Chronic Inflammation

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Chronic Inflammation — Holistic Approaches & Practitioners | Gyfts

Frequently Asked Questions

Is C-reactive protein the only way to measure inflammation?

CRP (particularly high-sensitivity CRP) is the most commonly used clinical marker, but it is not the only indicator of chronic inflammation. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), fibrinogen, ferritin, homocysteine, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) also reflect inflammatory burden. Omega-3 index (a measure of fatty acid composition in red blood cells) reflects anti-inflammatory fatty acid status. In functional medicine, a comprehensive inflammation assessment includes multiple markers alongside assessment of contributing factors (gut health, metabolic markers, stress hormones).

What role does the gut play in systemic inflammation?

The gut is the largest immune organ in the body — containing 70–80% of immune tissue. Gut barrier integrity determines what crosses from the intestinal lumen into the systemic circulation. When gut permeability is increased (influenced by diet, stress, alcohol, medications, and dysbiosis), bacterial endotoxins (particularly lipopolysaccharide, LPS) can enter the bloodstream and trigger a systemic inflammatory response. This "metabolic endotoxaemia" is increasingly recognised as a driver of chronic inflammation underlying metabolic disease, cardiovascular disease, and neuroinflammation.

Can sleep affect inflammatory markers?

Yes — significantly. Even one night of poor sleep elevates CRP and IL-6. Chronic sleep deprivation (consistently under 6 hours) is associated with significantly elevated inflammatory markers and increased risk of inflammatory disease. Sleep is the primary period of systemic repair and anti-inflammatory regulation — including via growth hormone secretion, glymphatic brain clearance, and autonomic restoration. Improving sleep duration and quality is one of the most impactful anti-inflammatory interventions available and is frequently overlooked in clinical inflammation management.

What is the role of omega-6 to omega-3 balance in inflammation?

The ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids in the diet significantly influences the body's inflammatory set-point. Omega-6 fatty acids (abundant in seed oils and processed foods) are precursors to pro-inflammatory eicosanoids; omega-3 fatty acids compete with these pathways, producing less inflammatory and sometimes anti-inflammatory mediators. The modern Western diet has an estimated omega-6:omega-3 ratio of 15:1 to 20:1 compared to an ancestral ratio of approximately 4:1. Reducing omega-6-rich seed oils and increasing omega-3 through oily fish (or supplementation) is a foundational anti-inflammatory dietary intervention.

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Overview

Symptoms & Affected Systems

Contributing Factors

Supporting Lifestyle Strategies

Evidence Context

When to Seek Professional Help

Related Conditions

Autoimmune Conditions

Cardiovascular Disease

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Frequently Asked Questions

References