Inflammation and Chronic Disease

Systemic chronic inflammation (SCI) is now recognized as a common pathophysiological cause of and contributor to morbidity and mortality across the lifespan, from preconception to premature aging and death. While the basic science and clinical research into chronic inflammation has increased significantly in the past two decades, the translation of the evidence into primary care clinical practice has yet to be optimized. The lack of understanding and underappreciation of this unifying pathophysiological pathway (and related epigenetic, neuroplastic, immune, oxidative stress-related, cellular dysbiosis-related, and other systemic changes) and of the impact of lifestyle modifications on decreasing and reversing its effects can lead to clinicians, particularly primary care physicians not currently incorporating clinical practice changes and foundational behavioral and environmental approaches, to prevent, treat, and reverse chronic disease optimally. The basic science and clinical evidence of the six domains of lifestyle medicine in reducing and eliminating SCI are summarized. Major inflammation-related diseases across the lifespan and COVID-19–inflammation interdependencies are reviewed. The incorporation of monitoring and reducing chronic inflammation as a foundation for the education and motivation of patients to initiate and sustain behavior changes in family medicine and primary care is discussed.