What Causes Inflammation

Last Updated on February 24, 2025

Wondering what causes inflammation?  Struggling with the symptoms of inflammation and looking for the root cause?

If so, I’ve got you covered!  Inflammation can be very damaging to the body and avoiding the things that cause inflammation can help you avoid a lot of issues including developing disease.

I see inflammation in 100% of my clients that struggle with stubborn fat, fatigue, and physical and mental health symptoms, like bloating, GI issues, fatigue, anxiety, hormone imbalances, depression, reduce immunity and more!

That’s why I’m sharing my top tips to reverse the root causes of inflammation quickly and naturally.

But, first I’ll explain what inflammation is and the most common ways inflammation affects the body.  I’m also including a list of symptoms caused by inflammation so you better understand how it damages the body and affects health & weight.  When you know how inflammation affects you, it’s a lot easier to get motivated to do the things that fix it.

Then I’ll share the top 10 most common causes of inflammation and tips to reverse them – so you can start reducing inflammation and getting relief from your symptoms fast.

Sound good?

Let’s dig in.

 

WHAT IS INFLAMMATION?

 

Inflammation is a natural and necessary process that helps the body fight off infections, heal injuries, and repair damaged tissues. Essentially, it’s the body’s way of protecting itself and initiating the healing process. When tissue is damaged or being irritated by harmful stimuli the immune system responds by triggering inflammation to eliminate the threat and repair damaged tissue.

When the ‘threat’ is temporary you’ll experience ‘acute’ inflammation, which is a temporary inflammatory reaction.  Acute inflammation is normal and ‘good.’

Chronic or excessive inflammation – that occurs for a prolonged period of time – is not good and can have negative effects on both physical and mental health, as well as your weight.

 

HOW INFLAMMATION AFFECTS THE BODY

 

When you you’re exposed to sources of inflammation they can start to affect your health in so many detrimental ways because they literally damage tissues in the body.  Here are the most common ways that chronic inflammation can cause damage the body and subsequent physical & mental health symptoms.

Physical Health:

• Chronic Diseases: Prolonged inflammation is associated with the development and progression of various chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and certain types of cancer.
• Immune Dysfunction: Chronic inflammation can dysregulate the immune system, leading to increased susceptibility to infections and impaired immune function.
• Tissue Damage: Inflammatory processes can cause damage to healthy tissues and organs over time, contributing to tissue degeneration and dysfunction.  Premature aging is also common with chronic inflammation.
• Pain and Discomfort: Inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease can cause persistent pain, discomfort, and reduced mobility.

Mental Health:

• Neuroinflammation: Inflammation in the brain, known as neuroinflammation, has been implicated in the pathophysiology of various mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and cognitive decline.
• Neurotransmitter Imbalance: Inflammatory cytokines can disrupt neurotransmitter balance and function in the brain, affecting mood, cognition, and behavior.
• Stress Response: Chronic inflammation can activate the body’s stress response system, leading to increased production of stress hormones like cortisol, which can further exacerbate inflammation and contribute to mental health problems.

Weight Management:

• Metabolic Dysfunction: Inflammation is closely linked to metabolic dysfunction, insulin resistance, and obesity. Chronic low-grade inflammation can interfere with hormone-signaling pathways involved in appetite regulation, energy balance, and metabolism.
• Fat Accumulation: Inflammatory cytokines can promote the accumulation of visceral fat, which is associated with an increased risk of metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
• Leptin Resistance: Inflammation can impair the function of leptin, a hormone that helps regulate appetite and energy expenditure. Leptin resistance can disrupt satiety signals, leading to overeating and weight gain.

One of the easiest ways to reduce inflammation in the body is to avoid consuming inflammatory foods.  This is especially true if you’re already experiencing the health and weight issues mentioned above.

 

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SYMPTOMS OF INFLAMMATION

 

You can assume you have inflammation if you have symptoms.  Functional lab testing is required to truly confirm if and where inflammation is present in the body and how damaged the body has been.  Testing is helpful because inflammation can manifest in a wide range of symptoms, affecting various parts of the body.

If you have any of these symptoms I’d recommend functional labs to properly assess what’s causing it.

Here’s a comprehensive list of symptoms associated with inflammation.  When inflammation becomes chronic it often occurs in different parts of the body.

Do you have any of these symptoms?

 

General Symptoms

• Pain: Sharp, dull, or throbbing pain in the affected area.
• Swelling: Visible puffiness or enlargement of tissues.
• Redness: Increased blood flow causing red or flushed skin.
• Heat: Warmth in the inflamed area.
• Loss of Function: Reduced ability to use the affected body part.

Systemic Symptoms

• Fever: Elevated body temperature.
• Fatigue: Persistent tiredness or lack of energy.
• Malaise: General feeling of discomfort or unease.
• Weight Loss: Unintended weight loss.
• Anemia: Low red blood cell count leading to fatigue and weakness.

Digestive Symptoms

• Abdominal Pain: Cramping or aching in the abdomen.
• Bloating: Feeling of fullness or swelling in the abdomen.
• Diarrhea: Frequent, loose, or watery stools.
• Constipation: Difficulty or infrequent bowel movements.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Feeling sick to the stomach and expelling contents.

Respiratory Symptoms

• Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing.
• Wheezing: High-pitched whistling sound while breathing.
• Cough: Persistent coughing.
• Chest Pain: Pain or tightness in the chest.
• Nasal Congestion: Stuffy or blocked nose.

Skin Symptoms

• Rashes: Red, itchy, or inflamed skin.
• Hives: Raised, itchy welts on the skin.
• Eczema: Dry, itchy, and inflamed skin patches.
• Psoriasis: Thick, red, scaly patches on the skin.
• Acne: Pimples, blackheads, or cysts on the skin.

Joint and Muscle Symptoms

• Joint Pain: Pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints.
• Muscle Pain: Aches and tenderness in the muscles.
• Stiffness: Reduced flexibility or range of motion.
• Weakness: Decreased strength or endurance.

Neurological Symptoms

• Headaches: Persistent or recurrent headaches.
• Brain Fog: Difficulty concentrating or thinking clearly.
• Dizziness: Feeling lightheaded or unsteady.
• Numbness and Tingling: Sensations of numbness or pins and needles.

Cardiovascular Symptoms

• Palpitations: Irregular or rapid heartbeat.
• High Blood Pressure: Elevated blood pressure levels.
• Chest Pain: Discomfort or pain in the chest area.

Urinary Symptoms

• Frequent Urination: Increased need to urinate.
• Painful Urination: Discomfort or burning sensation while urinating.
• Blood in Urine: Presence of blood in the urine.

Eye Symptoms

• Redness: Red or bloodshot eyes.
• Dryness: Dry, gritty feeling in the eyes.
• Blurred Vision: Difficulty seeing clearly.
• Eye Pain: Discomfort or pain in the eyes.

Immune System Symptoms

• Frequent Infections: Increased susceptibility to infections.
• Delayed Healing: Slow recovery from wounds or illnesses.

 

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TOP 11 ROOT CAUSES OF INFLAMMATION

 

In addition to dietary factors, several other things can contribute to inflammation in the body.  I wanted to include these because a lot of people still have inflammation even though they’re eating healthy foods and drinks.

If you’ve cleaned up your diet and still have inflammation, the reason is most likely on this list:

 

Chronic Stress

Prolonged stress activates the body’s stress response system, leading to the release of stress hormones like cortisol. While cortisol is essential for short-term stress responses, chronic elevation of cortisol levels can dysregulate the immune system and promote inflammation. Chronic stress has been linked to various inflammatory conditions and diseases, including cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disorders, and depression.

How to Fix it:  Cut stress out of your life and balance your nervous system.  You can do both with Somatic Exercises. Somatic Exercises, when done in special sequences, reduce stress in the body, get the body into a balanced state, and also pulled trapped stress and emotion out of the body.  Stress and stored emotion cause inflammation most andSomatic Exercises are among the easiest, most effective way to stop stress at the root.  If you experience stress daily, feel angry, depressed, struggle to sleep or have a history of trauma, you need Somatic Exercises.  You’ll feel the moves reduce stress in seconds!

 

Lack of Physical Activity

Sedentary behavior and lack of exercise are associated with increased levels of inflammatory markers in the body. Regular physical activity helps reduce inflammation by modulating the production of cytokines and other inflammatory molecules, improving circulation, and enhancing immune function. Exercise also promotes the release of anti-inflammatory substances and stimulates the production of endorphins, which can help alleviate inflammation and improve overall health.

How to Fix it: Move Daily!  You can do cardio or use any of my weight training workouts.  For at home cardio workouts I recommend this cardio Stepper Machine and this walking pad.  They’re amazing!  I use mine all the time.  If you want a complete workout program take my Program Style Quiz to find a exercise program that’s perfect for you.

 

Excess Body Fat

Excess body fat, especially visceral fat surrounding abdominal organs, secretes pro-inflammatory chemicals called cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). These cytokines contribute to a chronic low-grade inflammatory state in the body, disrupting normal metabolic processes and increasing the risk of insulin resistance, cardiovascular disease, and other inflammatory conditions.

How to Fix it:  Boost metabolism and burn fat with a Metabolic Type Meal Plan and Exercise.

For food I always recommend eating for your unique metabolic type.  One mans food is another man’s poison!  Healthy foods can be inflammatory in the wrong metabolic type!  Take my Metabolic Type Quiz and free training to Learn your Metabolic Type and what meal plan is best for you!  When you eat for your metabolic type you can burn fat 3 times faster than you could on a cookie cutter diet.

Remember, for exercise you can do cardio or use any of my weight training workouts.  For at home cardio workouts I recommend this cardio Stepper Machine and this walking pad.  They’re amazing!  I use mine all the time.  If you want a complete workout program take my Program Style Quiz to find a exercise program that’s perfect for you.

 

Environmental Toxins

Exposure to environmental toxins, such as air pollution, cigarette smoke, pesticides, heavy metals, and industrial chemicals (commonly found in breast implants), can trigger inflammation by activating immune responses and generating oxidative stress. These toxins can directly damage cells and tissues, disrupt immune function, and contribute to the development of inflammatory diseases, including respiratory inflammation, neuroinflammation, and cancer.

How to Fix It:  Do my Reset Cleanse – detoxes the entire body by ridding it of everything that makes it harder to burn fat, be healthy, and feel good – including inflammation.  You can lose up to 10 pounds in 7 days with the Reset Cleanse and start opening up your detox pathways ASAP!  Nutritional support is very necessary to detoxify properly & reverse damage done.  I highly recommend this multivitamin & multi-mineral.  This practioner-grade supplement is pure, potent, and gives your body the nutritional support it needs to detoxify properly and reverse/prevent oxidative stress to your body can heal.

 

Chronic Infections & Illnesses

Persistent infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens like candida, mold, and parasites can lead to chronic inflammation as the immune system continues to respond to the ongoing threat. Chronic infections can activate immune cells and stimulate the release of inflammatory cytokines, contributing to tissue damage and inflammation in affected organs.  Many chronic diseases, such as autoimmune disorders, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and inflammatory bowel disease, involve inflammation as a key component of their pathology.

How to Fix It:  Start opening up your detox pathways ASAP!  Do my Reset Cleanse – it detoxes the entire body by ridding it of everything that makes it harder to burn fat, be healthy, and feel good – including inflammation.  You can lose up to 10 pounds in 7 days with the Reset Cleanse.  Nutritional support is very necessary to detoxify properly and boost immunity to fight infections & reverse damage done.  I highly recommend this multivitamin & multi-mineral.  This practioner-grade supplement is pure, potent, and gives your body the nutritional support it needs to detoxify properly, reduce inflammation, boost immunity, and reverse/prevent oxidative stress to your body can heal.

 

Genetics

Genetic factors can influence an individual’s susceptibility to inflammation and inflammatory diseases. Certain genetic variations may affect immune responses, cytokine production, and other inflammatory pathways, increasing the risk of developing chronic inflammatory conditions. However, genetic predisposition alone is not sufficient to cause inflammation; environmental factors also play a significant role in triggering and exacerbating inflammatory responses.  Genetic factors are often exacerbated by lifestyle choices and exposure to foods and other things that cause inflammation.  So before you blame your genes and parents, it’s best to greatly reduce your intake of inflammatory foods and other inflammatory substances you see on this list.

How to Fix It:  Nutritional support is very necessary to have proper genetic expression.  At a minimum. I highly recommend this multivitamin & multi-mineral.  This practioner-grade supplement is pure, potent, and gives your body the nutritional support it needs to fully support your body, reverse inflammation and the damage it causes.

Poor Sleep

Inadequate or poor-quality sleep disrupts the body’s natural circadian rhythms and impairs immune function, leading to increased inflammation. Chronic sleep deprivation is associated with elevated levels of inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), which contribute to systemic inflammation and increase the risk of inflammatory diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and mood disorders.

How to Fix It:  Use these 12 tips for better sleep.  Doing Somatic Exercises before bed can also help you sleep better. You’ll feel the moves reduce stress, tension, and make you feel relaxed within seconds!

 

Impaired Detoxification & Blocked Detox Pathways

The body has several mechanisms for detoxification, primarily carried out by the liver, kidneys, digestive system, and skin. When these pathways are compromised or overwhelmed, toxins can accumulate in the body, leading to inflammation and various health problems.

How to Fix It:  Start opening up your detox pathways ASAP!  Do my Reset Cleanse – it detoxes the entire body by ridding it of everything that makes it harder to burn fat, be healthy, and feel good – including inflammation.  You can lose up to 10 pounds in 7 days with the Reset Cleanse.  Nutritional support is very necessary to detoxify properly & reverse damage done.  I highly recommend this multivitamin & multi-mineral.  This practioner-grade supplement is pure, potent, and gives your body the nutritional support it needs to detoxify properly and reverse/prevent damage so your body can heal.

 

Medications/Toxic Supplements

Although crucial for treating conditions, medications and unethical supplements can cause inflammation in the body through multiple pathways. Some ingredients in drugs and supplements can directly damage tissues or organs, triggering an inflammatory response as the body attempts to repair the damage. Others can activate the immune system, leading to the release of inflammatory mediators and systemic inflammation. Hypersensitivity reactions to medications and supplements can also result in immune-mediated inflammation, ranging from mild skin rashes to severe systemic reactions. Additionally, certain drugs, particularly NSAIDs, may irritate the gastrointestinal tract, leading to inflammation and GI disorders. Liver toxicity and renal inflammation can occur due to certain medications, further contributing to inflammatory responses and organ damage.

How to Fix It:  Reduce intake of all unnecessary supplementation and talk your doctor about your options.

 

Contaminated Water

Contaminated water poses a significant risk for inflammation in the body through various mechanisms. Microbial contamination from bacteria, viruses, and parasites can trigger immune responses, leading to inflammation and potential chronic infections. Chemical contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides, and industrial chemicals induce oxidative stress and disrupt cellular functions, promoting inflammation and tissue damage. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in water sources can interfere with hormonal regulation, contributing to immune dysfunction and inflammation. Additionally, contaminated water can disrupt gut microbiota balance, impair gut barrier function, and activate the immune system, leading to systemic inflammation and increased susceptibility to chronic inflammatory diseases.

How to Fix It:  Filter your water with a professional water filtration system.  And no, your Brita & fridge filter doesn’t count.  It’s also best to detox after consuming contaminated water.  For this I recommend my Reset Cleanse – it detoxes the entire body by ridding it of everything that makes it harder to burn fat, be healthy, and feel good – including inflammation.  You can lose up to 10 pounds in 7 days with the Reset Cleanse.  Nutritional support is very necessary to detoxify properly & reverse damage done.  I highly recommend this multivitamin & multi-mineral.  This practioner-grade supplement is pure, potent, and gives your body the nutritional support it needs to detoxify properly and reverse/prevent damage so your body can heal.

 

Inflammatory Foods & Drinks

Certain foods and drinks can trigger inflammation in the body, exacerbating conditions such as arthritis, heart disease, and diabetes. Highly processed foods, which are often high in sugars and unhealthy fats, are particularly notorious for causing inflammation. Trans fats, found in fried foods and many baked goods, can disrupt cell function and contribute to chronic inflammation. Excessive consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages can lead to spikes in blood sugar levels, promoting an inflammatory response. Additionally, alcohol, when consumed in large quantities, can also increase inflammation by promoting the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and causing liver damage. Conversely, a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and fatty fish can help reduce inflammation and promote overall health.

 

If you’re not sure where your inflammation is coming from or how much damaged has been caused, you can also do functional diagnostic labs to pinpoint what’s causing inflammation in your body.  If you need help and want to try functional labs, I’ve got you covered.

 

If you have inflammation the root cause is most likely on this list.  Use the tips I recommend to start reversing it quickly and naturally.

If you have any questions let me know in the comments.

 

Your Coach & Biggest Cheerleader,

 

P.S. If you have inflammation, you may want to consider getting a grounding mat.   They’re a handy tool that can help reduce inflammation quickly and make the other tips I’ve shared even more effective.