The Fire You Can’t See - Hidden Inflammation in Midlife Women

What is Hidden Inflammation?

This is called chronic low-grade inflammation - an internal, ongoing process where the immune system stays mildly activated, not enough to cause acute symptoms, but enough to quietly disrupt your hormones, joints, energy levels, and brain function.

Why Midlife Women?

No matter how well we look after ourselves, there are still things that can't be avoided, and the body begins to shift when we enter our 40’s:-

· Oestrogen (a natural anti-inflammatory) begins to drop

· Cortisol (stress hormone) often rises and remains elevated

· The immune system becomes more sensitive to triggers

Coupled with poor sleep, emotional stress, processed foods, and a lack of movement, we’re then left with a perfect storm for inflammation to quietly get to work in the background.

Signs of Hidden Inflammation:

· Brain fog and forgetfulness - don't take it for granted that it's age or menopause

· Joint pain or stiffness without any injury - don't just leave it - it matters - you matter

· Digestive issues (bloating, constipation, IBS symptoms) - This is not just 'normal for your age'

· Fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest or sleep - don't automatically chalk it up to menopause

· Skin flare-ups (like rosacea, eczema, or adult acne) - doesn't mean it's that new washing powder

· Mood changes (irritability, anxiety, or low mood) - not always down to your hormones

You might just accept these symptoms as the signs of ageing. But this is often your body sending an SOS, and it is asking for help.

The Science Behind It:

Recent studies show that chronic inflammation:

· Increases the risk of heart disease, which is the number one killer for us women

· Plays a role in Alzheimer’s and memory loss

· Is linked to autoimmune conditions that affect women more than men - unfair but true

· Impacts weight regulation, especially around the belly - it's not always 'middle age spread'

This is not about panic — it’s about power.

What You Can Do:

Get hopeful - inflammation is reversible, and you absolutely can soothe the fire.

🔹 1. Eat the Rainbow

· Antioxidant-rich foods like berries, leafy greens, turmeric, ginger, and oily fish reduce inflammatory markers.

🔹 2. Move Daily — Gently

· Take 20 minutes to walk, yoga or swim each day, and this will help your body flush inflammatory proteins and rebalance the nervous system.

🔹 3. Prioritise Restorative Sleep

· Poor sleep increases inflammatory response - create sacred sleep rituals and support your melatonin levels naturally – here’s a download that may help you with that.

🔹 4. Clear Emotional Stress

· Emotional inflammation is real, so try breathwork, journaling, and energy healing, as they are powerful tools that can help you reduce inner static.

🔹 5. Know Your Markers

· Ask your GP about CRP (C-reactive protein) or other inflammation markers. You and your body deserve to be heard.

You’re Not Ageing — You’re Evolving.

If you’re feeling "off" - tired, swollen, foggy, stuck - don’t gaslight yourself by saying it’s “just your age.”

It might be hidden inflammation, and that can be healed :-) x