption of anyone Macronutrient
Eating excess of protein, carbohydrate or fat for long periods can contribute to inflammation.
Excess Body Fat
This leads to inflammation and leptin resistance.
How To Reduce Inflammation
Follow the below methods to reduce your weight.
Control the type of fat you consume
Prostaglandins (hormone or chemicals that participate in a wide range of body functions) are made from the fats we eat. Some prostaglandins promote inflammation and some reduce it.
Eat healthy fats like MUFA (monounsaturated fatty acids and Omega-3) to release the good prostaglandins.
Take plenty of Antioxidants
They fight inflammation. These are found in deep, dark colored fruits and vegetables
Reduce Insulin Levels
Insulin produces pro-inflammatory prostaglandins. Insulin levels can be reduced by controlling a number of carbohydrates consumed.
One should avoid simple carbs like rice and refined carbs like maida, sooji. Even fruit juices are to be avoided.
Balance Your Digestive System
The combination of good and bad bacteria in the digestive system has to be balanced. When bad bacteria outnumber the good, there is inflammation.
Natural Remedies
The below kitchen ingredients have anti-inflammatory properties. Try these to reduce your inflammation.
- Ginger root
- Cinnamon
- Clove
- Black pepper
- Turmeric
After reading this article you are clear about does inflammation cause weight gain or not. The inflammation and weight gain connections are foremost to maintain your balanced body weight. Follow the above methods and remedies to reduce your inflammation.
