Inflammation

What Is Inflammation?

Inflammation is the body’s natural defense mechanism in response to injury, infection, or harmful stimuli. In its acute form—such as redness and swelling around a cut or sprain—it’s essential for healing and tissue repair. However, when inflammation becomes chronic, it contributes to the progression of nearly every major chronic condition, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases.

At Intercoastal Health, we evaluate inflammation through a functional medicine lens—using comprehensive biomarker testing and personalized interventions to reduce systemic inflammation and promote long-term health.

Clinical Presentation: Signs and Symptoms

Chronic inflammation may not be obvious at first, but it often presents as nonspecific symptoms, such as:

• Persistent fatigue
  
• Mild fevers
  
• Mouth sores or bleeding gums
  
• Skin issues (rashes, eczema, or redness)
  
• Abdominal discomfort or bloating
  
• Joint stiffness or body aches
  
• Chest pain or heart palpitations
  
• Mood disturbances

   

These symptoms may be generalized or tied to specific inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, or asthma.

Diagnostic Evaluation: Biomarkers and Functional Testing

Identifying inflammation early is key to prevention and intervention. Biomarkers commonly assessed at Intercoastal Health include:

Conventional Inflammatory Markers:

• C-Reactive Protein (CRP): Elevated levels suggest low-grade systemic inflammation.
  
• Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR): Indicates nonspecific inflammation trends.
  
• Fibrinogen: Elevated during systemic inflammation.
  
• Homocysteine: Linked to endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular inflammation.

   

Expanded Functional Panels:

• TH1/TH2 cytokine profiling
  
• Essential fatty acid testing (Omega-6:Omega-3 ratio)
  
• Adrenal stress panels
  
• Organic acids testing
  
• Comprehensive thyroid panels
  
• Heavy metal and mineral assessments
  
• Oxidative stress and liver detoxification profiles

   

Clinical Implications of Chronic Inflammation

Unchecked chronic inflammation contributes to or worsens:

• Diabetes and insulin resistance
  
• Cardiovascular disease
  
• Autoimmune disorders
  
• Neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s
  
• Cancer development via sustained DNA damage
  
• Chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia syndromes

   

Root Causes: What Drives Chronic Inflammation?

Functional medicine investigates deeper contributors such as:

• Persistent Infections: Viral, bacterial, or parasitic triggers.
  
• Environmental Toxins: Exposure to mold, heavy metals, and chemicals.
  
• Nutritional Deficiencies: Lack of antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and micronutrients.
  
• Gut Dysbiosis: Altered microbiome and intestinal permeability.
  
• Lifestyle Factors: Stress, inactivity, sleep deprivation, and diets high in refined sugars.

   

Interfering Factors: Laboratory and Clinical Considerations

Factors that may mask or influence inflammatory markers include:

• Corticosteroid use and NSAIDs (lower apparent inflammation)
  
• Obesity (increases baseline CRP and cytokine levels)
  
• Menstrual cycle and hormone therapy
  
• Intense physical exertion (transient CRP elevation)

   

Medications That Influence Inflammation

Drugs That May Decrease Inflammatory Markers:

• Statins (lower CRP)
  
• Glucocorticoids
  
• NSAIDs
  
• Methotrexate (immune modulation)

   

Drugs That May Increase Inflammatory or Oxidative Stress:

• Chemotherapeutics
  
• Certain antibiotics and antivirals
  
• Hormonal contraceptives (in select populations)

   

A Functional Medicine Approach at Intercoastal Health

Our framework for managing chronic inflammation includes:

Comprehensive Lab Testing

Advanced functional labs guide targeted therapies and interventions.

Nutritional Support

An anti-inflammatory diet emphasizing leafy greens, wild-caught fish, berries, and cruciferous vegetables.

Targeted Supplementation

Utilizing evidence-based anti-inflammatories such as:

• Curcumin
  
• Omega-3 fatty acids
  
• Quercetin
  
• N-acetylcysteine (NAC)
  
• Resveratrol

   

Gut Restoration

Correcting dysbiosis, strengthening mucosal immunity, and addressing food sensitivities.

Detoxification & Lifestyle Optimization

Supporting liver function, minimizing environmental toxins, and incorporating stress reduction techniques.

Ongoing Monitoring

Periodic biomarker testing and symptom reassessment to measure success and guide next steps.

Conclusion