Effective Natural Treatment for Chronic Inflammation
Page Summary: This page provides a comprehensive insight into chronic inflammation, a key contributor to numerous health conditions. It explores its causes, symptoms, role in developing chronic diseases and impact on mental health. Highlights include Anatara Medicine’s unique approach to treating chronic inflammation naturally by addressing root causes & using innovative therapies.
What is Inflammation?
Inflammation is a natural process that occurs when the body’s immune system responds to an injury, infection, or tissue damage.
It is a complex process that involves a series of biochemical reactions and immune system responses.
At the site of injury or infection, immune cells, such as white blood cells, are activated and release chemicals called cytokines and chemokines.
These chemicals help to attract more immune cells to the site, causing blood vessels to dilate and become more permeable.
This allows immune cells to move from the blood vessels to the affected tissue, which removes damaged cells, fights infections, and promotes healing.
While inflammation is an important part of the body’s defense mechanism, chronic inflammation can damage tissue and contribute to many chronic diseases, including arthritis, heart disease, and cancer.
Contact Us
Mon: 10am-12pm & 1pm-4pm
Tues-Thurs: 9am-12pm & 1pm-4pm
Friday: closed
1700 California Street, Suite 520
San Francisco, CA 94109
Become a Patient
"*" indicates required fields
Role of Inflammation in Chronic Diseases
Chronic inflammation is increasingly recognized as a contributing factor to many chronic diseases, such as:
- Cancers: most Cancers.
- Heart Issues: Cardiovascular disease, stroke, peripheral artery disease, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, COPD, and high blood pressure.
- Gut Health Issues: Celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, Ulcerative Colitis, IBD, IBS, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), and Leaky Gut.
- Endocrine Disorders: Diabetes, Obesity, Hashimotos, Thyroid Issues, Cushing’s syndrome, and Addison’s disease.
- Metabolic Syndrome
- Chronic Pain: Fibromyalgia, connective tissue pain, muscle pain
- Autoimmune Disorders: such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease, Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, Type 1 Diabetes, Sjögren’s Syndrome, and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
- Neurodegenerative Disorders: Alzheimer’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Huntington’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Kidney Disease: chronic kidney disease and glomerulonephritis.
- Mental & Cognitive Disorders: Brain fog, depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline.
- Joint Issues: Osteoporosis, Arthritis, and joint pain.
- Autism
- Allergies: Asthma & allergic rhinitis, and food allergies.
- Skin Issues: Psoriasis and Eczema
- Sleep Disorders: Insomnia and sleep apnea.
By addressing chronic inflammation, Anatara Medicine aims to reduce the risk of developing these and other related health issues.
Common Symptoms of Chronic Inflammation
Some common symptoms associated with chronic inflammation include:
- Persistent fatigue
- Joint pain and stiffness
- Digestive issues
- Skin problems, such as rashes or eczema
- Mood disorders, like anxiety or depression
- Sleep disturbances
- Frequent infections
- Slow wound healing
Causes of Chronic Inflammation
Anatara Medicine takes a holistic approach to understanding and treating chronic inflammation. We recognize that numerous factors contribute to this condition, including:
- Stealth pathogens like Lyme disease, mold, and Epstein Barr virus
- Heavy metal toxicity
- Teeth infections
- Food allergies
- Leaky gut
- Gut dysbiosis
- Autoimmune conditions
- Unhealthy diet
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Chronic stress
- Sleep issues
Environmental Factors and Chronic Inflammation
Environmental factors play a significant role in the development and progression of chronic inflammation. Exposure to environmental pollutants, chemicals, and toxins can trigger the immune system to produce an inflammatory response, leading to chronic inflammation.
Pollution from industrial and vehicular emissions and exposure to secondhand smoke can cause damage to the lungs and respiratory system, leading to chronic inflammation. Similarly, exposure to pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals in our food and water supply can contribute to chronic inflammation in the gut and other organs.
Steps You Can Take
To reduce exposure to environmental toxins and support the body’s natural detoxification processes, it is essential to make some lifestyle changes.
Here are some suggestions that can help:
Eat a healthy diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean protein can support the body’s natural detoxification processes. These foods are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that help to protect the body from toxins.
Avoid processed foods: Processed foods are often high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, and they can contribute to chronic inflammation. Choose whole foods as much as possible.
Exercise regularly: Exercise can help reduce inflammation by improving circulation and oxygenation of the tissues. It also helps boost the immune system, reducing the risk of chronic inflammation.
Reduce exposure to environmental toxins: Avoid exposure to chemicals in cleaning products, pesticides, and herbicides by using natural alternatives or wearing protective gear when handling them. Choose natural personal care products that do not contain harmful chemicals.
Drink plenty of water: Drinking enough water is essential for supporting the body’s natural detoxification processes. It helps to flush out toxins and waste products from the body.
Environmental factors play a significant role in chronic inflammation. By making simple lifestyle changes, you can reduce exposure to toxins and support the body’s natural detoxification processes, helping reduce the risk of chronic inflammation and improve overall health.
Chronic Inflammation & Your Mental Health
Recent research has shown that chronic inflammation may be linked to the development of mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline.
Cytokines, a type of signaling molecule released by immune cells during an immune response, can cross the blood-brain barrier and affect the function of brain cells. This can lead to changes in mood, behavior, and cognition.
Depression, for example, has been associated with increased levels of cytokines, particularly interleukin-6 (IL-6), in the blood.
On the other hand, anxiety has been linked to an increase in the activity of microglia, a type of immune cell found in the brain. These cells can release pro-inflammatory cytokines, contributing to anxiety and other mental health issues.
Chronic inflammation is also associated with cognitive decline and an increased risk of developing dementia. Inflammation can lead to damage to the brain’s white matter, which is responsible for communication between different regions of the brain.
Chronic inflammation can lead to significant health problems. If you suspect you have chronic inflammation, it is important to seek help from a qualified healthcare professional who can help you identify the underlying cause and address the issue directly. Relying on painkillers or anti-inflammatory medications to alleviate symptoms without addressing the root cause can be risky for your health in the long run.
The doctors and clinicians at Anatara Medicine are world-class experts in dealing with chronic inflammation.
Natural Treatments Offered at Our Clinic
When a person has become ill due to chronic inflammation, lifestyle changes, like those noted above, will often not be adequate to resolve it. A person will need help and support to determine the underlying cause(s) and resolve each systematically.
Anatara Medicine will work to uncover the underlying cause of your inflammation and assemble a health program that will thoroughly address each contributing factor.
- Ozone Therapy – can be a supportive natural therapy that can deliver high levels of oxygen to cells, tissues and organs. It is administered intravenously or rectally. Our practitioners will discuss the benefits and risks with you, and if ozone is recommended for you.
- Extracorporeal Blood Oxygenation and Ozonation (EBOO) is an advanced form of ozone therapy that can deliver higher levels of oxygen to cells, tissues and organs. It helps clean up the blood, supports healthy immune function, and may improve circulation. Can be a supportive natural therapy. Our practitioners will discuss the benefits and risks with you, and if ozone is recommended for you
- IV Therapies – provide targeted nutrients directly to the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system and ensuring maximum absorption and effectiveness in treating chronic inflammatory conditions.
- Peptide Therapy – can be an effective supportive therapy in treating chronic inflammation by targeting specific molecules and pathways involved in the inflammatory response.
- Infrared Sauna – shown to help reduce chronic inflammation by increasing circulation and promoting the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines.
- Photobiomodulation Therapy – has been found to have anti-inflammatory effects by stimulating cellular energy production and reducing oxidative stress, factors that contribute to inflammation.
- Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy – has been shown to reduce chronic inflammation by modulating the immune response and promoting cellular repair and regeneration by applying low-frequency electromagnetic fields.
- Chelation therapy – a treatment that involves the use of chelating agents to remove heavy metals and other toxins from the body, which can contribute to chronic inflammation and other health problems.
- BrainTap technology – utilizes light and sound therapy to induce a deep state of relaxation and reduce stress, which has been shown to help regulate the immune response and reduce chronic inflammation.
- Acupuncture – has been shown to stimulate the release of endorphins and other natural painkillers, reducing inflammation and promoting healing.
- Fixing Nutritional Deficiencies – Nutritional deficiencies can contribute to non-optimum health, inflammation, and immune dysfunction. We help our patients optimize their nutrient status and support their body’s natural healing processes through targeted supplementation, IV therapies, and dietary interventions.
- Detoxification – the process of removing toxins from the body, which can reduce the burden on the immune system and help to reduce chronic inflammation.
Contact Us for Help with Inflammation
If you suspect you may be suffering from chronic inflammation or simply want to take a proactive approach to your health, don’t hesitate to contact Anatara Medicine.
Our team of experienced functional medicine doctors is dedicated to helping you identify and address the root causes of inflammation and providing comprehensive, natural treatment options to promote optimal health.
Contact us today at (415) 345-0099 to learn more or schedule a consultation.
References
- Schett, G., Neurath, M. F. (2018). Resolution of chronic inflammatory disease: universal and tissue-specific concepts. Nature Communications, 9(1), 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-018-05934-7
- Furman, D., Campisi, J., Verdin, E., Carrera-Bastos, P., Targ, S., Franceschi, C., … & Slavich, G. M. (2019). Chronic inflammation in the etiology of disease across the life span. Nature Medicine, 25(12), 1822-1832. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-019-0675-0
- Maes, M., Yirmyia, R., Noraberg, J., Brene, S., Hibbeln, J., Perini, G., … & Smith, R. (2009). The inflammatory & neurodegenerative (I&ND) hypothesis of depression: leads for future research and new drug developments in depression. Metabolic brain disease, 24(1), 27-53. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11011-008-9118-1
- Sanada, F., Taniyama, Y., Muratsu, J., Otsu, R., Shimizu, H., Rakugi, H., & Morishita, R. (2018). Source of Chronic Inflammation in Aging. Frontiers in cardiovascular medicine, 5, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcvm.2018.00012
- Antonia Cianciulli, Rosa Calvello, Melania Ruggiero, Maria Antonietta Panaro (2022). Inflammaging and Brain: Curcumin and Its Beneficial Potential as Regulator of Microglia Activation. Molecules
. 2022 Jan 6;27(2):341. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27020341 - Cho, I., & Blaser, M. J. (2012). The human microbiome: at the interface of health and disease. Nature Reviews Genetics, 13(4), 260-270. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrg3182
- Hunter, P. (2012). The inflammation theory of disease. The growing realization that chronic inflammation is crucial in many diseases opens new avenues for treatment. EMBO reports, 13(11), 968–970. https://doi.org/10.1038/embor.2012.142