A Longterm Look at Childhood Inflammation
The triggers for inflammation in America are at epidemic levels, including metabolic conditions, infections, and toxins. Do you ever wonder if you or your child has inflammation and what the long-term consequences are?
The University of Alabama conducted a recent research study that discovered children with inflammation at a young age were more likely to develop mental health disorders in adulthood. The longitudinal study had over 6,000 pediatric participants and measured the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein (CRP) of participants at ages 9, 15, and 17. The conclusion of the study showed children with inflammation at 9 years old were four to five times more likely to develop a mental health condition, such as depression, later in life. This sobering statistic is eye-opening to any reader, especially parents.
At Sanctuary Functional Medicine, we care for children with symptoms of inflammation, such as joint pain, behavior changes, GI discomfort, and skin conditions. Checking a C-reactive protein level and other inflammatory markers is part of our initial work-up for any patient with these symptoms. Our approach involves looking for root causes of inflammation by starting with a detailed history and a thorough physical exam. Then we use standard and functional testing to find the source of inflammation. Next, we use an integrative approach with nutraceuticals (natural therapies) and, if needed, pharmaceuticals to target the root of the inflammation. By treating underlying infections, removing toxins, and reversing metabolic conditions, we see CRP levels return to normal, which decreases the child’s risk of developing a mental health condition as they grow into adulthood.
In conclusion, functional medicine can play a significant role in lowering inflammation in both children and adults. However, as this study shows, inflammation uniquely affects children’s neurodevelopment. Sanctuary Functional Medicine’s core value of treating the whole person acknowledges the belief in the association between both physical health and mental health. It is never too early or too late to check for inflammation, find “the mechanisms driving it,” and intervene for the sake of your mental health or your child’s future mental health.
Sunny Austin, FNP-C
University of Birmingham. “Inflammation during childhood linked to onset of mental health issues in early adulthood.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 21 August 2024. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240821124244.htm>
Sanctuary Functional Medicine, under the direction of Dr Eric Potter, IFMCP MD, provides functional medicine services to Nashville, Middle Tennessee and beyond. We frequently treat patients from Kentucky, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, Ohio, Indiana, and more... offering the hope of healthier more abundant lives to those with chronic illness.
