Body On Fire: Why an Anti-Inflammatory Lifestyle Matters — Especially for Women

In today’s hyper-connected world, our bodies are constantly under siege. From endless news cycles and social media to the latest digital innovations, we’re exposed to more information and stimulation than ever before. But it’s not just our minds that are overwhelmed — our bodies absorb the impact of our environments, our diets, and our daily stressors.

The result? Many of us are living with chronic, low-grade inflammation — our bodies, quite literally, on fire.

What Is Inflammation and Why Should You Care?

Inflammation is a natural immune response designed to protect us from infection and injury. However, when inflammation becomes chronic — often due to poor diet, stress, lack of sleep, or environmental toxins — it can wreak havoc on our health. According to the World Health Organization, chronic diseases linked to inflammation, such as heart disease, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders, are responsible for 70% of all deaths worldwide.

The Post-Pandemic Rise in Inflammatory and Autoimmune Disorders

Recent research suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to a rise in inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. Studies indicate that viral infections, including COVID-19, can trigger immune dysregulation, leading to a surge in new diagnoses of autoimmune diseases and worsening symptoms for those already affected. (Source: Nature Reviews Rheumatology, 2023)

Why Women Are at Greater Risk

While inflammation affects everyone, women are disproportionately impacted. Approximately 75% of people diagnosed with autoimmune disorders are women. (Source: Doing Harm: The Truth About How Bad Medicines and Lazy Science Leave Women Dismissed, MIsdiagnosed, and Sick by Maya Dusenbery)

“Approximately 75% of people diagnosed with autoimmune disorders are women.” - Maya Dusenbery

According to the Alzheimer’s Association as well as the National Osteoporosis Foundation, the trends are similar for these conditions as well. Women are not only at higher risk for conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and osteoporosis — both of which have inflammatory components, — nearly two-thirds of Americans with Alzheimer’s are women, and women account for 80% of osteoporosis cases in the U.S.

Speaking as a woman, these numbers are not just surprising. They are alarming.

Add to the fact that many autoimmune and inflammatory conditions lie dormant until triggered by major stressors or hormonal changes, like perimenopause, making women especially vulnerable to inflammation.

My Story: Navigating Inflammation and Finding Hope

I know these statistics aren’t just numbers — they’re real experiences. My journey began while caring for my mother in hospice and grieving her loss, while simultaneously entering perimenopause.

The combination of emotional stress and hormonal shifts set off a cascade of debilitating symptoms: blurry vision, eye pain, chronic nausea, and more. Nearly a year later, I’m still seeking answers and a diagnosis.

What I do know is this: my body feels like it’s on fire, attacking itself in ways that feel deeply personal — like my I am at war with myself. But I’ve also learned that I’m not powerless. By focusing on what I can control — my nutrition, my environment, my stress — I’m slowly soothing the flames.

What Is an Anti-Inflammatory Lifestyle?

Adopting an anti-inflammatory lifestyle means making daily choices that reduce inflammation and support whole-body wellness. This includes:

• Eating a whole-food, plant-forward diet: Emphasize fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats like omega-3s. Limit processed foods, refined sugars, and saturated fats. Science says: Diets rich in antioxidants and healthy fats (like the Mediterranean diet) are associated with lower inflammation and reduced risk of chronic disease. (Source: Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health)

• Managing stress: Chronic stress elevates cortisol and inflammatory markers. Mindfulness, meditation, and yoga are proven to help.

• Prioritizing sleep: Poor sleep increases inflammatory cytokines. Aim for 7–9 hours per night.

• Staying active: Regular movement reduces inflammation and boosts immune function.

• Minimizing environmental toxins: Filter your water, choose clean personal care products, and reduce exposure to pollutants where possible.

You don’t need an autoimmune disorder or any specific diagnosis to benefit from these best practices. In our fast-paced, digital world, making choices that calm — rather than inflame — the body can help anyone manage the relentless stress and information overload we all face today.

Join The Soothe Edit: A Community for Healing and Connection

The Soothe Edit is a vibrant Discord community for women and caregivers who want to take charge of their health, connect with others, and access exclusive wellness content—all in a supportive, science-backed environment.

Why Join Us?

• Accessible, Real-World Wellness: Get practical, evidence-based tips on managing inflammation and thriving in today’s world.

• Empowerment Through Knowledge: Access expert-curated resources and actionable strategies to support your well-being.

• Supportive Community: Share your journey, find motivation, and connect with others who understand what you’re going through.

Whether you’re managing inflammation, navigating caregiving, or simply seeking a community focused on holistic health, The Soothe Edit is your go-to space. The first 100 members receive a special gift — join us and start your healing journey today.

To Your Health,

Kara

Disclaimer:

Drafted by Kara and thoughtfully refined with the help of AI editing tools to ensure clarity and accuracy; graphics may include stock imagery and are not always original photography.

I am not a medical professional. The information provided on this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet, wellness routine, or health practices.

Some posts may contain affiliate links, and I may receive a commission or other benefits from qualifying purchases made through those links—at no additional cost to you.

What is inflammation?

Understanding the Body’s Defense—and When It Goes Too Far

When most people think of inflammation, the classic example comes to mind: you get a small cut, and the skin around it turns red and puffy. That redness and swelling? It’s your body’s inflammation response—a sign your immune system is working to protect and heal you.

But inflammation is much more than a surface reaction. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), inflammation is “the body’s complex biological response to harmful stimuli, such as pathogens, damaged cells, or irritants.” In simple terms, it’s your body’s way of fighting back against anything it sees as a threat.

The Two Faces of Inflammation: Acute vs. Chronic

Healthy inflammation—sometimes called “acute inflammation”—is a short-term, targeted response. Think of the sore throat or fever you get when you have a cold or flu: your body is actively working to eliminate invaders and repair itself. Signs like redness, heat, swelling, pain, and sometimes temporary loss of function are all part of this normal healing process.

But what happens when inflammation doesn’t shut off?

That’s where chronic inflammation comes in. Unlike its short-term, helpful cousin, chronic inflammation is a long-term, often invisible process. The body remains in a constant state of alert, sometimes because it can’t eliminate the original cause or is exposed to ongoing irritants. Over time, this excessive or misdirected inflammatory response can actually harm your health.

Why Chronic Inflammation Matters—Especially for Women’s Health

Chronic inflammation is at the root of many common diseases—including asthma, diabetes, heart disease, and even cancer. It’s also a key factor in autoimmune disorders like Inflammatory Bowel Disease, lupus, and multiple sclerosis, where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy tissues.

Women, in particular, can be more susceptible to certain chronic inflammatory conditions due to hormonal fluctuations, unique immune responses, and other gender-specific factors. Understanding and managing inflammation is crucial for anyone on a wellness journey, but especially for women seeking to live healthier, more vibrant lives.

How to Support an Anti-Inflammatory Lifestyle

Adopting an anti-inflammatory lifestyle can be transformative. Focus on whole foods, regular movement, stress reduction, and prioritizing sleep. Staying informed about the latest healthcare technology and wellness tips can empower you to make choices that support your long-term health.

Join a Wellness Community Built for Women

At The Soothe Edit, we’re on a mission to demystify health, champion anti-inflammatory living, and harness the power of healthcare technology—especially for women navigating chronic inflammation and wellness challenges. Our vibrant in-person and digital communities offer support, education, and real connections for women in healthcare and anyone passionate about wellness.

If you’re ready to take control of your health and connect with others on a similar path, join The Soothe Edit’s online community today. Together, we’re building a space where women can thrive, advocate for themselves, and support one another on every step of their wellness journey.

To Your Health,

<3 Kara

Drafted by Kara, thoughtfully refined with the help of AI editing tools to ensure clarity and accuracy.

Someone’s Been Reading

A Woman’s Wellness Journey, Anti-Inflammatory Living, and Navigating Healthcare

It’s a hot summer day in June and, instead of enjoying nature, I’m in a hospital room, reflecting on my personal wellness journey. The IV in my right arm throbs with pain—a reminder of last night’s allergic reaction to an antibiotic injection. The damage to my vein is physically painful, but it doesn’t compare to the fear I felt during the allergic reaction itself.

A masked Pulmonologist enters, introducing himself as the hospital’s on-call specialist. I was admitted two days ago after a sudden asthma attack at 43—something I’d never experienced before. Seeing my oxygen saturation dip into the low 90s terrified both me and my partner. Now, we’re searching for answers: why did my numbers plummet, and what’s the path to recovery?

The Pulmonologist reviews my case, explaining that my lungs look mostly clear. The team prescribed antibiotics for mild pneumonia indications, but the infection likely wasn’t the root cause of my asthma attack.

By day, I’m a program manager for a global tech company—someone who thrives on understanding root causes and critical paths. I share details of my eight-month health decline, marked by steadily increasing ESR sedimentation rates and C-Reactive Protein levels—classic signs of chronic inflammation in women and possible autoimmune dysfunction. As I ask, “Doctor, did you see any evidence of sarcoid or sarcoidosis on the lung CT?” 

He replies, “Sarcoid? Wow, someone’s been reading.”

His tone drips with condescension, the kind I’ve encountered too often in healthcare—especially as a woman. Many specialists seem frustrated when patients, particularly women, come prepared with questions. 

I’ve even been told, “Kara, you do not have a medical background.” 

But I’ve learned that patient advocacy in healthcare is essential, especially for women navigating the complexities of the healthcare system.

Back to the pulmonologist—let’s call him Dr. Disregard. I explained, “Yes, Doctor. You caught me. I have been reading. Sarcoidosis was also one of the first tests my eye specialists recommended. It was negative last winter. Should we retest? Is there a chance it’s evolving?”

I reminded myself: stay calm, stay candid, and focus on evidence-based questions.

This experience was a turning point. It made me ask: When did we stop listening to women in healthcare? Why are doctors insulted when patients come armed with research? Most importantly, how do we empower women and caregivers to understand their well-being, advocate for anti-inflammatory lifestyles, and confidently navigate the U.S. healthcare system in a digital age?

This is my origin story. I was discharged from the hospital on June 26. Today, on Independence Day, I’m launching The Soothe Edit—a vibrant wellness community for women, both in-person and digital, where anti-inflammatory lifestyle tips and support for women in healthcare are prioritized. 

Our mission is to demystify health, champion anti-inflammation, and harness healthcare technology for wellness in the age of AI.

I invite you to join me in building a movement that could truly transform healthcare in America—empowering women’s health, supporting anti-inflammatory living, and promoting patient advocacy and wellness for a healthier future.

Start Your Wellness Journey

Become the boss of your wellness journey! Join The Soothe Edit online community or the #CaughtReading book club today!