Inflammation is your body’s natural response to injury or infection—but when it becomes chronic, it can quietly fuel a range of health issues, from fatigue to autoimmune conditions. According to experts, your body often sends subtle signals that it’s in a state of internal stress. If you’ve been noticing symptoms like stiff joints, digestive issues, or brain fog, it could be your body’s way of waving a red flag.
Here are two of the most common warning signs that your body may be inflamed.
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1. Achy joints
Achy joints is probably one of the most well-known signs of inflammation. Traci D. Mitchell, a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach, tells us how to differentiate between a minor cause of inflammation versus a chronic one.
“There is a big distinction between an achy part of your body that can be attributed to something a minor injury known as acute inflammation (i.e., a stubbed toe) versus constant achiness in a part of your body (i.e., a big toe joint) that seemed to come out of nowhere and lasts for long periods of time or flares up for no reason at all. The latter is referred to as chronic inflammation and is a sign that something is going on inside of your body,” she says.
2. GI issues
Conditions like IBS, IBD, and celiac disease are characterized by inflammation in the GI tract. Inflammation in the intestines could cause symptoms like bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, and stomach cramps.
"Our gut lining is made up of a semi-permeable mucosa that likes to let the nutrients we eat out into our blood but blocks that bad stuff from getting in. When we disrupt the lining of our gut (let's say from eating too much added sugar), bad stuff can get in. When this happens, our body puts up its defenses and attacks that bad stuff—creating inflammation," Mitchell notes.
The bottom line
While occasional discomfort might not be cause for alarm, persistent symptoms like joint pain and digestive issues can be your body's way of signaling deeper inflammation. Left unaddressed, chronic inflammation can pave the way for more serious health conditions down the line. Listening to your body—and working with a professional like a functional nutritionist or health coach—can help you identify the root causes and take steps to reduce inflammation through diet, lifestyle, and targeted support. Early awareness is key to long-term wellness.
