Inflammation: THE NEW ANTI-AGEING SECRET?

It's there to protect you, but the body's natural inflammatory response can also have a downside. Natalia Lubomirski investigates

- Natalia Lubomirski

Age is just a number, right? Well, that's what we tell ourselves every birthday! But according to scientists, we could be focusing on the wrong number. Instead of determining our health by the years ticked off on our calendars, we should be measuring our inflammatory age, or iAge - the ageing effect that inflammation is having on our bodies.

Experts believe 'inflammaging' could have a big impact on our health, lifespan and life quality. Here's how to predict your iAge and even turn back the clock.

WHAT IS INFLAMMATION?

When we think of inflammation, we often think of something red, sore and swollen - like a throbbing mozzie bite. But it can come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, and often occurs out of sight. Inflammation is your body's process of fighting against infections, injuries and toxins - hence the reaction when an insect bites you. 'It's a normal response that aims to heal and repair,' explains Dr Verity Biggs, women's health lead at H3 Health.

When something damages your cells, your body releases chemicals that trigger an immune system response. This may include sending out antibodies and proteins, as well as increasing blood flow to the area. When your body responds to a cut or sprain, sunburn or a sore throat, this is acute inflammation. 'It may present itself as redness, itching or blisters, and can be painful,' explains Diane Ackers from doctorsformula.co.uk. It may also feel hot to the touch, which is down to the extra blood flow. Acute inflammation is temporary and disappears when the inflammatory response has done its job.