The Role of Functional Medicine in Managing Chronic Inflammation

Chronic inflammation is a term that has been gaining attention in recent years, and for good reason; chronic inflammation plays a significant role in the development of many diseases, including heart disease, arthritis, and diabetes. Unlike acute inflammation, which is a short-term and normal part of the healing process in response to injury or infection, chronic inflammation is the healing process gone wrong. It can last for months or even years, quietly damaging tissues and organs over time. This article explores how functional medicine treats chronic inflammation better than conventional methods alone, by first understanding WHY you are inflamed, eliminating those factors, and finally shifting focus on adjunct treatments like nutritional counseling, supplements, lifestyle changes, and other alternative therapies to promote long-term health.

Understanding Chronic Inflammation

Chronic inflammation occurs when the body’s immune response goes awry. Instead of resolving after dealing with a threat, the inflammatory process continues, leading to constant low-level inflammation. Very often, the reason why the inflammatory process continues is because of an underlying condition that has not been resolved, in other words, when the cause of the acute trauma goes untreated. Over time, the low-level inflammation builds up, traumas pile up causing even more inflammation, and the inflammatory process breaks down. This ongoing state can contribute to a range of health issues. For instance, in heart disease, inflammation can lead to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks. In arthritis, it results in joint pain and damage. Diabetes is also linked to inflammation, which can affect insulin resistance and blood sugar levels.

What is Functional Medicine?

Functional medicine is a patient-centered approach that aims to identify and address the root causes of diseases. Rather than treating symptoms in isolation, functional medicine practitioners look at the interactions among genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that can influence long-term health and chronic disease states.

At the Kaplan Center, we systematically assess and optimize all areas of health, including the immune system, cardiovascular system, hormone systems, detoxification systems, and the gastrointestinal system. We do this by carefully listening and asking questions that help to reveal any issues; performing an exam to assess for any physical signs of deficiencies or signs of excess that may be supporting disease in the body; and by ordering tests that will look at how effectively the body is performing certain functions. Treatment plans are then tailored to eliminate all of the contributing factors of inflammation and address the individual’s unique needs and wellness goals.

The Functional Medicine Approach to Chronic Inflammation

Nutrition: A cornerstone of functional medicine is nutrition. What we eat has a profound impact on our health. Certain foods can either contribute to or help reduce inflammation. For instance, diets high in processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats can promote inflammation. On the other hand, a diet rich in whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and healthy fats, can have an anti-inflammatory effect. Additionally, staying hydrated and consuming adequate fiber supports overall health and can further help manage inflammation.

• Anti-inflammatory Foods: Incorporating foods like berries, leafy greens, fatty fish (like salmon), and nuts can help combat inflammation. These foods are rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and polyphenols, which help neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammatory markers in the body. Including spices such as turmeric and ginger in your meals can also enhance their anti-inflammatory benefits due to their active compounds like curcumin and gingerol, respectively. These compounds stop inflammatory pathways and reduce the production of pro-inflammatory molecules.
• Avoiding Triggers: It is crucial to reduce intake of sugars, refined carbohydrates, and trans fats. These can trigger inflammatory responses in the body by increasing insulin levels and triggering the release of inflammatory molecules. It’s also beneficial to limit processed foods and consider potential food sensitivities that might worsen inflammation. Keeping a food diary and working with a healthcare professional can help identify and eliminate foods that may be contributing to inflammation.

Lifestyle Adjustments: Lifestyle changes are also a key component of managing chronic inflammation. Stress, lack of sleep, and a sedentary lifestyle can all contribute to inflammation. Incorporating regular routines that promote relaxation can make a significant difference in managing inflammation.

• Stress Management: Chronic stress can lead to prolonged inflammation. Techniques such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises can help manage stress levels. Additionally, spending time in nature or engaging in hobbies you enjoy can further help reduce stress.
• Sleep: Poor sleep is linked to higher levels of inflammation. Ensuring adequate and quality sleep is essential for reducing inflammation. Establishing a consistent sleep schedule and creating a restful sleeping environment can contribute to better sleep quality. Individuals with more severe struggles with sleep should opt for a comprehensive sleep evaluation to identify more serious underlying disorders like sleep apnea, depression or heart disease, and help restore healthy sleep patterns as soon as possible.
• Physical Activity: Regular exercise is one of the most important things you can do to help reduce inflammation and improve overall health. It’s important to find an activity that you enjoy and can stick with long-term, whether it’s walking, swimming, or another type of aerobic activity. Start with short sessions of 10-15 minutes a few times a week. Gradually extend the duration of exercise as your tolerance improves. Additionally, include muscle-strengthening activities, such as yoga, lifting weights, or doing bodyweight exercises, on two or more days per week. Incorporating movement throughout your day, even in small ways like stretching or taking short walks, can also be beneficial.

Alternative Therapies: Functional medicine also embraces alternative therapies that can support the body’s natural healing processes. These therapies often complement conventional treatments and can provide additional pathways to wellness.

• Acupuncture: This traditional Chinese medicine practice works by supporting and strengthening the body’s immunological functions. Acupuncture promotes relaxation, reduces muscle tension, and improves mood by releasing endorphins, the body’s natural opioid. When incorporated into a comprehensive treatment plan acupuncture can help improve pain symptoms and lower inflammation.
• Detoxification Therapy: A poor diet, the use of multiple medications, alcohol consumption, air pollution, and pesticides can load our bodies with unwanted toxins and inflammation. A detoxification plan can help the body get rid of its toxic load and lower overall inflammation.
• Mind-Body Practices: Techniques like tai chi and qigong combine physical movement, breathing, and meditation to reduce stress and inflammation. Practices such as mindfulness meditation and guided imagery can further enhance the mind-body connection and promote healing.
• Manual Therapies: Hands-on osteopathic techniques restore function to an unbalanced and restricted musculoskeletal system by encouraging the body’s natural healing process. Gentle stretching and manipulation can improve the mobility of your muscles, soft tissues, and joints, for an improved range of motion. In the same vein, physical therapy will employ exercises to restore function to a particular area.
• Herbal Supplements: Certain herbs, such as turmeric and ginger, have anti-inflammatory properties. These can be used as supplements or incorporated into the diet. Other herbs like boswellia and green tea extract also show promise in reducing inflammation.

Whole Health Approach

At the heart of functional medicine is its holistic approach to care. The body is a complex, interconnected system–when there is illness or an imbalance in one area, it can create problems in other areas of the body. By looking at all of the body’s health systems, functional medicine aims to not just alleviate symptoms but to establish a better balance between the mind and body while promoting long-term health.

Additionally, each person’s body responds differently to various factors, and what works for one person might not work for another. Functional medicine practitioners create partnerships with their patients where communication, education, and collaboration are prioritized; this facilitates more comprehensive and tailored treatment plans and ultimately, better health outcomes for the patient.

Chronic inflammation is a hidden driver behind many serious health conditions. If you’re looking for a comprehensive way to tackle chronic inflammation, functional medicine might be the answer you’ve been searching for. To make an appointment with one of our providers, please give us a call today at 703-532-4892.