- Hair loss.Loss of hair may be associated with inflamma-
tion in the scalp, specifically the hair follicles.
Chronic Diseases
In the long term, chronic inflammation can lead to more serious dis-
eases. It is now considered a major risk factor for cardiovascular dis-
ease, for example. A variety of other disease states may be an end
result of chronic inflammation, including ulcers and cancer, athero-
sclerosis, stroke, osteoporosis and even type 2 diabetes.
Other common diseases associated with inflammation have “itis”
at the ends of their names: arthritis (inflammation of the joints), coli-
tis (inflammation of the colon), tendinitis (inflammation of a tendon),
etc. Even chronic fatigue syndrome and anorexia may be part of the
chronic inflammation problem.
Balancing fats is the key to maintaining the balance of inflamma-
tory chemicals. This may mean making some changes in your diet,
nutrition and lifestyle, or finding ways to reduce stress levels.
Controlling your inflammation is an important step forward for your
health. Not only will it improve your quality of life now, it will also
pay off bigger benefits later in life by warding off dangerous, life-
threatening illnesses.314 • IN FITNESS AND IN HEALTH