Jun 02, 2025

Inflammaging: The Hidden Inflammation That Ages You Faster

You might not feel it, but as we age, our bodies often experience a quiet, persistent form of inflammation—one that can accelerate aging from the inside out.

This phenomenon is called inflammaging—a term that combines inflammation and aging. Unlike the inflammation you feel with a sprained ankle or a sore throat, this type doesn’t cause obvious pain or swelling. Instead, it simmers beneath the surface, gradually affecting your health over time.

Scientists now consider inflammaging a key contributor to many chronic, age-related conditions—including cardiovascular disease, dementia, type 2 diabetes, arthritis, and certain cancers.

What Causes Inflammaging?

Inflammaging is a result of several interrelated biological changes that become more prominent as we grow older:

• Cellular Senescence: Aging or damaged cells can become “senescent”—they stop dividing but don’t die. Instead, they release inflammatory chemicals (known as SASP) that disturb nearby tissues and accelerate aging.

• Immunosenescence (Aging of the Immune System): The immune system becomes less efficient with age. It responds more slowly to infections but stays more active in the background—driving ongoing, low-level inflammation.

• Mitochondrial Dysfunction: Mitochondria are responsible for producing energy in cells. As they become less efficient, they release more reactive oxygen species (ROS), which damage cells and trigger inflammatory pathways.

• Molecular Debris (DAMPs): Over time, the body accumulates cellular waste and damaged proteins. These “danger signals” (DAMPs) can stimulate the immune system, even when there’s no actual threat.

• Gut Microbiome Shifts: Aging is often linked to reduced microbial diversity and increased gut permeability. This “leaky gut” allows bacterial fragments into the bloodstream, promoting systemic inflammation.

Why It Matters

Even if you feel healthy, chronic low-grade inflammation can quietly influence your risk of developing serious diseases:

• Heart Disease: Inflammation contributes to plaque formation in arteries, raising the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

• Cognitive Decline: Inflammatory molecules in the brain may accelerate neurodegeneration and have been linked to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

• Insulin Resistance & Metabolic Issues: Inflammaging interferes with insulin function, contributing to abdominal weight gain and type 2 diabetes.

• Cancer Development: Persistent inflammation may support tumour growth by damaging DNA, encouraging blood vessel growth, and impairing immune surveillance.

How to Measure Inflammaging

There are several blood-based biomarkers that can help detect signs of chronic inflammation:

hs-CRP (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein): A reliable marker of low-level systemic inflammation.
Interleukin-6 (IL-6): Elevated levels are linked to frailty and poor aging outcomes.
TNF-alpha and IL-1β: Key inflammatory cytokines associated with age-related conditions.
Homocysteine: High levels contribute to oxidative stress and inflammation, particularly in the heart and brain.

Can Inflammaging Be Reduced?

Yes. While aging is inevitable, chronic inflammation isn’t. These strategies are supported by research to reduce inflammation and promote healthier aging:

Stay Physically Active: Even moderate, consistent movement reduces inflammation and supports immune function.
Follow an Anti-Inflammatory Diet: Focus on whole foods: vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, olive oil, and oily fish. The Mediterranean diet is a powerful, evidence-backed model.
Prioritise Quality Sleep: Inadequate or disrupted sleep increases inflammatory markers. Aim for 7–9 hours of restful sleep per night.
Manage Chronic Stress: Ongoing stress contributes to immune dysfunction. Mindfulness, breath work, walking, and regular rest can all help reduce inflammatory signalling.
Avoid Smoking and Limit Alcohol: Both habits increase oxidative stress and inflammation. Cutting back has immediate and long-term benefits.
Support Your Gut Microbiome: Eat fibre-rich and fermented foods to maintain gut integrity and microbial balance—both essential for immune regulation.

The Key Takeaway

Inflammaging is an often-overlooked driver of chronic disease and age-related decline. While you may not feel it day-to-day, it can shape your health trajectory more than you realise.

The good news? Many of the most effective tools to reduce inflammaging are already within your reach. With the right lifestyle habits, you can help your body age more slowly, reduce your risk of disease, and feel better for longer.

How Mygene Can Help

If you're interested in exploring how inflammation might be affecting your health, Mygene offers comprehensive HealthSpan programs that assess key biomarkers of inflammaging, alongside genetic and mitochondrial insights.

Our science-backed reports provide personalised, actionable strategies to help you reduce inflammation, improve energy, and support healthy aging over time.

Learn more at mygene.com.au or reach out to our team for guidance on which program might suit your needs best.