Inflammation is a natural immune response that helps protect the body from infections and injuries. When that response becomes chronic, however, it can damage healthy tissues and create a serious threat to health.

The National Institutes of Health states that chronic inflammation can contribute over time to rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, inflammatory bowel disease and cardiovascular disease. Experts say controlling inflammation may help protect healthy tissue and support overall health.

Jim LaValle, a clinical pharmacist and metabolic medicine expert based in Texas, told Fox News Digital that inflammation is influenced by more than injuries and infections. Diet, stress, medications, blood sugar, environmental exposures and intense training may all play a role.

LaValle highlighted communication among gut microbes, the immune system and the central nervous system as an important pathway affecting inflammatory responses. This connection also helps explain why everyday habits involving stress and food may matter.

Managing stress and anxiety may support communication between the gut and brain while helping to control inflammation, according to LaValle. He pointed to cortisol, a hormone released in response to stress, warning that persistently elevated levels can “wreak havoc on your chemistry.”

Chronic stress may also affect the intestinal barrier, potentially making it easier for substances that normally stay inside the gut to pass through. This increased intestinal permeability is sometimes known as leaky gut.

LaValle said frequent stress could make someone more prone to irritable bowel, because stress can trigger or worsen digestive symptoms in some people. The connection places stress management among the everyday habits that may help keep inflammatory signaling under control.

Food choices represent another potential influence on gut health and inflammation. Diets high in sugar, fat and ultraprocessed foods can affect the gut, while reactions after eating may offer clues about possible sensitivities or intolerances.

Bloating, rashes or discomfort after certain foods could signal a reaction, although those symptoms can have other causes. Paying attention to which foods appear to trigger symptoms may help people identify patterns worth discussing with a medical professional.

Medications can affect the gut microbiome as well. LaValle said certain drugs, including antibiotics, may alter the microbiome, though the effects can differ based on the medication and the individual taking it.

Maintaining healthy blood sugar is another important consideration in managing inflammation, according to LaValle. He noted that diabetes and insulin resistance are often associated with chronic inflammation.

Research suggests that GLP-1 medications, which are commonly prescribed for type 2 diabetes and obesity, may have anti-inflammatory effects. Scientists are also investigating potential benefits extending beyond weight loss and blood sugar control.

Environmental exposures may contribute to the picture as well. The National Institutes of Health uses the term exposome for the environmental exposures people experience throughout their lives, which can influence inflammation and chronic disease risk.

LaValle pointed to emerging research involving forever chemicals, microplastics, metals and pesticides. These exposures may affect weight, blood sugar regulation and other aspects of health, according to the expert.

“A lot of us don't think about that kind of impact on our health and how that could trigger inflammation signaling,” LaValle said. His warning adds environmental exposure to the mix of factors that may shape the body’s inflammatory response.

Exercise supports overall health, but intense workouts without enough recovery may create additional stress on the body. LaValle cautioned that training hard every day in an effort to lower cortisol, while failing to recover adequately, could contribute to silent inflammatory signaling.

“You’re not getting a good enough recovery,” he said. He later added, “And that could lead to silent inflammatory signaling as well.”

Anyone worried about chronic inflammation or persistent symptoms should consult a doctor. A medical professional can investigate the underlying cause and determine an appropriate course of treatment rather than relying on symptoms alone.