Inflammation

Inflammation occurs when our immune system releases white blood cells and other inflammatory substances into the blood, usually in response to pathogens, damaged cells, or toxic substances. There are two different kinds of inflammation.

Acute inflammation is short-lived, lasting for a few hours to a few days. It is the body’s protective response when a virus, bacteria, toxins, or an injury triggers the release of inflammatory markers. Symptoms include pain, redness, tenderness, and swelling. This type of inflammation is “good” inflammation; it is simply the body’s way of sending more white blood cells to an area within the body that needs healing.

Chronic inflammation occurs when the body continually releases signals for inflammatory response for months to years and this can be harmful. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, joint pain, and fatigue. Some other signs of chronic inflammation could be gastric problems, pain and stiffness in the lower back, dry eyes, mental health issues, mood disorders, anxiety, a gain of body fat, and frequent infections in the body. Chronic inflammation can show up in the form of periodontal disease, which is indicated by bleeding gums and, long-term, may contribute to serious conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Chronic inflammation can also be “silent” in that it is occurring without any obvious symptoms.

Unfortunately, there is no catch-all perfect test to determine whether or not a patient is experiencing chronic inflammation. Your naturopathic doctor can work with you to identify indications of chronic inflammation within your body and devise a plan to do the appropriate therapies and adjust your nutrition and supplementation, sleep schedule, stress levels, and exercise regimen to reduce inflammation and eliminate symptoms.

Some possible causes of chronic inflammation include:

Autoimmune disease (like rheumatoid arthritis)
Obesity and high visceral fat (stored in the abdominal cavity)
Long-term exposure to environmental pollutants such as air and water pollution, or even mold
Lyme disease, fungi, parasites, and other unresolved or untreated infections
Drinking alcohol in excess
Chronic stress
Smoking in excess
Sleep disorders, irregular sleep schedule
Consumption of too much omega 6 fatty acids and trans fats
Consumption of too many processed foods
Digestive issues and nutrient deficiencies
Hormone imbalance

One anti-inflammatory measure your doctor may recommend is to adjust your diet to include a variety of anti-inflammatory foods such as turmeric (curcumin), green mung beans, fresh ground flax seeds, avocado, nuts, olives, kale, sauerkraut, green tea, dark chocolate, cauliflower, berries, chili peppers, bell peppers, tomatoes, salmon, mackerel, sardines, brussels sprouts, lutein (found in leafy greens and orange and yellow vegetables), and Omega-3 fatty acids.

If you are concerned about chronic inflammation, or if you regularly experience symptoms of chronic inflammation, it is time to contact your naturopathic doctor. The longer you wait, the more damage may result from ignoring the signs your body is showing.