Editorial Note:
This article is intended for health education and nutrition awareness purposes only. It does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
For individuals recovering from surgery or illness, as well as those living under prolonged stress, persistent fatigue and reduced physical strength are common experiences. Many people report that even sufficient rest does not fully restore their energy.
From a clinical nutrition perspective, a key underlying factor often overlooked is chronic inflammation.
This article explains how ongoing inflammation can quietly drain the body’s energy reserves, and outlines practical, evidence-based nutrition and lifestyle strategies that may support recovery and overall vitality.
Inflammation is the body’s natural defense response to injury or infection and is typically short-lived. However, when inflammation becomes chronic, it may negatively affect multiple physiological systems.
From a nutritional science standpoint, chronic inflammation places the body in a state of prolonged high energy demand. The immune system remains continuously activated, diverting energy and nutrients away from tissue repair, muscle maintenance, and metabolic balance.
Research indicates that prolonged inflammatory responses may contribute to:
Simply put, the body is constantly “burning fuel” just to stay on alert, leaving limited resources for recovery and regeneration.
Both physical and psychological stressors are known to increase inflammatory activity:
Surgical procedures trigger an acute inflammatory response to initiate healing. Without adequate nutrition, rest, and recovery support, this response may persist longer than intended.
Conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and autoimmune disorders are commonly associated with ongoing low-grade inflammation.
Sustained elevation of stress hormones (such as cortisol) can disrupt immune regulation and intensify inflammatory processes. In fast-paced urban environments like Hong Kong, many individuals experience prolonged stress combined with insufficient sleep and dietary imbalance.
Inflammatory markers measured through blood tests can help objectively assess inflammation levels in the body.
Effective inflammation management requires a holistic approach. Nutrition plays a central role.
Increase Omega-3 fatty acids
Found in deep-sea fish (salmon, mackerel), flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts, Omega-3s help regulate inflammatory pathways.
Emphasize phytochemical-rich foods
Compounds such as curcumin (turmeric), catechins (green tea), lycopene (tomatoes), and dark leafy greens provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory support.
Choose high-quality carbohydrates
Whole grains and legumes help stabilize blood sugar levels and reduce inflammation linked to glucose spikes.
Limit pro-inflammatory foods
Reduce intake of refined sugars, trans fats, excessive red meat, and highly processed foods.
Deep sleep is essential for tissue repair, hormone regulation, and inflammatory control. Chronic sleep deprivation or poor sleep quality is strongly associated with elevated inflammatory markers.
Most adults benefit from 7–9 hours of high-quality sleep per night to support recovery and metabolic balance.
Porcupine Date (also known as Porcupine Bezoar) has historically been referenced in traditional practices as a form of nutritional support.
It is important to clarify that Porcupine Date is not a medication and does not constitute a medical or clinical anti-inflammatory treatment. In modern contexts, it is best understood as a traditional reference based on cultural experience, not as a substitute for medical care or clinical nutrition therapy.
(For Reference Only)
A family once shared their experience during a loved one’s hospitalization for a severe lung infection. While medical treatment continued under professional supervision, the family sought to provide additional support through nutrition awareness and daily care routines.
This experience reflected an emotional transition—from anxiety and helplessness to a calmer, more stable state that allowed the family to better support the patient and cooperate with the medical team.
This sharing represents a personal experience only and does not imply medical outcomes or therapeutic effects.
(Click here to watch the full video)
❓ After surgery, inflammation levels may increase. What dietary precautions are recommended?
Focus on high-quality protein sources (fish, eggs, tofu) to support tissue repair. Increase intake of Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin C-rich vegetables, while minimizing refined sugars and fried foods.
❓ What health risks are associated with chronic inflammation?
Chronic inflammation has been linked to cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, neurodegenerative conditions, autoimmune disorders, and certain cancers. Over time, it may impair organ and cellular function.
❓ Why do Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory effects?
Omega-3 fatty acids are converted into compounds that help regulate inflammatory responses and reduce the production of pro-inflammatory substances.
❓ What are the traditional references associated with Porcupine Date?
In traditional contexts, Porcupine Date has been described using terms such as “heat-clearing” or “supportive nourishment.” These descriptions belong to traditional terminology and do not correspond to modern biomedical definitions. Professional advice should always be sought before use.
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