Inflammation is a normal part of the healing process, whether it be from a sprained ankle, an infection, or result from a Traumatic Brain Injury such as a concussive injury due to contact sports.
Inflammation is the body’s immediate response to a sudden injury or chronic health condition. You may be suffering from chronic inflammation if you suffer from one or more of the following items.
- Memory and Cognitive decline
- Weight Gain
- Cardiovascular disease
- Loss of muscle tone
- Digestive Issues such as IBS, Reflux, and SIBO
- Chronic muscular and joint pain
- Abnormal growth of cells due to oxidative stress
Many of our chronic inflammatory issues arise from poor eating habits, deficiencies in minerals, vitamins, and the over-consumption of sugar (such as high fructose corn syrup), bleached flour, and trans fatty acids (trans fats), which are manufactured fats through a process called hydrogenation, as well as overly processed foods that have been genetically modified for a longer shelf life.
Lastly. the lack of exercise, chronic stress, and the lack of sleep are major contributors. Those are just a few of the many reasons why 28% of Americans consume four or more medications every single day. As a Functional Wellness Clinic, we utilize functional nutrition, DNA Analysis, Hair Analysis, and Microbiome testing to educate our patients about healthy options and alternatives for managing inflammation using herbs that contain Turmeric and Boswellia.
Both are safe and natural alternatives for helping manage and mitigate inflammation while avoiding unwanted side effects such as elevated liver enzymes, gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, and elevated blood pressure, just to name a few.
The following are some essential things that you should consider when using alternative approaches to manage your inflammation:
- Be sure that you use a reputable and well-established business that specializes in the organic farming and processing of herbs and vitamins, one that ensures the phytonutrient content is consistent, maximizing the therapeutic benefit.
- Avoid products that contain unhealthy bi-products, Titanium dioxide, hydrogenated oils, and artificial colors.
- It is important to remember that extracts, bioactive fractions, or compounds obtained from medicinal plants are used for different purposes, therefore, consulting with a professional is important when deciding to take a more natural approach.
- Discuss supplements with your doctor to be sure that there are no interactions with other medications that you may be taking, such as blood thinners.
- DNA Testing and microbiome testing can provide very important information concerning your health about your personal vitamin and mineral status.
In summary, chronic inflammation can affect the gut microbiome, the musculoskeletal system, and the brain. Inflammation can dramatically impact the Gut-Brain Axis and your ability to achieve wholeness and wellness.
Lastly, eating a clean and balanced diet, intermittent fasting, spending time with loved ones, and laughter is ALWAYS good medicine.
Yours in Health and Wellness,
Dr. Douglas O. Pitt B.S., D.C.
