Inflammation is a part of life, and it can be a really good thing. It helps you heal from colds, illnesses, bumps, cuts, and more. But too much inflammation, such as when it flares up when there’s no need for it, is dangerous. And it happens to a lot of people. Called “chronic” inflammation, this type of inflammation sets the immune system into motion almost constantly. Chronic inflammation is associated with a host of chronic health conditions, such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes, but age is also a factor. Chronic low-grade inflammation can occur naturally in some older bodies, particularly if the person is carrying extra fat around the waistline. Fat cells generate inflammatory compounds, and the more fat you’re carrying, the more inflammation a person is likely to experience in their body. Although some amount of age-related inflammation might be inevitable, you can still do many things …