Exercise your muscles to combat chronic inflammation
Written by James Kingsland on February 3, 2021 — Fact checked by Zia Sherrell, MPH
Uncontrolled inflammation plays a role in muscle loss and weakness in many diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis. A new study suggests that when exercised, our muscles have an innate ability to reduce this harmful inflammation.
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Inflammation is a mixed blessing. In the short term, it tackles infections and promotes muscle regeneration after an injury.
Persistent inflammation, on the other hand, plays a part in many illnesses, including rheumatoid arthritis and sarcopenia, which is muscle wasting associated with aging.
Fortunately, a wealth of evidence suggests that regular exercise can help counter the effects of inflammation in aging, also known as “inflammaging.”