Chronic Inflammation: The Complete Guide (ginger, NF-kB, nutrition)
Chronic Inflammation: The Complete Guide (NF-κB, Ginger, Nutrition)
Chronic inflammation is now recognized as the underlying cause of most modern ailments: atherosclerosis, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer's, certain cancers, arthritis, depression, metabolic syndrome. Silent yet destructive. This guide explains the mechanisms, associated pathologies, and the role of ginger via the NF-κB pathway.
What is chronic inflammation?
Unlike acute inflammation (redness, heat, pain after an injury – useful and self-limiting), chronic inflammation is a low-grade condition that lasts for months or years. Invisible to the naked eye but detectable through biomarkers: CRP, IL-6, TNF-α.
NF-κB: The Central Conductor
NF-κB is a transcription factor found in almost all our cells. When activated, it triggers the expression of hundreds of pro-inflammatory genes.
Conditions Associated with Chronic Inflammation
Cardiovascular
Hypertension, atherosclerosis, heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, recurrent pericarditis.
Metabolic
Type 2 diabetes, NASH, metabolic syndrome, sarcopenia.
Autoimmune
Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Sjögren's, Crohn's, Behçet's, spondyloarthritis.
Neurological
Chronic migraines, fibromyalgia, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis.
Dermatological
Psoriasis, eczema, chronic urticaria, atopic dermatitis.
Ginger vs. NF-κB
[6]-gingerol, the main bioactive component of ginger, is a recognized NF-κB inhibitor.
The Piperine + Curcumin Synergy
Curcumin (turmeric) is also a powerful NF-κB inhibitor, potentially more effective than [6]-gingerol. The problem: its oral bioavailability is very low (~1%). The piperine from black pepper multiplies this bioavailability by 20× (Shoba et al., 1998).
That's why INTI combines all three: ginger + turmeric + black pepper. No other Belgian brand does this.
FAQ
How do I know if I have chronic inflammation?
Your doctor can prescribe an ultra-sensitive CRP (hsCRP). Value >3 mg/L = probable chronic inflammation.
How long does it take to see improvement with INTI?
4 to 8 weeks of regular daily consumption for noticeable effects on CRP and symptoms.
Can INTI replace my anti-inflammatory drugs?
No. INTI is a food supplement, not a medication. Never stop a medical treatment without your doctor's advice.