Inflammation is at the root of nearly every chronic condition – from joint pain and digestive disorders to autoimmune conditions and cognitive decline. While acute inflammation is a protective response that helps us heal, chronic inflammation is a different story. It silently fuels disease and dysfunction, often going undetected for years. In functional medicine, we dig deep to understand why the body is inflamed and offer targeted, individualized strategies to support true healing – starting with the root cause.
Common Causes of Chronic Inflammation
1. Diet and Sugar Intake
One of the most significant contributors to chronic inflammation is diet, particularly high consumption of sugar. Sugar spikes insulin levels, promotes fat storage, and drives inflammatory pathways that wreak havoc throughout the body. Even seemingly "healthy" items like fruit juices, granola bars, and flavored yogurts can contain more sugar than a candy bar.
2. Food Sensitivities
Beyond sugar, many people are inflamed by the foods they eat daily. Gluten, dairy, soy, corn, and eggs are some of the most common culprits. These foods may not cause an immediate reaction but can lead to low-grade, chronic inflammation that manifests as fatigue, skin issues, brain fog, digestive problems, and more. Identifying and removing food sensitivities can be a game-changer for inflammation relief.
3. Post-COVID (Long Haulers)
A growing area of concern is inflammation in long COVID or "long hauler" patients. Post-viral inflammation can linger long after the infection has cleared, affecting everything from the nervous system to the gut. Functional medicine approaches this by calming the immune system, restoring gut function, and supporting the body's natural healing processes with targeted support.
The Gut-Inflammation Connection
The gut is the gateway to inflammation. A compromised gut lining (a.k.a. "leaky gut") allows undigested food particles and toxins to enter the bloodstream, triggering an immune response. Over time, this response becomes chronic and widespread.
Supporting gut health with probiotics, glutamine, digestive enzymes, and an anti-inflammatory diet is foundational. At Apothecary & Co, we often recommend a combination of personalized nutrition, professional-grade supplements, and, when appropriate, compounded medications.
Natural Strategies to Reduce Inflammation
1. Supplementation
Omega-3s - Whether from fatty fish (like salmon or sardines) or from supplements like Omega 3 Essentials, omega-3 fatty acids are powerful anti-inflammatories.
Magnesium - Many people are deficient in this crucial mineral. We recommend 300-400 mg at bedtime (our Reacted Magnesium is a great option), especially to support stress reduction, muscle recovery, and improved sleep.
Specialty Support - Our InflammaPro formula is designed to help calm the immune system, ease discomfort, and promote resilience against chronic inflammation.
Vitamin D - Optimal D levels are essential for immune balance and inflammation control.
2. Compounded Medications
Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) - LDN is a compounded prescription that has shown great promise in reducing inflammation, particularly in autoimmune and post-viral conditions. It works by modulating the immune system and calming inflammatory pathways.
3. Lifestyle
Anti-inflammatory Diet - Rich in colorful vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats, and low in processed foods.
Movement - Gentle, consistent movement like walking, yoga, or strength training helps circulate lymph, reduce inflammation, and improve mood.
Stress Management - Chronic stress increases cortisol, which can fuel inflammation. Meditation, journaling, breathwork, and sleep hygiene are essential tools.
Gut Support - As mentioned, healing the gut is essential. A full gut protocol may include probiotics, herbal antimicrobials, enzymes, and more, depending on your needs.
The Takeaway
Inflammation isn't just about pain or swelling – it's a signal that the body is out of balance. Through functional medicine, we identify the root causes and offer practical, holistic solutions. Whether it's magnesium before bed, a trusted omega-3 source, or a personalized approach with LDN or InflammaPro, there is so much we can do to reduce inflammation and restore vitality.
If you're dealing with inflammation – whether it's from food, stress, hormones, or a post-viral response – we're here to help. Stop in and talk to us about a personalized plan to reduce your inflammation and feel better, naturally.
