Inflammation

Inflammation and mental health are linked, which is why controlling inflammation is vital to maximizing your mental well-being. At Body & Mind Consulting in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, seasoned psychologists Ken Robins, MS, PhD, Lisa Webb, MBA, MPH, PhD, and their team diagnose and offer treatments that reduce inflammation and restore your health. Schedule an evaluation by calling the office or using the online booking feature today.

What is inflammation?

Inflammation is your body’s response to something entering or altering it, such as bacteria, viruses, toxic chemicals, or injuries. It causes your immune system to react with bruising, redness, pain, swelling, and symptoms you can’t see but still affect how you feel.

Inflammation impacts your physical and mental health when not addressed. Adopting healthy habits and seeking treatment when necessary can minimize chronic (ongoing) inflammation.

Which symptoms can inflammation cause?

Inflammation inside your body can cause the following symptoms:

• Swelling
• Pain
• Tenderness
• Aching
• Chest pain
• Abdominal discomfort
• Insomnia
• Fatigue
• Fever 
• Joint stiffness or pain 
• Skin rashes
• Mouth sores
• Mood disorders
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Frequent infections

Inflammation increases the risk of mental health disorders, particularly in people with chronic disease or preexisting inflammatory conditions.

Which mental health conditions are linked to inflammation?

The following conditions are linked to inflammation:

• Depression
• Bipolar disorder
• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
• Postpartum depression
• Anxiety 

Inflammation impacts mental health in numerous ways. It may disrupt brain chemicals like dopamine and serotonin, causing mood imbalances. 

It can also contribute to hormonal disruption, oxidative stress that damages brain cells, and reductions in your brain’s learning capacity.

Do I suffer from inflammation?

Detecting inflammation at Body & Mind Consulting may involve lab testing and a review of your medical history, symptoms, lifestyle, and more. The mental health experts also discuss your medications and complete a psychiatric evaluation that screens for mental health conditions.

Common causes of inflammation include ongoing stress, poor dietary habits, obesity, and chronic diseases. 

How is inflammation treated?

Treatment for inflammation and its associated mood disorders include:

• Brain mapping
• Stress management
• Nutrition education
• Weight management
• Psychotherapy 
• Medications
• Nutraceuticals
• Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
• Sonal Braincare™
• Meditation
• Sleep restoration
• LightStim 

Avoid using harmful substances, smoking, drug use, excessive alcohol consumption, and toxin exposure. Eat nutritious foods, exercise regularly, and get plenty of sleep. Keep stress levels low and properly manage any chronic diseases.

Your provider may combine multiple treatments to minimize stress, improve your mood, and achieve the ideal body weight and healthy habits you long for.

Schedule an inflammation evaluation at Body & Mind Consulting by calling the office or booking an appointment online today.