From Corporate Burnout to Cellular Clarity

There was a time when I found myself completely burned out—physically, emotionally, and mentally. I was working long hours, juggling responsibilities, and slowly losing touch with the vibrant, energized version of myself. I felt inflamed in every sense of the word: bloated, foggy, reactive, and exhausted. To keep up, I ended up dependent on Adderall just to function through the day. While it gave me the temporary boost I needed, deep down I knew it was doing more harm than good.

Conventional medicine offered labels and prescriptions, but no real answers. That’s when I turned to functional medicine—not only to heal myself, but to transform how I help others.

What I discovered changed everything: inflammation is the hidden root behind so many of our most frustrating symptoms—weight gain, fatigue, brain fog, digestive issues, and hormonal imbalances. Once I began targeting inflammation at the cellular level, the results were undeniable. My energy returned, my mind cleared, and I began to experience a renewed sense of vitality I hadn’t felt in years. Now, I use this knowledge every day to guide my patients through the same healing journey.

Inflammation and Fat Loss: The Missing Metabolic Link

Chronic inflammation isn’t always obvious. It often manifests as stubborn fat, poor recovery, food sensitivities, or mental fog. At the cellular level, it disrupts insulin sensitivity, alters nutrient absorption, and damages mitochondrial efficiency.

Inflamed enterocytes (intestinal absorptive cells) cannot properly uptake nutrients, while elevated cortisol from systemic inflammation impairs hormonal signaling. Even white fat struggles to convert into metabolically active brown fat when inflammation blocks cGMP signaling pathways. The result: metabolic slowdown.

The takeaway? Reducing inflammation is often the missing piece for individuals struggling with fat loss despite diet and exercise.

Microbiome and Inflammation: A New Frontier

One of the most promising discoveries in the fight against inflammation is the use of specific bacterial strains to support gut-immune harmony. Researchers at UCLA are developing a strain known as Lactobacillus 456.

Unlike many probiotics that die off before reaching the intestines, this strain:

• Forms bacterial "clumps" that protect the colony through the entire digestive tract
  
  

• Survives stomach acid and pancreatic enzymes
  
  

• Colonizes the colon, where inflammation often originates
  
  

The bacteria appears to influence iron metabolism in the gut, starving oxidizing pathogens of the oxygen they need to proliferate. As iron chelation improves, systemic inflammation markers drop.

Prolonged Fasting vs. Intermittent Fasting

While intermittent fasting has gained popularity, research suggests that prolonged fasting (24+ hours) is where the deepest anti-inflammatory benefits lie.

Why?

• Fasting induces production of beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), a powerful endogenous ketone and natural anti-inflammatory
  
  

• BHB inhibits the NLRP3 inflammasome and reduces oxidative stress
  
  

• Fasting lowers glucose and insulin, further modulating inflammatory cytokines
  
  

Intermittent fasting offers benefits, but according to current research, prolonged fasting triggers more profound reductions in systemic inflammation.

Curcumin: More Than a Buzzword

Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, has well-documented effects on inflammatory pathways like nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) and interleukin-6. However, standard curcumin is poorly absorbed. The solution?

Optimal Delivery Requires:

• Micellized + Liposomal formulation: ensures curcumin survives digestion and reaches the lymphatic system
  
  

• Lactoferrin binding: acts as an iron chelator and improves transport
  
  

Though black pepper extract (BioPerine) is commonly used to boost bioavailability, some experts warn that it may impair liver function by bypassing phase I detoxification. Instead, micelle-liposomal delivery offers absorption without hepatic interference.

DHA and Brain Inflammation

While curcumin targets the body, DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) primarily targets the brain. Recommended sources include:

• Algal oil for a clean, vegan DHA source free of oxidation risks
  
  

• Sardine or calamarine oil for bioavailable animal-based DHA
  
  

DHA supports brain structure and reduces neuroinflammation by modulating NF-kB and crossing the blood-brain barrier. Combining DHA with curcumin creates a full-body inflammation strategy.

Ginger and the Forgotten Anti-Inflammatory

Ginger, often overshadowed by turmeric, has powerful effects on gut inflammation, nausea, and microbial balance. Its polyphenols scavenge reactive oxygen species and support mucosal immunity.

Bonus: diffusing ginger essential oil may promote mental clarity and elevate mood.

Iron: The Underestimated Inflammatory Trigger

Excess iron in the gut is a major pro-oxidant. It disrupts microbiome balance and supports the growth of inflammatory pathogens. Lactoferrin, when used alongside curcumin, binds free iron, reduces oxidation, and enhances nutrient absorption.

Men, in particular, are at risk for iron overload and benefit from targeted chelation strategies.

Testing Inflammation: Go Beyond CRP

While high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is widely used, it fluctuates significantly with exercise, stress, and circadian rhythms. For a more accurate assessment, consider testing:

• Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB)
  
  

• Homocysteine
  
  

• Interleukin-6 (IL-6)
  
  

These markers offer deeper insight into root-cause inflammation.

Summary: Your Anti-Inflammation Stack

To reduce inflammation and support long-term metabolic and cognitive health, consider:

• Prolonged fasting (24–72 hrs) periodically
  
  

• Therapeutic ketosis with low-glucose, high-BHB states
  
  

• Micellized-liposomal curcumin bound to lactoferrin
  
  

• High-quality DHA (algal oil or sardine oil)
  
  

• Targeted probiotics like Lactobacillus 456 (when available)
  
  

• Ginger extract or essential oil
  
  

🔗 Resources & Recommendations

🧪 Supplements & Ingredients

• Micellized Curcumin + Lactoferrin: Look for brands using dual-delivery technology (e.g., micelle + liposome)
  
  

• Algal Oil DHA: Great vegan option with clean sourcing and high potency (e.g., Nordic Naturals Algae Omega)
  
  

• Sardine Oil DHA: For animal-based users, sardine or calamarine oil is preferred over standard fish oil
  
  

• Ginger Root Extract: Look for full-spectrum organic formulas or concentrated gingerols
  
  

• Lactoferrin Supplements: Supports iron balance and gut immune health
  
  

🔬 Functional Testing

• Inflammatory Marker Panel: hs-CRP, NF-kB, IL-6, homocysteine (available through advanced functional labs like Genova or Vibrant)
  
  

• Gut Microbiome Analysis: Viome’s MetaTranscriptome test provides strain-level insights into microbiome function
  
  

📚 Further Reading

• Deep Nutrition by Dr. Cate Shanahan
  
  

• The Case for Keto by Gary Taubes
  
  

• Boundless by Ben Greenfield
  
  

By addressing inflammation at its root—through gut health, nutrient absorption, and immune modulation—you can unlock deeper levels of metabolic health, mental clarity, and physical transformation.

Inflammation is no longer just about disease. It’s about vitality.