As someone with a chronic skin condition, guttate psoriasis, I’ve learned to control my environment. I’ve also learned to be open to absolutely anything that might help to manage it.
From prioritising an admittedly boring sleep routine, to reliably slogging it out at the gym and drinking alcohol only when the drink is a medicinal-meets-herbal concoction. Twice a year, I receive injections to help keep the very worst of my symptoms at bay. Every friendship group has someone like me, and in mine, well, it’s me. The routine sounds relentless, but it’s what I have to do to manage my wellbeing.
This search for good health – and a skin condition that stays largely dormant – has led to many an unseen destination. I launched a luxury apparel brand called Sylva, to support the skin with hydrophilic (ideal for moisture absorption, sweat wicking and comfort) and breathable fibres. I eschew using irritating materials like polyester and instead choose soothing eucalyptus and seaweed. I eat 95 per cent organic, a way to attempt to manage my external health from the inside out. Most recently, I visited Hooke London, a Mayfair longevity clinic centred around regeneration and repair. Could it help me?
Hooke’s, well, hook, is that following a full day of testing, any “meta-inflammation” will be uncovered. Meta-inflammation is chronic, low-grade inflammation that’s been linked to conditions like fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes. Unlike acute inflammation, meta-inflammation is not short-term or in response to an injury or infection. Instead, it’s systemic and persistent.
“We’re witnessing a quiet epidemic in early indicators of chronic, lifestyle-driven conditions that can affect even the most health-conscious of us,” says Hooke GP Dr Clare Nieland. “These include risk markers for cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and even cognitive decline.”
Visiting the clinic
The day of testing included a fasted full blood panel – to check my biomarkers for deficiencies or hormonal irregularities, followed by an ultrasound of all the major organs, a naked full-body medical and nutritional consultation, capped off with a VO2 max and general fitness test.
To judge my mental health, a cognitive ability assessment (which included memory recall and “matrix” testing) was conducted. Finally, there was an hour-long psychological and emotional evaluation conducted by Professor Aneta Tunariu, who specialises in psychology at UCL. It found that while my friendliness and compassion are high, my sympathy for others is low.
Unpicking my results
The results of my bloodwork were encouraging, with only one suggested tweak to incorporate more Omega DHA-EPA support and address a vitamin D deficiency. By having the blood tests, I felt confident in placing my supplement order. Random, unguided supplementation is a big no, says Nieland. “More is not always better and not every supplement you see on Instagram is scientifically sound. Wellness should be a personal pursuit – not performative.”
While I expected my VO2 max result to be better (more on this later), where the tests fell in my hormonal cycle played a big role in influencing them. Naturally, throughout the month, women’s ability to endure stress changes. Obviously, I wanted to match the same level as an athlete, but that’s not realistic. Working on how much sympathy I have for myself is on my improvement list.
How to address meta-inflammation
According to Dr Nieland, there are a handful of things we can do to actively guard ourselves against this chronic, low-level inflammation.
Your VO2 max is how efficient your body is at utilising oxygen under stress. In simple terms, it’s the maximum rate at which your body uses oxygen during exercise. Improving this capacity is key for energy, resilience and longevity, she says.
A VO2 max of 52 mL/kg/min at 37 years old is considered excellent and well above average, typically falling into the “superior” or top five per cent fitness categories for most general population charts.
Test first, then tailor. A once-yearly blood test should be enough to check for any deficiencies or numbers that skew too low or too high for your liking. Knowing your numbers can be the difference between throwing money down the drain and supporting your body with what it actually needs.
Focus on high-quality protein, eating enough complex carbohydrates to fuel your daily activity and brain and prioritising nutrient-dense, fibre-rich foods. Healthy fatty acids (found in extra-virgin olive oil and salmon) are also essential to protect your brain and neurotransmitter function.
