From time to time, we all fall sick. Sometimes the cause seems obvious – from the common cold, flu to joint aches. The occasional pain, sore throat or a general sense of feeling down is all normal and unavoidable. It’s a part of life.
However, there are times and more importantly signs when your body is telling you or signaling you that something is wrong. Now, is the time that you need to heed your body’s signs as these can be potential red flags for serious ailments.
So, don’t dismiss them. Persistent low-grade infections like urinary tract infections, low-grade fever, digestive issues, periodontal or dental infections, sinus issues and more can signal a looming threat of serious diseases.
The Basics – What is an Infection?
As opposed to diseases that are caused by mineral deficiencies or genetic disorders, infectious diseases are caused by the presence of foreign bodies known as pathogens. These pathogens can be fungi, bacteria, virus or parasites.
Fortunately, if you have a healthy immune system, it can stop these infections before they become a serious problem. However, some harmful pathogens get through the body’s immune systems and lead to chronic infections.
Symptoms of Low-Grade Infections
Sometimes it can be difficult to detect the onset of infections, especially parasites that thrive in the gut. But, it is possible to notice a few signs and symptoms of on-going infections. Some of them are as follows:
Frequent Urinary Tract Infections
Chronic Fatigue
Persistent low-grade Fever
Abnormal Genital Discharge
Swelling or inflammation and Chronic Joint Pain
Gas, Bloating and Heartburns that are recurring
Chronic Depression and Anxiety
Persistent Low-Grade Infections and Health Problems
While we all develop infections frequently and fight them off, certain chronic infections can lead to a number of health problems that can leave us suffering:
1. Heart Diseases
Researchers have found out that a gene signal in your body can lead to the formation of plaque deposits in the arteries. It was shown that the when the gene signal called TLR-2 or TToll-LikeReceptor 2 is repeatedly turned on as part of your natural defense against an infection, it causes inflammation, arterial damage, and plaque formation.
2. Chronic Low-Grade Infections and the Brain
Infections are said to initiate inflammation in the brain and fuel a number of diseases like autism, anxiety, Alzheimer’s, depression and Parkinson’s. This is because of a process called microglial activation. When the body is getting ready to fight an infection, a type of white blood cell called microglia is stimulated to act as a barrier so that pathogens are unable to enter the sensitive central nervous system.
However, when it is over-stimulated in the form of chronic low-grade infections, it can cause grave damage to the very cells which it protects. According to a neuroscientist named Dr. Stephen F Maier, repeated exposures of infections cause the Microglia to promote inflammation in the brain and leads to cognitive decline.
3. Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections
UTIs are the second most common infection that especially women get. It is characterized by symptoms like the frequent urge to urinate, burning pain or pressure during urination, discolored or cloudy urine, chills, and fever. When it occurs more than twice in 6 months, it can be a tell-tale sign of problems in the kidney, bladder stones, diabetes, lower-back pain or even cancer. You should seek the right medical attention if you have this problem.
4. Frequent Sinus Infections
Another common infection that requires special attention, sinus refers to inflammation in the cavities of the nasal passage. If it is left untreated, it can lead to more serious health issues like vision problems, seizures, and meningitis.
How to Prevent Chronic Infections?
The number of different pathogens surrounding us will make it nearly impossible to avoid infections entirely. The WHO suggests that the best way to prevent them is with careful lifestyle choices. The following natural ways will help to keep infections away:
1. Pay attention to your Gut
A healthy gut flora will help to strengthen the immune system. Maintain a good gut flora balance by consuming a diet rich in nutrients. Load up on sources of Vitamin C and D that help to support your body’s natural defenses. In addition, a ketogenic diet is highly beneficial to act against bacteria and viruses. Since it lets these pathogens to starve off their ideal food source of high glucose and carbs, this type of diet will help.
2. Reduce your Exposure to Oxidative Stress
Eat foods rich in antioxidants like leafy greens and dark-colored berries. Avoid sugars and processed foods. Allow time for daily stress remedies and avoid toxins like cigarettes, exhaust fumes, and plastic. Check your personal care products for toxic ingredients and replace them with organic non-toxic alternatives.
3. Prioritize Hygiene
Keep infections like sinus and UTI out of your way by practicing healthy hygiene. Also, a good oral hygiene will help to eliminate periodontal infections that can be a potential trigger to induce inflammation.
4. Effective Weight Management
Metabolic issues and obesity can also cause a whole lot of infections and problems in the immune system. So, it is a great idea to lose excess weight and stabilize your metabolic issues so that you are both physically and mentally fit.
Be wise and never ignore the signs of your body. If you are exposed to persistent low-grade infections, it’s time to find help and deal with it for a hearty and healthy future.
Inflammation Is Responsible for Many Chronic Diseases and Conditions
Very informative!How is sinus affected by hygiene?