The Silent Enemy: Is Inflammation Making You Sick?
Hidden Inflammation Can Cause or Trigger Disease
Inflammation is a natural and essential part of the body’s defense mechanism, serving as a protective response to injury, infection, or irritation. This complex process involves various immune cells and molecules working together to promote healing whenever there is sickness or damage in the body – whether serious or minor.
However, when inflammation becomes chronic or excessive, it can transform from a beneficial response into a silent enemy, potentially contributing to the development of numerous diseases. Dr. Ruthie Harper, MD, a renowned functional medicine practitioner in the Austin, TX area, emphasizes the importance of understanding and addressing chronic inflammation to maintain optimal health.
Unlike traditional doctors who often only treat symptoms of illness, functional medicine doctors identify and treat the underlying root causes of medical issues – such as thyroid problems, weight gain, menopause symptoms, type 2 diabetes, sexual dysfunction, heart disease, chronic fatigue, and more.
In this article, top Austin, TX functional medicine doctor Ruthie Harper, MD explores the many illnesses that may have inflammation as an underlying factor.
Chronic Inflammation
While acute inflammation is a necessary part of the body’s healing process, chronic inflammation can persist for months or even years, quietly damaging tissues and organs. This persistent state of inflammation can lead to a wide range of health issues, from cardiovascular disease to autoimmune disorders.
Dr. Harper’s functional medicine approach focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of chronic inflammation to help patients in the Austin, TX area achieve better overall health and well-being.
Inflammation & Cardiovascular Disease
Chronic inflammation plays a significant role in the development and progression of cardiovascular disease. Dr. Harper explains that persistent inflammation can lead to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis. This accumulation of plaque narrows the arteries, restricting blood flow and increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease.
The inflammatory process contributes to cardiovascular disease by damaging the inner lining of blood vessels, promoting the formation of blood clots, and increasing the instability of existing plaque. For patients in the Austin, TX who area concerned about their cardiovascular health, Dr. Harper offers comprehensive testing to assess inflammation levels and identify potential risk factors.
Advanced heart disease testing at Dr. Harper’s office in Austin, TX includes the Hart CVE (Cardiovascular Event) Test, which is a revolutionary advancement in predicting and preventing cardiovascular events.
Inflammation & Type 2 Diabetes
The relationship between inflammation and type 2 diabetes is complex and often misunderstood or ignored. It is also “bidirectional’ – meaning that while inflammation can contribute to the risk factors for type 2 diabetes, diabetes also increases the risk of chronic inflammation within the body.
Chronic inflammation can interfere with insulin production and function, contributing to the development of insulin resistance and, ultimately, type 2 diabetes. Conversely, the elevated blood sugar levels associated with diabetes can further promote inflammation, creating a vicious cycle.
Adipose tissue, particularly visceral fat, is a significant source of inflammatory molecules. (Visceral fat is fat that’s stored deep in the body around internal organs like the heart, liver, and intestines. It’s different from subcutaneous fat, which is the visible fat that’s stored under the skin.) This connection helps explain the link between obesity, inflammation, and increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
For patients in the Austin, TX area struggling with blood sugar control or at risk for diabetes, Dr. Harper addresses inflammation as part of a comprehensive treatment approach to preventing or reversing type 2 diabetes.
Inflammation & Cancer
The link between chronic inflammation and cancer is an area of intense and growing research. Recent medical research has shown that persistent inflammation can damage cells and DNA, potentially leading to mutations that contribute to the development and progression of various types of cancer. Additionally, an inflammatory environment in the body can promote the growth and spread of existing cancer cells.
Certain chronic inflammatory conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease or hepatitis, are specifically associated with an increased risk of certain cancers. As part of a holistic, functional medicine approach, Dr. Ruthe Harper in Austin, TX emphasizes the importance of managing chronic inflammation as part of a comprehensive cancer prevention strategy.
Inflammation & Arthritis
Chronic inflammation plays a central role in the development and progression of various forms of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. In rheumatoid arthritis, which is an autoimmune condition, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks joint tissues, leading to inflammation, pain, and joint damage. Osteoarthritis, while primarily considered a wear-and-tear condition, also involves inflammatory processes that contribute to cartilage breakdown and joint deterioration.
Dr. Harper’s functional medicine approach to arthritis management for patients in the Austin, TX area involves identifying and addressing any underlying root causes of inflammation. This may include dietary modifications, targeted supplementation, and lifestyle changes to reduce overall inflammation to help alleviate arthritis symptoms.
Inflammation & Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Inflammatory bowel diseases, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, are characterized by chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. This persistent inflammation can damage the lining of the intestines, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and malnutrition. Dr. Harper notes that while the exact causes of IBD are not fully understood, a combination of genetic, environmental, and immune system factors likely contribute to its development.
For her patients in the Austin, TX area suffering from IBD or other digestive issues, Dr. Harper employs a comprehensive approach to identify and address potential triggers of inflammation. This may include assessing food sensitivities, gut microbiome imbalances, and environmental toxins that could be contributing to digestive inflammation.
Inflammation & Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition characterized by red, scaly patches that can be both physically uncomfortable and emotionally distressing. Dr. Harper explains that psoriasis is fundamentally an inflammatory condition, driven by an overactive immune response in the skin. This excessive inflammation leads to the rapid turnover of skin cells, resulting in the characteristic plaques and scales associated with psoriasis.
For patients in the Austin, TX area struggling with psoriasis, Dr. Harper’s approach focuses on identifying and addressing the underlying causes of inflammation. This may involve assessing for food sensitivities, gut health imbalances, and stress factors that could be contributing to the inflammatory response in the skin.
Inflammation & Autoimmune Diseases
Chronic inflammation is a common thread running through several various autoimmune diseases, including Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis. In these conditions, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, leading to inflammation and damage in specific organs or systems. Dr. Harper emphasizes that while the causes, predispositions, and triggers for autoimmune diseases can vary, addressing underlying inflammation is crucial for managing these conditions effectively.
Dr. Harper’s functional medicine approach to diagnosing and treating autoimmune diseases involves a thorough assessment of potential inflammatory triggers. This may include evaluating for underlying infections, environmental toxins, and nutritional imbalances that could be contributing to the autoimmune response.
Inflammation Doctor | Austin, TX
Chronic inflammation is a pervasive health concern that can contribute to a wide range of diseases and conditions. Recognizing the signs and addressing the root causes of inflammation is crucial for maintaining optimal health, preventing chronic illness, and living a life of health and vitality.
Dr. Ruthie Harper, MD, in Austin, TX offers a comprehensive functional medicine approach that identifies, manages, and reduces chronic inflammation. By working closely with Dr. Harper, individuals can identify underlying factors contributing to inflammation and develop personalized strategies to promote overall health and well-being. Take the first step towards a healthier, inflammation-free life by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Harper and her team today.
