Inflammation is a natural immune response that helps defend the body against injury and infection. When that response becomes chronic, however, it can threaten healthy tissues and contribute to serious health problems, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Over time, chronic inflammation can contribute to rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, inflammatory bowel disease and cardiovascular disease. Keeping inflammation under control may help protect healthy tissues and support overall health, experts say.

Jim LaValle, a clinical pharmacist and metabolic medicine expert based in Texas, told Fox News Digital that inflammation can be shaped by far more than an injury or infection. Diet, stress, medications, blood sugar, environmental exposures and demanding exercise routines can all play a role.

LaValle highlighted communication among microbes in the gut, the immune system and the central nervous system as one pathway that can influence the body’s inflammatory response. This connection means that habits affecting the gut or stress levels may also have broader effects.

Managing stress and anxiety is one way to support that gut and brain connection and help keep inflammation in check, according to LaValle. He specifically pointed to cortisol, a hormone released when the body responds to stress.

When cortisol remains elevated, it can “wreak havoc on your chemistry,” LaValle warned. Chronic stress can also affect the intestinal barrier, potentially making it easier for substances that normally remain inside the gut to pass through.

That increased intestinal permeability is sometimes described as “leaky gut.” LaValle said frequent stress can make some people more prone to irritable bowel, as stress may trigger or worsen digestive symptoms.

Diet is another important consideration. Eating patterns high in sugar, fat and ultraprocessed foods can affect gut health, while monitoring reactions to particular foods may help identify possible sensitivities or intolerances.

Bloating, rashes or discomfort after eating certain foods could point to a food related reaction, although those symptoms can have other causes. Paying attention to patterns may offer useful information about foods associated with an individual’s symptoms.

Medications can affect the gut as well. Certain drugs, including antibiotics, may alter the gut microbiome, although LaValle noted that the effects can vary according to both the medication and the person taking it.

Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels is another factor in managing inflammation, according to LaValle. Conditions including 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 effects that reduce inflammation. Scientists are also investigating possible benefits extending beyond weight loss and blood sugar control.

Environmental exposures represent another potential influence. The National Institutes of Health describes the “exposome” as the environmental exposures people experience throughout their lives, which can affect inflammation and the risk of chronic disease.

LaValle cited emerging research examining “forever chemicals,” microplastics, metals and pesticides. Researchers are studying how these exposures may affect weight, blood sugar regulation and other aspects of health.

“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 places environmental contact alongside diet, stress and metabolic health as a factor worth considering.

Exercise supports overall health, but intense training without enough recovery can place additional stress on the body. LaValle cautioned that pushing hard every day in an effort to lower cortisol may backfire when adequate recovery is missing.

“You’re not getting a good enough recovery,” he said. “You’re training hard. And, in fact, you might be training hard every day to lower that cortisol, but you're not getting good recovery. And that could lead to silent inflammatory signaling as well.”

The five practical areas include managing stress, watching food related reactions, maintaining healthy blood sugar, considering environmental exposures and allowing sufficient recovery after intense exercise. Anyone worried about chronic inflammation or persistent symptoms should consult a doctor to identify the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.