Understanding Inflammation:

Causes, Diagnosis, and How to Control It for Better Health

What is Inflammation?

Inflammation plays a crucial role in the body. However, when influenced by factors such as an unhealthy lifestyle, stress, and toxic exposures, it can spiral out of control. Unchecked inflammation can harm the body by generating excessive pro-inflammatory cells, molecules, and free radicals. Having too many of these pro-inflammatory substances can lead to damage and autoimmune diseases.

Right now, we all exist on an inflammation spectrum, ranging from none to mild to moderate. At the severe end of this spectrum lies diagnosis-level inflammation, which can lead to disease.

Unfortunately, inflammation often goes unnoticed. It is insidious, brewing in the body long before a specific disease becomes noticeable, not to mention diagnosable. By the time a health issue is advanced enough to be officially diagnosed by a doctor, chronic inflammation may have already caused significant damage.

How Do You Diagnose Inflammation?

Inflammation can be assessed by taking a thorough medical history and discussing any symptoms related to inflammation. Additionally, lab tests can be performed to evaluate inflammation levels, including:

• CRP (C-Reactive Protein): This test measures C-Reactive Protein and IL-6, another pro-inflammatory protein, both of which are associated with chronic inflammatory health issues.
• Homocysteine: This inflammatory amino acid is linked to heart disease, damage to the blood-brain barrier, and dementia. Elevated levels are frequently seen in individuals with autoimmune conditions.
• Ferritin: Primarily used to assess stored iron levels in cases of suspected anemia, high ferritin levels can indicate inflammation, as it acts as an acute-phase reactant.
• Methylation Gene Testing: Methylation is a vital biochemical process that supports various bodily functions, such as maintaining a healthy brain and gut, protecting DNA, and detoxifying. Gene mutations like MTHFR polymorphism can hinder the body’s ability to reduce inflammation levels, such as homocysteine, and understanding this can help your doctor recommend suitable interventions.
• GI Labs: Gut health is the foundation of overall wellness. Running GI Lab tests helps your doctor confirm or rule out underlying gut issues like leaky gut syndrome and inflammatory gut proteins, such as calprotectin. It’s also beneficial to test for microbiome imbalances, such as SIBO and candida overgrowth, to identify potential sources of inflammation.
• White Blood Cell Count: This test helps detect underlying low-grade infections that may contribute to inflammation.

What Does Inflammation Feel Like?

• Acute Inflammation: Acute inflammation is marked by clear symptoms such as redness, pain, and swelling in the affected area. You may have experienced this with minor injuries like burns, bruises, or scrapes.
• Chronic Inflammation: Chronic inflammation symptoms are less obvious, which is why many people suffer from it for years without identifying the cause. Chronic inflammation may reveal itself in the body through:
  • Moodiness
  • Pain
  • Fatigue

How Food Contributes to Chronic Inflammation

Chronic low-grade inflammation is triggered by various factors, including the frequent consumption of processed foods, sugary drinks, unhealthy fats, and carbohydrates. Other triggers include overuse of certain medications, exposure to toxins, prolonged stress, and a lack of regular physical activity.

The positive aspect is that we have some control over the amount of inflammation our bodies experience. Research suggests that nearly 77% of inflammatory responses are influenced by factors we can manage—such as our diets—while the remaining portion is determined by genetics.

Taking Control of Your Health: Managing Inflammation at The Biohacker

Reducing chronic inflammation can open the door to healing. By addressing the root causes of inflammation, the body can regain its ability to balance and repair itself naturally. Here at The Biohacker, we take a comprehensive approach to manage inflammation through personalized diagnostic testing, nutritional guidance, and advanced therapies.

If you’re experiencing symptoms that you think may be linked to inflammation, don’t wait. Book a consultation with us, and let’s start your journey toward improved health by understanding and addressing inflammation at its core.