Primary Care · Sep 23, 2026
Inflammation and Integrative Primary Care
By Kohatsu W, Win R
This article frames inflammation as a central, modifiable driver of chronic disease affecting body, mind, and environment. While acute inflammation is necessary, dysregulated low-grade chronic inflammation contributes to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, asthma, gut disorders, dementia, and mental illness. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein is highlighted as a practical clinical marker. Beyond medications, the article emphasizes upstream, lifestyle-based interventions-anti-inflammatory nutrition, physical activity, stress regulation, sleep, social connection, and environmental health. Evidence across major conditions supports integrative, trauma-informed, and equity-aware approaches, underscoring primary care's role in calming the fire of inflammation to improve long-term health outcomes.