Fatigue. Brain fog. Joint pain. Bloating. Skin flare-ups.
If you’ve been struggling with ongoing symptoms that no one can explain—chronic inflammation may be at the root.
At our clinic, we often say that inflammation is the common denominator in nearly every chronic condition we see. Whether it’s autoimmune disease, digestive issues, cardiovascular dysfunction, or mood disorders, there’s almost always a silent fire smoldering beneath the surface.
In this post, you’ll learn what chronic inflammation is, how it affects your health, how we identify it through functional testing, and what you can do to finally calm the fire.
What Is Chronic Inflammation?
Inflammation is not inherently bad. In fact, acute inflammation is a natural and necessary process—it’s your body’s way of fighting infections and repairing injuries.
But when inflammation becomes chronic, low-grade, and systemic, it can lead to widespread damage throughout the body.
Chronic inflammation is like a slow-burning fire that:
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Damages cells and tissues
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Triggers immune overreactions
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Interferes with hormone signaling
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Disrupts gut barrier function
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Impacts brain chemistry
Over time, this can contribute to or worsen:
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Autoimmune conditions (e.g. Hashimoto’s, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus)
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IBS and IBD (e.g. Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis)
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Skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis, acne)
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Cardiovascular disease
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Anxiety and depression
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Insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction
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Chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia
How We Test for Inflammation
In integrative medicine, we go deeper—looking for subtle signs of inflammation before disease develops.
At our clinic, we use specialized testing to measure:
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CRP (C-Reactive Protein) – A marker of systemic inflammation.
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ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) – Reflects the presence of inflammatory proteins in the blood.
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Homocysteine – Elevated levels can indicate oxidative stress and vascular inflammation.
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Food sensitivity panels – To identify immune-triggering foods that may be fueling inflammation.
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Comprehensive stool analysis – To assess gut-related sources of inflammation, including dysbiosis and leaky gut.
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Autoimmune markers – Such as ANA, RF, and anti-TPO antibodies.
These labs give us a clear picture of where inflammation is hiding—and help us build a personalized strategy for resolution.
How We Help You Heal
Once we’ve identified the drivers of inflammation, we create a targeted plan that may include:
Anti-Inflammatory Diet
We help you remove inflammatory triggers and restore gut health with a nutrient-dense, whole food plan that’s rich in:
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Omega-3 fats (from wild fish, chia)
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Antioxidants (from colourful fruits and vegetables)
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Polyphenols (from green tea, turmeric, berries)
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Gut-healing foods (bone broth, fermented foods, leafy greens)
We also guide you in eliminating common pro-inflammatory culprits like:
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Refined sugar
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Industrial seed oils (canola, soybean, corn)
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Gluten and dairy (if reactive)
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Processed meats and additives
Herbal & Nutraceutical Support
We often recommend natural anti-inflammatories such as:
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Curcumin (from turmeric)
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Boswellia
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Omega-3 fish oil
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Quercetin
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Probiotics and L-glutamine for gut healing
Lifestyle & Mind-Body Therapies
Because stress is a major inflammation driver, we incorporate:
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Nervous system regulation (vagal nerve support, breathwork)
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Gentle movement (yoga, walking, mobility work)
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Restorative sleep strategies
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Emotional processing tools (journaling, therapy, acupuncture)
Ready to Put the Fire Out?
If you’ve been chasing symptoms, trying one medication after another, and still feel like something deeper is going on—you might be dealing with hidden inflammation.
The good news? With the right testing, support, and lifestyle changes, your body can heal. Inflammation doesn’t have to rule your life.