Definition

Inflammation is the immune system's protective response to injury, infection, or irritation. Acute inflammation is beneficial and self-limiting. Chronic inflammation persists inappropriately, driven by factors like poor diet, stress, toxins, dysbiosis, and sedentary lifestyle. Chronic inflammation underlies most chronic diseases.

Why It Matters

Chronic low-grade inflammation is the root of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, autoimmunity, cancer, neurodegeneration, arthritis, and obesity. Reducing inflammation through anti-inflammatory nutrition, stress management, exercise, sleep, and targeted supplements is foundational to preventing and reversing chronic disease.

Related Conditions

Autoimmunity Cardiovascular Disease Diabetes Pre Diabetes Arthritis Obesity

Related Modalities

Clinical Nutrition Lifestyle Medicine Functional Lab Testing Botanical Medicine

Frequently Asked Questions

Common signs include fatigue, joint pain, digestive issues, skin problems, brain fog, mood changes, frequent infections, and persistent pain. Lab markers include elevated CRP, ESR, ferritin, and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Addressing root causes is essential for resolution.

Key strategies include an anti-inflammatory diet rich in omega-3s and plants, regular exercise, stress management, adequate sleep, maintaining healthy weight, optimizing gut health, reducing toxin exposure, and using anti-inflammatory herbs like turmeric, ginger, and omega-3 supplements.