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Inflammatory Load

Meaning

Inflammatory load refers to the cumulative, systemic burden of chronic, low-grade inflammation within the body, quantified by persistently elevated levels of inflammatory biomarkers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and various pro-inflammatory cytokines. This is not the acute, localized response to injury, but rather a sustained state of immune activation that silently contributes to cellular and tissue damage over time. A high inflammatory load is a significant disruptor of endocrine function, often precipitating insulin resistance, impairing thyroid hormone conversion, and accelerating age-related hormonal decline. Managing this load is paramount for optimizing longevity and metabolic health.