Short-term inflammation is something the body needs and can be of use in fighting infection or healing injuries by increasing the blood supply and white blood cells to an area of need.

But on an ongoing basis, even if it is low-grade, inflammation can damage the architecture of our cells and organs.

Many conditions that affect the Western world are related to inflammation. We have known for a long time that diseases like rheumatoid arthritis are inflammatory in nature. But now we are learning that much of heart and blood vessel disease, as well as degenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s, have an inflammatory component.

A vast array of tests can be used to identify different types of inflammation, from major inflammation to chronic low-grade inflammation that may be ongoing. One of the main tests is called the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).

If elevated, ESR can indicate the existence of inflammation in the body. The problem is that they don’t tell you where. So it could be hidden in an abscessed tooth, or it could be from an inflammatory arthritis or pneumonia.

A test similar to the sedimentation rate is called CRP or C-Reactive protein. Like sedimentation rate, CRP goes up when there is inflammation.

To detect lower levels of chronic inflammation, we use a test called hs-CRP or high sensitivity CRP. By setting the sensitivity higher to look for even subtle changes, we can find out if there is chronic low grade inflammation, and if so, see if there is anything we can do to reverse it.

An anti-inflammatory Mediterranean diet along with adequate sleep, exercise and stress management are all good ways to help reduce inflammation.