Understanding Inflammation: Acute vs. Chronic Symptoms and Functional Medicine Approaches

Inflammation is the body’s natural defense mechanism against injury, infection, or toxins. While acute inflammation is protective and short-lived, chronic inflammation can drive systemic dysfunction and disease. Functional medicine addresses the root causes of inflammation through personalized, holistic strategies.

Acute Inflammation

Definition: A rapid, short-term response (hours to days) triggered by injury, pathogens, or tissue damage.
Symptoms:

• Localized: Redness, heat, swelling, pain, and loss of function (e.g., a sprained ankle or infected cut).
• Systemic: Fever, fatigue, or muscle stiffness during infections like the flu.
  Purpose: Mobilizes immune cells to heal damaged tissue and neutralize threats.

Chronic Inflammation

Definition: A prolonged, dysregulated immune response lasting months to years, often without an obvious trigger.
Common Symptoms:

• Physical: Persistent fatigue, joint/muscle pain, skin rashes, and frequent infections.
• Gastrointestinal: Bloating, diarrhea, constipation, or acid reflux.
• Neurological/Emotional: Brain fog, insomnia, anxiety, or depression.
• Systemic: Unintentional weight changes, hormonal imbalances, and organ-specific issues (e.g., shortness of breath from lung inflammation).

Associated Conditions: Autoimmune diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis), cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders.

Functional Medicine Approach to Inflammation

Functional medicine targets root causes-such as gut dysbiosis, chronic infections, stress, or environmental toxins-rather than suppressing symptoms.

Diagnostic Tools

• Blood Tests
• Stool Analysis: Evaluates gut microbiome imbalances, parasites, or inflammation markers.
• Advanced Testing: Assesses food sensitivities, heavy metals, or hormonal disruptions.

Treatment Strategies

1. Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition:

• Foods: Wild-caught fish (omega-3s), leafy greens, berries, turmeric, and ginger.
• Elimination Diets: Identify triggers like gluten, dairy, or processed sugars

1. Targeted Supplementation:

• Vitamins and probiotics to modulate immune responses
• Herbal support for reducing inflammatory pathways

1. Lifestyle Interventions:

• Stress management (yoga, meditation) to lower cortisol
• Sleep optimization and toxin reduction (e.g., air/water filters

1. Adjunctive Therapies:

• IV nutrient therapy to rapidly reduce oxidative stress
• Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment

By addressing interconnected factors-gut health, immune function, and environmental exposures-functional medicine offers sustainable relief for chronic inflammation. This approach prioritizes patient-specific interventions over generic protocols, empowering long-term wellness. For those experiencing persistent symptoms, comprehensive testing and personalized care can uncover hidden drivers of inflammation, paving the way for true healing.

At You Holistic, we can help you get to the root of any complications you are experiencing. We know that inflammation can appear in a variety of ways and for multiple reasons. You do not need to suffer any longer, come in today for a consultation and we will help you find the best treatment option to give you optimal results.