Join Rachel, the Lead Practitioner and Clinical Mentor of FNA, as she unpacks the concept of "inflammation hunting." She discusses what inflammation actually is, its causes, and how functional labs assist in diagnosis. Discover key lab markers and symptoms that indicate inflammation and learn strategies to keep it at bay, including food considerations. Rachel also shares insightful case studies that showcase real-life patient transformations, emphasizing the connection between inflammation, diet, and overall health.
Inflammation hunting involves identifying both acute and chronic inflammation to address underlying health issues effectively.
Functional labs play a crucial role in detecting inflammation through biomarkers, guiding practitioners towards targeted treatment strategies.
Lifestyle changes, including improved nutrition and stress management, are fundamental for minimizing inflammation and enhancing overall well-being.
Deep dives
Understanding Inflammation
Inflammation serves as a crucial part of the body's immune response, responding to harmful invaders or injury for healing purposes. Acute inflammation occurs rapidly, often initiating from an injury or infection, characterized by symptoms such as swelling and redness that resolve within days. In contrast, chronic inflammation is a prolonged, low-grade immune response that can linger for months or years, leading to various health issues if the underlying irritants remain. Identifying and addressing the causes of chronic inflammation is essential, as persistent inflammation can manifest from continuous exposure to allergens, bacterial infections, or autoimmune disorders.
Recognizing Symptoms of Inflammation
Patients often present with a wide variety of symptoms that may indicate underlying inflammation. Common signs include joint pain unrelated to injuries, skin issues such as acne and eczema, and heightened food sensitivities. Frequent illnesses, digestive disturbances, and mental health concerns like brain fog and depression can also be linked to inflammation. Clinicians observe that as inflammation escalates, the immune response weakens, further exacerbating these symptoms and leading to a cycle of health complications.
Utilizing Functional Labs for Diagnosis
Functional labs play a significant role in uncovering inflammation-related health issues by identifying biomarkers that indicate immune dysfunction. Tests such as high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), elevated ferritin levels, and thyroid antibodies can all signal inflammation or autoimmune activity. The GI map stool test can reveal dysbiosis, oxidative stress levels, and nutrient deficiencies that herald inflammatory processes in the body when evaluated properly. Bloodwork and specialized tests help clinicians probe deeper into patients' conditions, informing a targeted approach to treatment.
Foundational Strategies for Reducing Inflammation
A well-rounded approach focused on foundational habits is crucial for minimizing inflammation. Nutrition, specifically the intake of antioxidant-rich foods, along with mindfulness about processed foods and sugar, forms the dietary cornerstone for health. Regular physical activity, good sleep hygiene, and effective stress management also contribute to reducing inflammation levels in the body. Prioritizing these lifestyle changes often provides a robust first step before engaging in more advanced treatment protocols.
Case Studies Highlighting Inflammation Hunting
Real-world case studies illustrate the process of going 'inflammation hunting' to identify and resolve underlying health issues effectively. One patient presented with persistent immune system dysfunction and chronic infections, with follow-up lab tests revealing poor blood sugar control and depleted beneficial gut bacteria. Another patient suffering from recurring urinary tract infections improved significantly after gut health interventions, demonstrating how targeting inflammation can lead to resolving symptoms and improving quality of life. These examples underscore the importance of a comprehensive, individual-based approach to inflammation in the practice of functional medicine.
"Inflammation hunting" is a term we use often here at TFN, but what does it actually mean? Erin sits down with Rachel, the Lead Practitioner and Lead Clinical Mentor of FNA, to discuss all things inflammation - what it is, what causes it, and how we use functional labs in our practice to take a deeper dive. This episode is great for practitioners and clients alike!
Are you a practitioner interested in learning more about inflammation hunting with your clients? The fall cohort of our Funk’tional Nutrition Academy is open for enrollment. We’d love to see your application!
Timestamps
(3:27) Inflammation hunting - what does it mean & why do we do it
(9:32) Common symptoms & lab markers that signify inflammation
(14:20) Using functional labs to confirm inflammation
(19:50) How to keep inflammation at bay
(26:23) Food considerations to lower inflammation
(30:02) Case study examples of patients with chronic inflammation & how our team resolved it!
