Chronic Inflammation & Treatment: A Functional Medicine Approach

Quick Read: Chronic Inflammation Symptoms and Treatment

Chronic inflammation symptoms and treatment go hand in hand: this guide shows what fuels the “bonfire,” how inflammation can grow, and, most importantly, how to reduce inflammation with diet, gut repair, sleep, stress skills, movement, and targeted testing.

Chronic Inflammation Symptoms and Treatment: The Bonfire Model

Inflammation is your body’s first responder: essential for repair and defense in the short term. When it doesn’t turn off, it shifts from protective to destructive, quietly driving cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, neurodegeneration, autoimmunity, and accelerated aging. 

At Nourish Medicine, I describe chronic inflammation as a bonfire in the body. Each “log” is a different cause. Therefore, chronic inflammation symptoms and treatment must be personalized. In functional medicine we identify your logs, remove them in order, and restore your capacity to self-regulate.

What Fuels The Fire?

Think of each factor below as a “log” thrown onto the inflammatory fire. Most patients have several at once.

• Micronutrient deficiencies (e.g., vitamin D, magnesium, zinc, omega-3s)
  
• Genomic vulnerabilities (e.g., methylation/detox SNPs)
  
• Microbiome imbalance and intestinal permeability (“leaky gut”)
  
• Hidden infections (viral, bacterial, fungal, parasitic)
  
• Environmental toxins (mold, heavy metals, endocrine disruptors)
  
• Trauma and nervous-system dysregulation (chronic stress, HPA-axis strain)
  
• Diet high in ultra-processed foods, refined sugars, and seed oils
  
• Poor sleep or circadian misalignment
  
• Blood-sugar dysregulation/insulin resistance
  
• Oral health issues (periodontal inflammation)
  
• Excess visceral adiposity
  

What Is Inflammation (and Why It Matters)

Acute vs. chronic inflammation. Acute inflammation is short-lived and self-limiting. Chronic inflammation is a persistent, low-grade activation of immune and stress pathways that drives oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and tissue remodeling across multiple organ systems. NF-κB is a master switch for these programs; IL-6 helps trigger CRP, the clinical “alarm” we can track. Consequently, addressing the switch and the signals is central to chronic inflammation symptoms and treatment. Otherwise, dysregulation is linked to inflammatory, metabolic, cardiovascular, oncologic, and neurodegenerative diseases.

Best Approach to Chronic Inflammation Lab Testing 

1) Vascular & Cardiometabolic Inflammation

• ApoB:  counts artery-clogging particles that drive vessel inflammation and plaque growth.
  
• Lp(a): inherited particle that boosts vascular inflammation and clot risk beyond standard cholesterol.
  
• Triglyceride/HDL ratio:  quick proxy for insulin resistance, a major spark for systemic inflammation.
  
• Fasting insulin + glucose → HOMA-IR:  quantifies insulin resistance that keeps inflammatory pathways active.
  
• Lp-PLA2 (PLAC): enzyme signal of inflamed, rupture-prone arterial plaque.
  
• Myeloperoxidase (MPO): white-cell enzyme reflecting oxidative and endothelial inflammatory stress.
  
• Homocysteine: elevated levels irritate blood vessels and signal oxidative/methylation stress.
  
• Uric acid: high levels track metabolic inflammation and oxidative burden.
  

2) Gut-Driven Inflammation

• Fecal calprotectin: detects neutrophil-driven gut inflammation and helps distinguish IBD from IBS.
  
• Fecal lactoferrin: confirms intestinal inflammation and helps monitor response to treatment.
  
• Secretory IgA: gauges the gut’s immune barrier; too low or high signals inflammatory stress.
  
• SIBO breath test (H₂/CH₄/H₂S) : finds small-intestinal overgrowth that triggers immune and endotoxin load.
  
• Comprehensive stool microbiome: maps dysbiosis and digestion to guide anti-inflammatory gut therapy.
  

3) Oxidative Stress & Antioxidant Capacity

• GGT: surrogate of glutathione demand and oxidative stress linked to inflammation.
  
• Oxidized LDL: shows damaged LDL that more aggressively inflames artery walls.
  
• Urinary 8-OHdG: tracks DNA oxidative stress that can activate inflammatory signaling.
  

4) Micronutrients that Modulate Inflammation

• 25-OH Vitamin D: low stores associate with higher inflammatory tone and immune dysregulation.
  
• RBC magnesium: detects true magnesium status; deficiency heightens cytokines and insulin resistance.
  
• Zinc & selenium: key cofactors for antioxidant enzymes; low levels raise inflammation.
  
• Omega-3 Index (RBC EPA+DHA%): not a diagnostic marker, but higher status supports inflammation resolution and guides dosing.

5) Endocrine, Metabolic & Circadian Drivers

• TSH, Free T4, Free T3:  reveal thyroid patterns that can sustain low-grade inflammation and fatigue.
  
• Cortisol patterning : shows stress-hormone rhythm; dysregulation keeps the inflammatory “switch” on.
  
• HbA1c: reflects chronic sugar exposure that drives glycation and inflammatory stress.
  

6) Autoimmune Context (when indicated)

• ANA with reflex panel: broad screen for systemic autoimmunity as a source of inflammation.
  
• RF & anti-CCP: help confirm rheumatoid arthritis–related inflammatory activity.
  
• Anti-TPO & anti-TG: identify autoimmune thyroiditis that drives systemic inflammation.
  
• ESR + hs-CRP together:  track overall inflammatory activity alongside disease-specific antibodies.
  

7) Infection-Related 

• EBV/CMV/HSV panels: identify viral reactivation that can amplify fatigue and inflammation.
  
• Lyme/co-infections: evaluate vector-borne infections that sustain immune activation.
  
• H. pylori stool antigen or breath test: finds gastric infection that drives local and systemic inflammation.
  
• Oral pathogen (salivary DNA) panel: uncovers gum bacteria that silently raise systemic inflammation.
  

8) Toxin & Exposure Load  

• Mycotoxin urine panel: shows mold toxin exposure linked to inflammatory symptoms.
  
• Whole blood metals (Hg, Pb, As) ± RBC minerals: quantifies heavy metals that trigger mitochondrial and immune stress.
  
• Urinary phthalates/BPA: tracks plasticizer exposure that perturbs hormones and inflammation.
  

9) Structural & Functional “Non-Lab” Checks

• Coronary artery calcium (CAC) score: quantifies calcified plaque from long-standing vascular inflammation.
  

Best Approach to Chronic Inflammation Lab Testing

You don’t need every lab listed above. We match what we check to your story. We start with a simple baseline, then add only if your symptoms point to a specific driver (heart/metabolic, gut, autoimmune, toxin, or infection). After you make focused changes for 12 – 16 weeks – food, gut care, sleep, stress, movement, and targeted support – we recheck a small set to confirm inflammation is improving. If a lab won’t change the plan, we skip it. This staged approach keeps chronic inflammation symptoms and treatment focused and effective.

Chronic Inflammation Root Causes in Detail (and What to Do About Them)

1) Diet Quality, Omega-3s, and Antioxidants

Ultra-processed foods and refined carbohydrates increase blood sugar and insulin. Over time, that encourages the liver to make more triglycerides and small, dense LDL,particles that oxidize easily and signal inflammation. Seed oils aren’t “bad” by default, but frequent intake of highly processed, repeatedly heated oils (think deep-fried foods and packaged snacks) increases oxidized fats and shifts eicosanoids toward a more inflammatory pathway, especially if your omega-3 intake is low.

By contrast, marine omega-3s (EPA/DHA) and polyphenol-rich plants help the body resolve inflammation. They improve cell membrane fluidity, supply precursors for pro-resolving mediators, and provide antioxidants that limit lipid oxidation. Clinical trials and pooled analyses show omega-3s can lower common inflammation markers (like CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α). They’re not a stand-alone cure, but they’re a strong adjunct to a whole-food pattern. As you can see, dietary choices form the foundation of chronic inflammation treatment.

What to do:

• Center meals on minimally processed, whole foods.
• Pile on fiber-rich plants,especially leafy greens, crucifers, legumes (as tolerated), berries, and herbs.
• Eat wild-caught fatty fish (or use an algae-based EPA/DHA) several times per week.
• Use extra-virgin olive oil as your primary kitchen fat; avoid reused fryer oils and heavily processed snacks.
  Cook with anti-inflammatory herbs/spices (turmeric, ginger, rosemary) and enjoy green tea.
• Steady your carbs: pair carbohydrates with protein and fiber, and spread them through the day to keep glucose and insulin calm.

Related Articles:

Food as Medicine: Functional Medicine Guide to Healing

2) Microbiome and Gut Barrier Integrity

A healthy gut lining keeps food particles and bacterial fragments where they belong: inside the intestine. When the barrier becomes “leaky,” fragments like LPS (from bacteria) can slip into the bloodstream and switch on the immune system, leading to low-grade, whole-body inflammation. Clinical reviews link impaired gut barrier function with cardiometabolic issues and liver disease, among others. Improving gut ecology is therefore central to chronic inflammation symptoms and treatment.

What to do:

• Prioritize fermentable fibers (e.g., inulin, resistant starch) to feed beneficial microbes.
• Eat a diverse mix of plants each week to build microbial diversity.
• Include fermented foods (as tolerated) to add helpful bacteria.
• Use gut-lining nutrients such as L-glutamine and zinc carnosine during repair phases.
• If symptoms persist, assess for SIBO/overgrowth/gut infections and treat in a targeted way.

Related Articles: 

Leaky Gut Syndrome, Part 1: What Is It and Are You at Risk?

Stress and Gut Health: Leaky Gut, Part 2

Leaky Gut, Part 3: Heal Leaky Gut Naturally

3) Stress Biology, Sleep, and the Nervous System

Chronic stress and poor sleep keep the body’s “inflammation switch” turned on. When sleep is short or disrupted, the immune system sends more inflammatory messages, markers like IL-6 and CRP receptors rise. Ongoing stress reactivity (and even a steady lack of positive emotions) also tilts the body toward a pro-inflammatory state. The result is a low, steady fire that worsens fatigue, mood, metabolic health, and recovery. Therefore, sleep and stress mastery are non-negotiable pillars of chronic inflammation treatment.

What to do:

• Keep a consistent sleep window (7–9 hours): same bedtime and wake time daily.
• Get morning outdoor light: 5–15 minutes shortly after waking to anchor your clock.
  Practice evening light hygiene: dim lights 2–3 hours before bed; limit late screens.
• Use simple stress resets: 4-7-8 or box breathing, prayer/quiet time, brief journaling, HRV/biofeedback.
• Add micro-restorers by day: short walks, stretch breaks, a few slow breaths between tasks.
• Mind stimulants: taper caffeine after noon; keep alcohol minimal and early.
• Create a wind-down ritual: warm shower, light reading, gentle mobility, or gratitude practice.
  

Related Articles:

Hope and Health Tips for the Sleep Deprived

4) Toxins, Mold, and Detoxification Load

Some environmental exposures like mold/mycotoxins, heavy metals, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals from plastics and fragrances can flip cellular stress switches (including NF-κB), raise inflammatory signaling, and strain mitochondria and the liver. If exposure continues, the body stays in a low, smoldering inflammatory state. Thus, exposure reduction and gentle support matter in chronic inflammation symptoms and treatment.

What to do:

• Remove the source first: Fix leaks, dry water damage fast, improve ventilation; consider a qualified mold inspection if there’s musty odor, visible growth, or illness patterns at home.
• Clean your air and water: Use a HEPA air purifier (start with the bedroom); upgrade HVAC filters (high-MERV as compatible); choose an activated-carbon/solid-block water filter.
• Reduce everyday exposures: Go fragrance-free, avoid aerosol cleaners, swap plastic food containers for glass/stainless, and never heat food in plastic.
• Dust and ventilate: Wet-mop/dust weekly; run the range hood while cooking (especially on gas).
• Feed your detox pathways: Prioritize protein (amino acids for conjugation), crucifers and alliums (sulforaphane and sulfur compounds), 30–40 g fiber/day, and steady hydration + minerals to keep bile and bowels moving.
• Support glutathione (with guidance): Consider N-acetylcysteine (NAC), glycine, or alpha-lipoic acid if appropriate; avoid aggressive “detoxes” during pregnancy/breastfeeding.
• Sweat safely: Regular movement and, if tolerated, sauna can help elimination but make sure to replace fluids and electrolytes.
• Use binders only when indicated: Charcoal, bentonite, or other binders should be targeted and time-limited, ideally with clinician oversight.
• Test selectively: If history strongly suggests exposure (e.g., water-damaged building, occupational metals), consider targeted mycotoxin or heavy-metal testing; otherwise focus on exposure reduction and symptom-guided care.

5) Movement and Muscle

Regular, moderate exercise helps turn down inflammation. It lowers common markers (like CRP and TNF-α) and improves how your body handles inflammatory signals (including IL-6). The sweet spot is consistent activity that challenges you a little, but not so hard or so often that you can’t recover. Therefore, a balanced plan – challenge plus recovery -supports chronic inflammation treatment without overtraining.

What to do:

• Create a weekly mix: brisk walking, low-impact cardio (cycling, swimming, rowing), and 2–3 days of resistance training.
• Progress gradually: add a bit more weight, reps, or time each week (progressive overload).
• Protect recovery: plan 1–2 easier days, sleep 7–9 hours, and fuel with protein and fiber.
• Watch for overtraining signs: persistent soreness, poor sleep, irritability, or rising resting heart rate,dial it back if these show up.

Putting It Together: A Practical Anti-Inflammatory Plan

1. Adopt an Anti-Inflammatory Plate
   
   • Color-rich plants (especially crucifers and berries), quality proteins, olive oil/avocado, and omega-3 sources.
   • Minimize ultra-processed foods, refined sugar/flour, and industrial seed oils.
   • Consider ~30–40 g fiber/day from varied sources to feed the microbiome.
     
2. Heal and Seal the Gut
   
   • Daily prebiotic fiber and fermented foods (as tolerated).
   • Gut-lining support (e.g., L-glutamine, zinc carnosine) and targeted antimicrobials if indicated after testing. PMC
     
3. Regulate the Nervous System and Sleep
   
   • Consistent bedtime/wake time, cool/dark room, morning outdoor light; daily breathwork/prayer/HRV practice.
   • Address trauma patterns with qualified modalities when relevant.
     
4. Move Daily; Build Muscle
   
   • Aim for most days of the week with a blend of aerobic and resistance training; monitor recovery.
     
5. Reduce Toxic Load
   
   • HEPA air filtration, activated-carbon water filtration, fragrance-free home, low-toxin personal care/cleaning, sweat/sauna as appropriate.
     
6. Supplement Strategically (individualized and safety-checked)
   
   • EPA/DHA: clinical dosing based on Omega-3 Index and goals
   • Curcumin (enhanced bioavailability), resveratrol, quercetin, EGCG: polyphenols that modulate inflammatory markers.
     
   • Vitamin D, magnesium, zinc, selenium, CoQ10: replete based on labs and symptoms.
     
   • Pro-resolving mediators (SPMs): consider in stubborn cases alongside diet and omega-3 repletion.
     

When to Seek Functional Medicine Support

If you’ve tried “anti-inflammatory” eating but still experience fatigue, brain fog, joint or muscle pain, skin flares, or autoimmune activity, it’s probably time to take a deeper dive. At Nourish Medicine, we pair advanced testing (inflammatory markers, gut and mycotoxin panels, micronutrient/omega-3 status, detox genomics) with Nourish360 Coaching to help you implement changes that stick.

Work With Dr. Alex

At Nourish Medicine, we evaluate inflammation at the root, aligning labs, nutrition, sleep, stress, and targeted supplements with your specific goals.

Nourish Medicine (Virtual Telemedicine Practice):
Personalized functional medicine care for inflammation-related concerns: fatigue and brain fog, gut issues, thyroid and hormone imbalance, autoimmunity, cardiometabolic risk, and preconception planning.

Nourish360 Coaching:
Structured implementation of your nutrition, sleep, movement, and nervous-system plan—with accountability and progress tracking.

Read Bloom:
A practical guide to restoring health and vitality through nourishment- body, mind, and spirit.

FAQs

What is chronic inflammation in simple terms?
A low, ongoing immune response that never fully turns off. It’s like a slow-burning fire that stresses cells, hormones, and metabolism over time.

How do NF-κB, IL-6, and CRP fit together?
NF-κB is the “on switch” for inflammatory genes. IL-6 is a messenger released during inflammation. IL-6 tells the liver to make CRP, an easy blood test that reflects total inflammatory load.

What are early signs of chronic inflammation?
Fatigue, brain fog, joint stiffness, bloating, skin flare-ups, and mood changes often appear before a diagnosis.

Can chronic inflammation be reversed?
Often, yes. Identify and remove drivers (gut issues, toxins, blood-sugar swings, stress/sleep disruption), replete nutrients, and track trends in simple labs over 8–12 weeks.

What foods reduce inflammation fast?
Prioritize colorful plants (especially leafy greens and berries), wild-caught fatty fish or algae-based omega-3s, extra-virgin olive oil, legumes (as tolerated), nuts/seeds, herbs/spices (turmeric, ginger, rosemary), and green tea. Limit ultra-processed foods, added sugar, refined flour, and deep-fried items.

Do seed oils always cause inflammation?
Not by default. The bigger issues are excess ultra-processed foods, low omega-3 intake, and repeatedly heated fryer oils (oxidized fats). Favor extra-virgin olive oil for most cooking and balance omega-6 with marine omega-3s.

How does the gut drive inflammation?
A “leaky” gut allows bacterial fragments (like LPS) into the bloodstream, which nudges the immune system on. Fiber, plant diversity, fermented foods (as tolerated), and gut-lining support help restore balance.

Can stress and poor sleep raise inflammation?
Yes. Short or disrupted sleep and ongoing stress are linked to higher IL-6 and CRP. Consistent 7–9 hours, morning light, evening light hygiene, and simple stress tools (breathwork, prayer, HRV/biofeedback) lower the load.

What type of exercise lowers inflammation?
Regular, moderate training—brisk walking, low-impact cardio, and 2–3 days/week of resistance work. Progress gradually and protect recovery to avoid overtraining.

Do I need lots of tests to check inflammation?
No. Testing should match your symptoms and goals. Many people do well with a simple baseline, targeted add-ons if needed, and re-testing a few markers after 8–12 weeks of changes.

How long before CRP or other markers improve?
Many see movement within 8–12 weeks when nutrition, sleep, stress, movement, and gut care are addressed. Deep drivers (toxins, infections, autoimmunity) may take longer.

Are supplements required to lower inflammation?
Not always. Foundations come first (food, sleep, stress, movement, gut health). Omega-3s (EPA/DHA), vitamin D, magnesium, curcumin, and polyphenols can help when personalized to labs and context.

What’s one simple daily habit that helps the most?
Build a protein-and-fiber-forward first meal (e.g., eggs/greens/olive oil or Greek-style yogurt with berries/chia), add a 10–20 minute walk, and commit to a consistent sleep window.

About Dr. Alejandra Carrasco, M.D.

Dr. Alex Carrasco is a board-certified family and functional medicine physician, founder of Nourish Medicine, and author of Bloom: 7 Steps to Reclaim Your Health, Cultivate Your Desires, and Reignite Your Spark.

She helps patients overcome chronic inflammation, restore energy, balance hormones, and improve gut health through personalized, root-cause medicine that honors the whole person.