Inflammation is a natural process in the body that is a normal response to injury, infection, or other forms of tissue damage. It's an essential part of the immune response that helps the body to heal and protect itself. Acute or short term inflammation is necessary and helpful for the body. A problem happens when acute inflammation doesn’t turn off and it stays active turning into chronic inflammation.
Acute inflammation is a short-term response that occurs immediately after injury or infection. It's characterized by redness, swelling, heat, pain, and loss of function in the affected area. Acute inflammation is a normal and necessary part of the healing process, and it usually resolves within a few days or weeks. Examples of acute inflammation include a cut or scrape, a sprained ankle, or a sore throat. Chronic inflammation on the other hand, is a long-term response that can last for months or even years if the underlying cause is not resolved. Chronic inflammation can cause damage to tissues and organs over time and has been linked to a wide range of health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and cancer. While many practitioners focus on treating the symptoms of chronic inflammation, it's essential to dig deeper and address the root cause for true healing to occur. In this post, we'll explore the major causes of chronic inflammation and how to reduce them.
High Toxic Load
Toxic load refers to the amount of toxins that accumulate in the body over time. These toxins and toxicants come from environmental pollutants, processed foods, medications, and biotoxins from mold and other unresolved infections in the body (ex: Lyme and Lyme co-infections). High levels of toxins in the body are a leading cause of chronic inflammation, which if left unresolved can eventually lead to other more serious diagnosable health problems such as autoimmune disorders, allergies, and even cancer.
Reducing toxic load is one of the most important steps in reducing inflammation. One of the foundational support therapies practitioners can use to reduce toxic load is European Drainage. This therapy is based on the principles of European Biological Medicine and involves the taking of specifically designed oral and IV remedies that support the primary organs of detoxification (liver, kidney, lymphatics and gut). Practitioners can download my free reference guide to European Drainage to learn more.
Unresolved Chronic Infections
Infections can also contribute to inflammation in the body. When the immune system is constantly fighting an infection, it can become overactive and trigger chronic inflammation. Common infections that can contribute to inflammation include Lyme disease, Epstein-Barr virus and other Herpes family viruses, and candida overgrowth. If you suspect you have a chronic infection, it's essential to work with a practitioner to identify and address the root cause. Depending on the infection, treatment may involve natural antimicrobials, antifungals, oxidative therapies or potentially pharmaceutical interventions. It's also important to detoxify the body and support the immune system through proper nutrition and lifestyle habits.
Poor Diet and Lifestyle
What we eat and how we live can have a significant impact on inflammation in the body. A diet high in processed foods, refined sugars, and unhealthy fats can contribute to chronic inflammation. In contrast, a diet rich in whole foods, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats can help reduce inflammation. Other lifestyle factors that can contribute to inflammation include lack of exercise, poor sleep, chronic stress, smoking, alcohol use and exposure to environmental toxins. Addressing these factors through lifestyle changes and stress management techniques can help reduce inflammation and support overall health.
Sympathetic Dominant Nervous System
The sympathetic nervous system, also known as the "fight or flight" response, is designed to help us respond to stress and danger. However, when the sympathetic nervous system is constantly activated, it can contribute to chronic inflammation. Practices like meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can help activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is the opposite of the sympathetic nervous system and helps the body relax and heal. Working with a practitioner to identify and address underlying emotional or psychological stressors can also be helpful.
Treating the Causes
When it comes to inflammation, treating the underlying causes is key to achieving true and lasting healing. Whether it's reducing toxic load, addressing chronic infections, improving diet and lifestyle habits, or supporting the nervous system, there are many ways to reduce the root causes of inflammation and promote overall health.
As practitioners, it's important to go beyond treating symptoms and dig deeper to address the root cause of inflammation. By doing so, we can help our patients re-establish self-regulation and achieve lasting healing.