Functional medicine physicians and practitioners address the underlying cause of disease, generally identified as chronic inflammation. Often cited as the common denominator for cancer, diabetes, depression, heart disease, stroke and Alzheimer’s, chronic inflammation occurs throughout the body when something kick-starts the immune system and disengages the “off” switch. This leads to an endless trickle of immune cells that interfere with the body’s healthy tissues, triggering genetic mutations that can lead to cancer or the bursting of plaque in an artery wall. The most common causes of chronic inflammation include:

Nutritional Deficiencies

The standard American diet is loaded with refined carbohydrates and unhealthy fats, yet lacking in important nutrients like zinc, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A and K. This imbalance of nutrients promotes inflammation.

Infections/Microbes

Subtle infections in the intestines, gums, teeth and skin can cause chronic inflammation. At the same time, inadequate levels of good bacteria in our gut lining weaken our immunity and change our metabolism.

Food Sensitivities

Gluten (protein present in wheat and other grains), dairy and soy are among the most common foods that induce low-grade chronic inflammation. These sensitivities are common and can result from poor diet and other environmental triggers. Conventional medicine does not usually test for such sensitivities.

Toxicities

Pesticides in our foods and environment, mercury from dental amalgam fillings and lead from multiple sources are some common causes of neurological deterioration and painful neuropathies.

Stress and Poor Lifestyle Choices

Emotional and physical trauma, daily life stressors, smoking, excessive intake of alcohol, lack of exercise and inadequate sleep and relaxation all promote inflammation and contribute to pain.

Hormone Imbalances

All of the causes of inflammation can also negatively affect organs such as the thyroid, adrenals, ovary, testes, pancreas and others that secrete hormones. This leads to poor hormone production and action. Hormone imbalances further promote difficulties in the body’s functions, leading to escalated inflammation and pain.

Genetic Variations

Individuals can have genetic idiosyncrasies that allow buildup of toxins, causing inflammation and slow tissue repair.

Dr. Zorayda “jiji” Torres, owner of Upstream MD, 27499 Riverview Ctr. Blvd., Ste. 255, in Bonita Springs, practices functional medicine.