Inflammation: Your Body’s Messenger. Understanding the Seven Most Common Triggers

Inflammation—A Vital Signal for Change

When your body senses something out of balance, it speaks to you through inflammation. This natural response isn’t your enemy—it’s your body’s way of waving a flag and saying, “Pay attention, something needs to change!” Whether it’s a physical injury, a nutritional gap, or ongoing stress, inflammation is an essential part of the healing process. It helps protect, repair and restore.

Problems arise not because inflammation exists, but when the signals are ignored and the triggers persist. Chronic inflammation means your body’s alarm system is stuck on “on,” draining your energy and clouding your mind. Rather than silencing these signals, the real solution lies in uncovering—and addressing—the root causes.

Let’s explore the seven most common triggers that keep your body’s “check engine” light illuminated, and how you can respond in a way that supports true, lasting wellness.

 Medication: When the Solution Becomes a Signal

Did you know that over 70% of Americans take at least one prescription medication ? ([CDC, 2023](https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/drug-use-therapeutic.htm)). Medications can be necessary and lifesaving, but they also frequently trigger inflammation as your body tries to process and adapt to these foreign substances.

Common side effects that may signal underlying inflammation:
- Fatigue and brain fog
- Digestive issues (nausea, diarrhea)
- Headaches/migraines
- Skin conditions (eczema, acne, psoriasis)
- Joint aches and pains
- Mood changes: depression, anxiety, sadness

Many people don’t connect new symptoms to their medications and may even seek more prescriptions to quiet the signals, rather than exploring the root cause ([Harvard Health, 2020](https://www.health.harvard.edu/drugs-and-medications/side-effects-of-medications)).

Empowering Response: Review medication side effects regularly and have open conversations with your healthcare provider. When possible, explore natural alternatives and support your body as it communicates its needs.

Nutritional Deficiencies: The Body’s Call for Nourishment

A staggering 92% of Americans are deficient in at least one vitamin or mineral ([CDC Nutrition Report, 2012](https://www.cdc.gov/nutritionreport/pdf/Nutrition_Book_complete508_final.pdf)). Even with a balanced diet, modern farming practices, soil depletion, and food processing mean we’re often running on empty.

A Canadian study found that the mineral content of everyday vegetables has dropped dramatically in the last 50 years ([Davis, 2004](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15637215/)). When your body is missing key nutrients, inflammation acts as a wake-up call, prompting you to replenish what’s lacking.

Signs your body may be asking for more:
- Low energy and mental fog
- Weakened immunity
- Poor mood and focus

Empowering Response: Prioritize organic, animal based, mineral-rich foods and consider high-quality supplements. Our **Daily Minerals Blend** and **Supergreens+ Kelp** are formulated to help bridge common nutritional gaps and support your body’s natural signals.

 Indigestion & Gut Health: Listening to Your Second Brain

Your digestive system is deeply connected to your brain and immune system. When your gut is inflamed, your body is telling you that something needs attention—whether it’s diet, stress, or an imbalance in gut flora ([Harvard Health, 2018](https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/the-gut-brain-connection)).

Inflammatory signals from the gut can include:
- Nausea, diarrhea, constipation
- “Leaky gut” and food sensitivities
- Brain fog, procrastination, mood swings

Rather than masking these symptoms, view them as opportunities to support your digestive health.

Empowering Response:Embrace anti-inflammatory foods, probiotics, and gentle herbal support. Our **IBSettle** and **Turmeric Golden Drops Tincture** are crafted for long-term, holistic digestive wellness.

Hormonal Imbalances: The Body’s Delicate Conversation

Hormones are the conductors of your body’s orchestra, influencing mood, energy, and immune response. Disruptions from personal care products, plastics, medications, or chronic stress can trigger inflammation as your body tries to restore balance ([NIH, 2022](https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/endocrine/index.cfm)).

Signals of hormonal imbalance:
- Low libido
- Fatigue
- Mood swings
- Irregular cycles

Your body uses inflammation to get your attention and encourage change—whether it’s a shift in lifestyle, diet, or product choices.

Empowering Response:Reduce exposure to hormone-disrupting chemicals, nourish your body with whole foods, and consider herbal and topical supports like our **Women’s Vital Daily Tincture**, **Venus Blend**, and the **Happy Hormones Roll-On** for comprehensive women’s wellness and hormone harmony.

Toxins: The Body’s Constant Battle

We’re exposed to toxins daily—in our air, water, food, and products. Your immune system recognizes these as foreign, and inflammation is the body’s way of mounting a defense ([Environmental Working Group](https://www.ewg.org/)).

Common sources include:
- Pesticides and herbicides
- Heavy metals in water
- Plastics (BPA, phthalates)
- Household and personal care products

When exposure is constant, your body’s warning signals can become chronic, leading to fatigue and nutrient depletion.

Empowering Response: Choose organic foods, switch to non-toxic personal and home care items, and support your body’s natural detox pathways. Herbal and mineral supports like our **Love Your Liver Tincture**, **Zeolites**, **Liver Cleanse Tea**, and **Kidney Bladder Blend Tincture** can help your body gently cleanse and restore balance.

Lack of Sleep: When the Body’s Repair Crew Is on Strike

Sleep is your body’s most powerful tool for healing and regeneration. If you’re not getting enough, inflammation is your body’s way of telling you it needs more rest ([NIH, 2023](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/sleep-deprivation)).

Consequences of ignoring this signal:
- Weakened immunity
- Low mood and irritability
- Reduced cognitive performance

Instead of reaching for quick fixes, tune in to your body’s need for deep, restorative sleep.

Empowering Response:Establish a healthy sleep routine, limit screens and food before bed, and create a restful environment. For extra support, try natural options like our **Chill Pill Tea Blend**, **Berry Good Night’s Rest Tincture**, **Sweet Dreams Tea Blend**, or **Tart Cherry Tincture**—all crafted to help calm the mind and body for better, more rejuvenating sleep.

Stress: The Underestimated Messenger

Chronic stress keeps your body in a heightened state of alert, with inflammation as its messenger ([APA, 2022](https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/body)). This is your body’s way of asking for more calm, balance, and self-care.

Signals of chronic stress include:
- Fatigue
- Anxiety and depression
- Digestive issues
- Increased pain and inflammation

Ignoring these signs only turns up the volume.

Empowering Response: Practice daily stress management—deep breathing, movement, time in nature—and consider herbal support tailored to your needs. Options include our Stress and Mood Tincture and *Saffron*, or single-herb adaptogens like *Ashwagandha*, *Rhodiola* or *Holy Basil*. These natural supports can help your body adapt to stress and restore emotional balance.

Listen and Respond—Your Path to True Wellness

Inflammation isn’t the problem—it’s your body’s way of getting your attention and asking for change. By tuning in to these signals and addressing the underlying causes, you can move from a state of chronic alert to true healing and vitality.

Explore our full line of organic, alcohol-free herbal solutions at [The Berry Good Elixir Company](https://www.berrygoodlife.us). We’re here to help you listen to your body and support your journey to vibrant health—naturally.

References & Further Reading

- [CDC: Therapeutic Drug Use](https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/drug-use-therapeutic.htm)
- [CDC: Nutrition Report](https://www.cdc.gov/nutritionreport/pdf/Nutrition_Book_complete508_final.pdf)
- [Harvard Health: Side Effects of Medications](https://www.health.harvard.edu/drugs-and-medications/side-effects-of-medications)
- [Davis, D. R. (2004). Declining Fruit and Vegetable Nutrient Composition](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15637215/)
- [Harvard Health: The Gut-Brain Connection](https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/the-gut-brain-connection)
- [NIH: Endocrine Disruptors](https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/endocrine/index.cfm)
- [Environmental Working Group](https://www.ewg.org/)
- [NIH: Sleep Deprivation](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/sleep-deprivation)
- [APA: Stress Effects on the Body](https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/body)

Have questions about inflammation or curious which herbal blends are right for your needs?** Drop your thoughts in the comments or reach out to us directly—let’s keep the conversation about natural health going!