How to Naturally Resolve Chronic Inflammation: The Missing Link Most Doctors Overlook

Chronic inflammation is not the same as acute inflammation. While acute inflammation heals, chronic inflammation quietly damages arteries, joints, brain tissue, and mood. Modern medicine excels at suppressing symptoms with steroids or NSAIDs, but functional medicine asks: why won’t the inflammation turn off?

The answer lies in a newly discovered class of molecules called specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs): resolvins, protectins, and maresins. These are made from omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. Without adequate SPMs, the body stays stuck in the “on” phase of inflammation, even after the original trigger is gone (Serhan, 2014).

EPA generates 18-HEPE → E-series resolvins that actively clear inflammatory cells and reduce pain.

DHA produces 17-HDHA → D-series resolvins, protectin D1, and maresin 1 that protect the brain, retina, and blood vessels while reprogramming macrophages to clean up debris (Serhan et al., 2015).

White willow bark (Salix alba) provides natural salicin, delivering aspirin-like benefits without gastric bleeding risk, further supporting resolution (Shara & Stohs, 2015).

Harvard researchers note that processed foods, excess sugar, and omega-6-rich oils block SPM production, while a Mediterranean-style diet rich in fatty fish, olive oil, greens, and berries promotes it (Calder, 2017).

Yet most people cannot convert enough plant-based ALA into EPA/DHA, and standard fish oils oxidize easily. Antarctic krill oil stands out: its phospholipid structure delivers 2–3× higher absorption and already contains pre-formed SPM precursors 17-HDHA and 18-HEPE (Ulven & Holven, 2015).

When insulin resistance or hyperglycemia is present, adipose tissue itself becomes inflamed. Glycemic imbalance drives mitochondrial superoxide production, perpetuating the cycle (Qi & Hu, 2007). Balancing blood sugar is therefore a prerequisite for successful inflammation resolution.

At PCP Health, we test inflammatory markers (hs-CRP, IL-6), omega-3 index, vitamin D, and fasting insulin, then create personalized protocols combining high-potency krill-derived SPM concentrates, targeted botanicals (white willow, curcumin phytosome), and glycemic support. Patients routinely report reduced joint pain, clearer thinking, and improved mood within weeks — without relying on lifelong medications.

Ready to move beyond symptom suppression? Schedule your inflammation resolution consultation at www.PCP-health.com today.

References:

Calder, P. C. (2017). Omega-3 fatty acids and inflammatory processes: From molecules to man. *Biochemical Society Transactions, 45*(5), 1105–1115. https://doi.org/10.1042/BST20160474

Qi, L., & Hu, F. B. (2007). Dietary glycemic load, whole grains, and systemic inflammation in diabetes: The epidemiological evidence. *Current Diabetes Reports, 7*(1), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11892-007-0001-2

Serhan, C. N. (2014). Pro-resolving lipid mediators are leads for resolution physiology. *Nature, 510*(7503), 92–101. https://doi.org/10.1038/nature13479

Serhan, C. N., Dalli, J., Karamnov, S., Choi, A., Park, C. K., Xu, Z. Z., Ji, R. R., Zhu, M., & Petasis, N. A. (2015). Macrophage proresolving mediator maresin 1 stimulates tissue regeneration and controls pain. *FASEB Journal, 29*(10), 4388–4398. https://doi.org/10.1096/fj.15-275529

Shara, M., & Stohs, S. J. (2015). Efficacy and safety of white willow bark (Salix alba) extracts. *Phytotherapy Research, 29*(8), 1112–1116. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.5377

Ulven, S. M., & Holven, K. B. (2015). Comparison of bioavailability of krill oil versus fish oil and health effect. *Vascular Health and Risk Management, 11*, 511–524. https://doi.org/10.2147/VHRM.S85165

Book your appointment today at www.PCP-health.com