Recent studies from 2026 have highlighted the significant role of diet, environmental toxins, and even oral hygiene in our overall health. The interplay between these factors affects chronic inflammation, leading to various health issues.
30 Plants Per Week: A Game Changer for Inflammation
A groundbreaking study conducted by Tufts University involving over 15,000 participants reveals that consuming at least 30 different plant species each week can reduce the risk of hospitalization due to inflammatory diseases by an impressive 31%. The takeaway? A diverse, plant-based diet can help stabilize the immune system and combat inflammation.
Watch Out for Oxalates
However, it’s essential to be cautious about oxalate-rich diets. Scientists from the Charité Berlin have warned in the journal Cardiovascular Research (2026) that high concentrations of oxalates can activate the cytokine IL-17A, leading to kidney fibrosis and cardiac dysfunction. In patients with hyperoxaluria, elevated levels of IL-17A were also detected, indicating further complications.
Microplastics in Blood: Alarming Findings
The environment leaves its mark on our bodies. A study published in the European Heart Journal (2026) found that 84% of heart attack patients showed microplastics in their coronary blood, compared to just 31.8% in healthy participants. Higher concentrations of these particles correlated with increased inflammation markers IL-6 and TNF-α.
Fungi: An Underestimated Factor
Fungi also contribute to chronic inflammation. Researchers reported in Immunity (2026) that Candida-specific Th17 cells can migrate from the oral mucosa to the intestines in patients with Crohn’s disease, promoting inflammation. Medical professionals are now considering anti-IL-23 therapies as potential treatment options.
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Link Between Oral Health and Cardiovascular Issues
Emerging research shows that oral health significantly affects the cardiovascular system. A study in AHA Basic Cardiovascular Sciences (2026) found the bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis — the causative agent of periodontitis — in calcified aortic valves. This bacterium seems to promote calcification through the cytokine IL-1β, further clarifying the link between gum health and heart health.
Recognizing Silent Inflammation: Key Warning Signs
Identifying chronic, “silent” inflammation can be challenging. Typical signs reported by medical professionals include:
- Persistent fatigue
- Morning joint stiffness
- Skin changes
- Cognitive impairments (“Brain Fog”)
- Stubborn visceral belly fat
In laboratory tests, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) serve as key markers. An ESR above 100 mm/h is a concerning warning sign, necessitating further investigation for infections, vasculitis, or malignancies like myeloma. Normal values are under 15 mm/h for men and under 20 mm/h for women under 50 years old.
COVID-19 Fatigue: Selenium Deficiency as a Risk Factor
A study in Redox Biology (2026) sheds light on ongoing fatigue post-COVID-19. Among 750 adults, 23% reported prolonged fatigue. Those with low selenium levels and specific autoantibodies against selenoprotein P (SELENOP) had a 2.15-fold increased risk.
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Innovative Therapies: From Bat Proteins to Biologics
The treatment landscape for chronic inflammation is rapidly evolving. IL-1 blockers such as Anakinra and Canakinumab have shown efficacy in autoinflammatory diseases like Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF). A case study in ACR Open Rheumatology (2026) documented the successful use of Canakinumab combined with Upadacitinib in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis and the rare YAO syndrome.
Paratus Sciences is developing a new drug (PS-1001) based on the bat protein ASC2 designed to inhibit inflammasomes. Clinical trials are planned for 2027, exploring uses in gout, diabetes, and dementia.
New Guidelines: Focusing on Cardiovascular-Kidney Metabolism
In July 2026, the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC) released new guidelines addressing the cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome (CKM), with an increased emphasis on SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 agonists. The German Society for Rheumatology (DGRh) also published a new S3 guideline on cardiovascular risk in inflammatory rheumatic disorders, marking a significant step toward improved interdisciplinary care for high-risk patients.
