Uncontrolled chronic inflammation shortens a person’s functional longevity

According to vascular surgeon Dr. Kristina Korsakė, the causes of inflammatory processes in our body are linked to our modern lifestyle. Environmental pollution, radiation, the use of endocrine-disrupting chemicals, inadequate nutrition, constant tension, stress, lack of rest and sleep all undoubtedly have a negative influence on our health. And systemic inflammation is, in many cases, a consequence of this whole cycle.

Each of us has a different stress tolerance threshold. There are people who panic over little things that shouldn’t even cause stress. Some people experience only the psychological effects of stress, while others experience physical symptoms such as headaches, heartburn, etc. However, although we are all different and stress affects us in different ways, its negative effects, to a greater or lesser extent, are no longer in doubt.

Prolonged stress leads to a weakening of our immune function. In moments of acute stress, the body prepares itself for the possibility of injury or infection by activating the immune system, which helps protect it against external threats. Under constant stress, the sustained release of immune substances such as anti-inflammatory cytokines can lead to chronic inflammation.

Long-term stress also accelerates the ageing process, which is why stress prevention is key to avoid premature ageing. To reduce the effects of long-term stress and avoid its consequences, it is important to learn how to recognise the symptoms of stress, to use stress-reduction strategies and to look for ways to help raise the stress bar so that trivial everyday problems do not get out of hand. This can include breathing exercises, meditation, various practices and therapies that help not only to manage stress but also to restore inner balance.

A good quality, wholesome sleep and a routine can also help you become more resilient to stress. An adult should be getting 7-8 hours of sleep a night, but even more important is the time at which one goes to bed. To ensure a good night’s rest, you should go to bed between 9 pm and 11 pm. The deep sleep phase is particularly important for the quality of sleep, the feeling of being rested and refreshed, as it is the phase during which the body recovers, damaged cells heal and memory is transferred. Going to bed late results in a shorter period of deep sleep, which causes the brain to become fatigued, makes it harder to concentrate, remember and process information, takes longer to complete routine mental tasks, makes us more vulnerable and more reactive to everyday challenges.

Do you want to maintain optimal physical and psychological health for as long as possible? Experienced vascular surgeon Dr. Kristina Korsakė is here to help, ready to create a personalised examination plan, professionally summarise your test results, discuss your concerns, and provide actionable recommendations to ensure a long and quality life.

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