Nutritional Therapies for Chronic Inflammation

Introduction: Why Chronic Inflammation Is the Root of Modern Disease

Chronic inflammation is often called the silent fire of modern health — the underlying force behind fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, autoimmune flares, and even mood disorders. While acute inflammation is protective, chronic low-grade inflammation becomes destructive, silently damaging tissues and accelerating aging.

At New Wave Medicine, we approach inflammation through a Functional Medicine lens — uncovering the why behind the inflammation, not just treating symptoms. Nutritional therapy is one of our most powerful tools for restoring balance, energy, and long-term vitality.

The Science of Chronic Inflammation

Inflammation is your body’s defense mechanism — an immune response to injury, infection, or stress. But when the inflammatory response doesn’t shut off, it becomes chronic, disrupting everything from metabolism to mood.

Key drivers of chronic inflammation:

• High-sugar and processed diets

• Gut dysbiosis and leaky gut

• Hormonal imbalances (especially cortisol and insulin)

• Nutrient deficiencies

• Environmental toxins (heavy metals, mold, plastics)

• Chronic stress and poor sleep

Biomarkers New Wave tests for:

• Sedimentation Rate (ESR)

• C-Reactive Protein (CRP)

• High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (HS-CRP)

• Homocysteine

• Procalcitonin 

• Calprotectin

• Cortisol rhythm

• Omega-6 : Omega-3 ratio

• Gut permeability markers

How Food Influences the Inflammatory Response

Every bite you eat signals your body toward healing or harm. Food can either feed inflammation or fight it.

 Inflammatory Foods

• Refined sugars and carbs (soda, pastries)

• Processed seed oils (soy, canola, corn)

• Trans fats and processed meats

• Gluten (in sensitive individuals)

• Alcohol and artificial additives

 Anti-Inflammatory Foods

• Omega-3 fats (wild salmon, walnuts, chia, flax)

• Leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables

• Herbs and spices (turmeric, ginger, garlic)

• Fermented foods (kimchi, sauerkraut, yogurt)

• Berries, citrus, and antioxidant-rich fruits

The Functional Medicine Approach: Nutritional Therapies That Heal

At New Wave WA, nutritional therapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all diet — it’s a data-driven, root-cause strategy guided by Functional Medicine testing and clinical expertise.

1. Gut Health Restoration

Over 70% of the immune system lives in the gut. When the gut barrier is compromised (“leaky gut”), it allows endotoxins and food particles to enter the bloodstream, igniting inflammation throughout the body.

Our protocol includes:

• GI-MAP Testing for microbiome and pathogen analysis

• Elimination diets to identify triggers (gluten, dairy, sugar)

• Restorative nutrients: L-glutamine, zinc carnosine, probiotics

• IV therapy for nutrient replenishment and gut repair
  

Understanding the Gut-Brain Connection

2. Blood Sugar & Insulin Balance

Every spike in blood sugar triggers a wave of inflammation. Insulin resistance drives oxidative stress and accelerates aging at the cellular level.

Our Functional Nutrition Plan focuses on:

• Low-glycemic, fiber-rich foods

• Balancing macros (protein, healthy fats, complex carbs)

• Time-restricted eating to stabilize insulin

• Magnesium and chromium supplementation

3. Micronutrient Repletion

Nutrient deficiencies can prolong inflammation and impair recovery. Our Micronutrient Testing identifies gaps and tailors interventions for your unique biochemistry.

Key anti-inflammatory nutrients:

• Vitamin D: immune regulation

• Magnesium: lowers CRP

• Zinc: gut and immune support

• Omega-3s: balances prostaglandins

• Vitamin C & E: antioxidant defense

 Integrated Service: IV Nutrient Therapy delivers these nutrients directly into the bloodstream for faster, more effective absorption.

4. Mitochondrial & Hormonal Support

Inflammation damages your mitochondria — the “batteries” of your cells — reducing energy and triggering fatigue. Hormonal imbalances (low thyroid, cortisol, estrogen/testosterone) can further exacerbate this process.

Functional Medicine solutions:

• Mitochondrial support (CoQ10, NAD+, Alpha Lipoic Acid)

• Hormone optimization via advanced testing

• IV therapies for cellular energy and detoxification
  

Explore Hormone & Metabolic Balance at New Wave WA.

Research Spotlight

• Nutrients (2021): Diets rich in omega-3s and polyphenols significantly reduced IL-6 and CRP levels.

• American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2020): The Mediterranean Diet lowers inflammation through gut microbiome modulation.

• Institute for Functional Medicine (2022): Functional Nutrition protocols reduced systemic inflammation by 40–70% in clinical practice data.

Lifestyle Synergy: Beyond Food Alone

Inflammation is a whole-body issue, and nutrition is just one pillar of healing.

Our comprehensive programs include:

• Stress reduction: breathwork, meditation, mindfulness

• Sleep optimization: melatonin balance, circadian rhythm support

• Detoxification: supporting healthy hormone metabolism and safe removal of heavy metals and toxins

• Movement therapy: improving lymphatic drainage and circulation

Together, these support the anti-inflammatory power of proper nutrition.

Case Study: A Functional Nutrition Success Story

A 45-year-old patient came to New Wave WA with chronic fatigue and joint pain. Functional testing revealed elevated CRP, insulin resistance, and gut dysbiosis.

Through a 12-week Functional Nutrition protocol — including anti-inflammatory diet, IV nutrient therapy, probiotics, and lifestyle coaching — CRP levels dropped by 68%, fatigue resolved, and energy dramatically improved.

FAQs: Nutritional Therapies for Inflammation

1. How long until I feel better on an anti-inflammatory diet? Many patients notice reduced pain and fatigue in 2–4 weeks; full cellular recovery takes several months.

2. Can IV therapy reduce inflammation directly? Yes. Vitamin C, magnesium, and glutathione infusions have shown strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

3. Are plant-based diets best for inflammation? A primarily plant-based diet rich in healthy fats and omega-3s is ideal — balance is key, not restriction.

4. What tests identify inflammation? We assess CRP, homocysteine, oxidative stress markers, gut microbiome diversity, and hormone balance.

5. Does stress really make inflammation worse? Absolutely. Stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline amplify inflammatory cytokines.

Conclusion: Heal from the Inside Out

At New Wave Medicine, we believe food is medicine. Our Functional Medicine approach combines nutritional therapy, advanced testing, IV nutrient therapy, and lifestyle alignment to help your body calm inflammation and restore balance naturally.

 Ready to begin your healing journey?

 Schedule your Functional Nutrition Consultation today and discover how targeted nutritional therapies can help you reclaim your vitality.