PFAS and Inflammation: How “Forever Chemicals” Drive Chronic Disease

January 25, 2025

Contributing Authors: Team TRILITY / ACEND

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals widely used in industrial and consumer products for their water-resistant, grease-proof, and nonstick properties. Often referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment and human body, PFAS have been linked to a range of health issues, including cancer, metabolic disorders, and immune dysfunction. Among their many adverse effects, one of the most concerning is their role in chronic inflammation, a key driver of numerous diseases.

What Are PFAS?

PFAS are a large group of man-made chemicals found in products such as nonstick cookware, water-repellent fabrics, firefighting foam, food packaging, and even drinking water. These chemicals do not break down easily, allowing them to accumulate in the environment, wildlife, and human tissues over time. Studies show that over 97% of Americans have detectable levels of PFAS in their blood, highlighting the widespread exposure to these toxic compounds.

How PFAS Trigger Inflammation

PFAS contribute to chronic inflammation through multiple mechanisms, leading to immune system dysregulation, oxidative stress, and metabolic disturbances.

1. Immune System Activation

PFAS exposure disrupts immune function by altering cytokine production and immune cell activity. Studies have shown that these chemicals can overstimulate the immune system, leading to excessive inflammation or immune suppression. A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that PFAS exposure correlates with increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), both of which play a major role in chronic inflammation and disease progression.

2. Oxidative Stress and Cellular Damage

PFAS induce oxidative stress, a condition characterized by an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body. This oxidative stress damages cells, DNA, and proteins, further promoting inflammatory responses. Research published in Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology revealed that PFAS exposure elevates markers of oxidative stress in human and animal models, accelerating inflammation-related conditions such as cardiovascular disease and neurodegenerative disorders.

3. Endocrine Disruption and Metabolic Inflammation

PFAS interfere with hormone regulation by acting as endocrine disruptors. They mimic or block hormones like estrogen and thyroid hormones, leading to metabolic dysfunction and increased inflammation. A study in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that PFAS exposure is associated with higher levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a key biomarker of systemic inflammation linked to obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

4. Disrupting Gut Microbiota and Promoting Leaky Gut

Emerging research suggests that PFAS can negatively impact gut health by altering the composition of the gut microbiome. This disruption can weaken the gut barrier, allowing toxins and bacterial byproducts to enter the bloodstream and trigger systemic inflammation. A study in Microbiome demonstrated that PFAS exposure leads to gut dysbiosis, increasing intestinal permeability and contributing to conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and metabolic syndrome.

PFAS-Related Diseases and Inflammation

Because inflammation is a major contributor to chronic disease, the presence of PFAS in the body has been linked to numerous inflammatory conditions, including:

• Cancer: PFAS have been classified as possible carcinogens, particularly in kidney, liver, and testicular cancers. Chronic inflammation caused by PFAS exposure creates an environment conducive to cancer growth and progression.
• Cardiovascular Disease: Increased CRP and oxidative stress from PFAS exposure contribute to arterial inflammation, raising the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and hypertension.
• Autoimmune Diseases: PFAS have been implicated in autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus by promoting an overactive and misdirected immune response.
• Neuroinflammation and Cognitive Decline: PFAS can cross the blood-brain barrier, triggering neuroinflammation and increasing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Reducing PFAS Exposure and Combating Inflammation

Given the persistence of PFAS in the environment, reducing exposure and counteracting inflammation is critical for long-term health.

1. Filter Your Water: Many municipal water supplies contain PFAS. Using reverse osmosis or activated carbon filters can help remove these chemicals.
2. Avoid Nonstick Cookware and Stain-Resistant Products: Opt for ceramic, stainless steel, or cast iron cookware and avoid water- and stain-repellent clothing and furniture.
3. Be Mindful of Food Packaging: PFAS are commonly found in fast-food wrappers, microwave popcorn bags, and takeout containers. Choose fresh, whole foods whenever possible.
4. Support Detoxification and Anti-Inflammatory Pathways:
   • Polyphenols and Antioxidants: Nutrients such as quercetin, curcumin, and epicatechins help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation associated with PFAS exposure.
   • Gut Health Optimization: Probiotics and prebiotics, including those found in ACEND, support a balanced microbiome and strengthen gut barrier function.
   • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, omega-3s counteract inflammation driven by PFAS exposure.

ACEND: A Medical Food for Combating PFAS-Induced Inflammation

As a drug-free therapeutic designed to target chronic inflammation, ACEND provides a comprehensive solution to mitigating the harmful effects of PFAS. ACEND contains a blend of scientifically validated polyphenols and bioactive compounds that counteract oxidative stress, modulate immune responses, and support gut health. Key ingredients such as quercetin, curcumin, epicatechins, and dihydromyricetin work synergistically to neutralize inflammation and promote detoxification pathways, making ACEND an essential component of an anti-inflammatory lifestyle.

Conclusion

PFAS are an unavoidable environmental toxin with profound implications for chronic inflammation and disease. Their ability to trigger oxidative stress, immune dysfunction, and metabolic disturbances makes them a significant public health concern. While reducing exposure is crucial, actively combating inflammation through diet, lifestyle, and targeted medical foods like ACEND can help mitigate their long-term effects. By supporting the body’s natural defense mechanisms, we can reduce the inflammatory burden imposed by PFAS and safeguard long-term health.

References

1. Grandjean, P., & Clapp, R. (2021). Perfluorinated chemicals: Emerging concerns for health and the environment. Environmental Health Perspectives, 129(2), 26001.
2. Sunderland, E. M., Hu, X. C., Dassuncao, C., Tokranov, A. K., Wagner, C. C., & Allen, J. G. (2019). A review of the pathways of human exposure to poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and associated health effects. Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology, 29(2), 131–147.
3. Blake, B. E., Pinney, S. M., Hines, E. P., Fenton, S. E., & Ferguson, K. K. (2018). Associations between serum perfluoroalkyl substance concentrations and biomarkers of immune function in children and adults. International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health, 221(4), 636-645.
4. Steenland, K., Fletcher, T., & Savitz, D. A. (2010). Epidemiologic evidence on the health effects of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). Environmental Health Perspectives, 118(8), 1100-1108.
5. Gomis, M. I., Vestergren, R., Borg, D., & Cousins, I. T. (2018). Comparing the toxicokinetics of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in humans and rats. Toxicology, 395, 48-57.

Note: Always consult with a healthcare professional before considering any treatment options or significant dietary changes.