Concept illustration in purple and gold, showing someone with pain flares along their head, arms, shoulders, and ribcage.

Should you be worried about your inflammation levels? An immunologist says … it depends.

Ventris / Science Photo Library/Getty Images

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Ventris / Science Photo Library/Getty Images

Inflammation is all over our feeds. Influencers claim it’s the reason you’re bloated or fatigued, the source of digestive problems and the cause of more serious illnesses like Alzheimer’s or cardiovascular disease. But how much of that is scientifically backed, and how viable are the solutions you see on social media? Short Wave talks to immunologist Shruti Naik to separate the health from the hype.

Interested in more wellness science? Email us your question at shortwave@npr.org.

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This episode was produced by Arundathi Nair and Hannah Chinn. It was edited by Rebecca Ramirez and Lauren Gonzalez. Tyler Jones checked the facts. The audio engineer was Jimmy Keeley.