Inflammation Treatment: The Fundamentals

Chronic Inflammation & its impact on Your Body

What causes inflammation?

Inflammation is a natural response of your body's immune system to injury or infection, often manifesting as redness, heat, swelling, and pain. However, when inflammation persists or operates out of context, it can lead to chronic inflammation—a condition with potentially detrimental health effects.

Several factors can contribute to chronic inflammation. The aging process, termed 'inflamm-aging', can naturally lead to elevated levels of inflammation in the body. Chronic stress—whether psychological, physical, or environmental—can also trigger inflammatory responses. Additionally, dietary factors, such as consuming processed foods high in sugars and unhealthy fats, and environmental exposures to pollutants and toxins can contribute to inflammation.

How can inflammation affect me?

Chronic inflammation may present subtly, with symptoms like fatigue, joint pain, and cognitive difficulties, such as 'brain fog'. Alternatively, it could manifest in more severe forms, such as autoimmune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

If left untreated, chronic inflammation can have long-term implications, including a significant relationship to various chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. It's believed that the persistent immune response in chronic inflammation can damage tissues over time, contributing to these diseases.

Low Dose Naltrexone Therapy

When it comes to treating inflammation, the approach often involves immunosuppressants, such as steroids and biologics. While these can be effective, they work by suppressing the immune system, which can lead to a host of other problems, including an increased susceptibility to infections. An alternative approach is to use immunomodulators, like Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN), which work to balance, rather than suppress, the immune system.

These side effects usually subside over time. It may also take a few weeks to months for you to feel the full effects of LDN, as your body adjusts to the medication and inflammation decreases.