Chronic Inflammation: 
Find the Cause and How Naturopathic Medicine Can Help

What is chronic inflammation?

Chronic inflammation is the slow, long-term, persistent inflammation lasting for longer periods of time, such as several months to years.  When you have chronic inflammation, your body’s inflammatory response can eventually start to damage healthy cells, tissues, and organs. Chronic inflammation has been reported to contribute to numerous diseases, including: 

• arthritis
• asthma
• heart disease
• autoimmune diseases
• type 2 diabetes 
• cancer 
• weight gain
• conditions of aging/neurodegenerative diseases 

How do I know if I am experiencing inflammation? 

Some of the signs and symptoms associated with chronic inflammation include: 

• bloating/diarrhea/acid reflux
• painful joints/body pain
• low energy/chronic fatigue
• sleep disturbances/insomnia
• mood disorders/anxiety/depression
• weight gain/weight loss
• frequent infections

Inflammation may accumulate in the body differently for everyone. Lab tests (blood work) can be ordered by your Naturopathic Doctor to see if there are any general or specific markers for inflammation found in your body. Our innovative care strategies at Foundation Physiotherapy & Wellness will help you find quick relief.

Natural Ways to Reduce Inflammation

Inflammation can be caused by a number of reasons. Working with your Naturopathic Doctor to identify the specific reason for you, individually, is important to help streamline care, as something that works for someone else may not be the case for you. That being said, there are a number of factors that are generally known to cause increased inflammation in the system. These include smoking, ingesting known irritants (food sensitivities, environmental irritants, etc.), alcohol, chronic stress, poor sleep conditions, and being overweight.

What you put into your body every day plays an integral role in the management of your chronic inflammation. Here is a list of foods to try incorporating more of into your diet. These foods have been found to have anti-inflammatory properties. They also contain high amounts of antioxidants and polyphenols. Do not consume any foods that you may have a known allergy or sensitivities to.

• olive oil
• fatty cold-water fish (salmon, sardines, and mackerel)
• leafy greens (kale and spinach)
• nuts (walnuts, almonds)
• green or black tea
• fruits (cherries, blueberries, apples, and oranges)

Research provides insight into foods that have been found to increase inflammation in some people and as such, should be limited. These foods include:

• refined carbohydrates (white bread, white pasta, pastries, cookies, cakes)
• sugary beverages (juice, pop)
• fried foods (french fries, onion rings)
• red meat (grass fed red meat is a better alternative)
• processed meats (hot dogs, sausage, bologna and cold cuts)
• alcohol (in excess)

Depending on the cause, chronic inflammation can be managed with supplements, by adding anti-inflammatory foods, and by eliminating known food irritants. Blood work can be run to determine any food sensitivities, and to determine which foods cause increased inflammation.  Additionally, blood work can identify any underlying conditions that may contribute to the inflammation. Working with your Naturopathic Doctor can help to ascertain root causes and ensure you receive a treatment plan that is a personalized fit for you.

To learn more about Naturopathic medicine and what may be the underlying cause of your inflammation book a free 15-minute discovery call here. 

Disclaimer 

This is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to treat or cure any diseases. Please speak with a medical professional before making any changes. This does not substitute for the doctor-patient relationship. If you require medical attention, please see a licensed provider. Feel free to contact us or book an appointment today at Foundation Physiotherapy & Wellness.