Chronic inflammation: who is affected?

Carole recalls that you can sometimes “feel” that something is wrong, without it being measurable right away, but some situations are clearly at risk:

• Chronic inflammatory diseases (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune diseases...)
• Persistent infections or viruses, lingering inflammations, pain or chronic symptoms
• And in a quieter way, low-grade inflammation linked to lifestyle (overweight, sedentary lifestyle, ultra-processed food, chronic stress...)

To objectify it:

• La Highly sensitive CRP is a simple test that makes it possible to assess a discreet inflammation and to monitor the effect of the actions implemented over time.
• For the oxidative stress, there are more comprehensive assessments, often in the form of non-reimbursed “packs”, which look at both the level of free radicals and certain key nutrients (for example selenium, which is also important for the thyroid).

Carole specifies that we do not do these assessments “to scare yourself” on a person in good shape without any particular problems: they are especially useful when there is a known inflammatory terrain or a baby project that is not progressing despite an initial assessment already well explored.

Act on the basics first: lifestyle

Before talking about complements, Carole comes back to the foundations:

• Limiting what feeds oxidative stress: tobacco, pollution, excess alcohol, lack of sleep, diet low in vegetables and fruits.
• Increase the natural intake of anti-oxidants via the plate: various vegetables, fruits, good oils, oilseeds, spices, etc.
• Move regularly, without obsession, and work on global stress (relaxation, breaks, breathing, nature...).

👉 The complements, for Carole, are coming As a second intention, as an additional “layer” once the bases are adjusted.

Anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory supplements

Carole cites several possible options, to be used in a targeted and accompanied manner:

• Phycocyanin (spirulina pigment):
  • Interesting for its antioxidant effect, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory
  • She considers it as very versatile, with a good tolerance profile, and often relevant in global prevention or support
  • In practice: liquid form (bottle or ampules), average dosage around 60 mg/day, to be taken at the time that best suits the person
• Other more targeted molecules
  • Astaxanthin: red pigment of marine origin, very antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, rather reserved for contexts where there is a real reason for using it.
  • Pycnogenol (pine bark extract): antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, sometimes also used for pain.
  • N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC): helps to regenerate glutathione, one of the body's main anti-oxidants; the need is ideally verified via an oxidative stress assessment before supplementing.

These supplements are chosen according to the context and the results of the assessment, not “at random” because we saw a post on the networks

⚠️ They never replace medical support when there is an inflammatory, autoimmune disease or ongoing care pathway

Microbiota and inflammation

Carole calls back The key role of microbiota (intestine, vagina, mouth...) in the regulation of immunity and inflammation.
When the populations of microorganisms are unbalanced (dysbiosis), this can maintain an inflammatory terrain that also affects fertility.

It gives some possible warning signals:

• Recurrent cystitis or mycosis
• Chronic digestive disorders, bloating, pain, very disturbed transit
• Allergies, food intolerances, specific reactions to certain foods
• Nidation or implantation problems (in PMA or not)
• Chronic oral problems (recurrent cavities, gingivitis, periodontitis, gum bleeding)

Two concrete axes:

• On the plate every day : fermented foods and drinks (sauerkraut, kimchi, lacto-fermented vegetables, lacto-fermented vegetables, sourdough bread, yogurts, kefir, kombucha, unfiltered/unpasteurized apple cider vinegar...).
• Targeted supplements : probiotics chosen according to the problem (for example repeated cystitis, digestive disorders...) with the help of a professional (pharmacist, doctor, other). Cures are generally limited in time, except in special cases.