What is inflammation?
- Gwen Krehbiel
- Jan 6
- 3 min read
Understanding the Root Cause Behind Many Chronic Symptoms
You may already know that the SHAPE ReClaimed Program is designed to reduce inflammation—but what exactly is inflammation?
Why does it matter so much to your overall health?
Understanding inflammation is one of the most important steps in restoring balance, energy, and long-term wellness.
What Is Inflammation?
Inflammation is the body’s normal, protective response to injury, infection, or acute stress.
If you break a bone, your body sends immune cells, fluids, and signaling chemicals to the area to support healing.If you experience food poisoning or a short-term infection, inflammation helps your body eliminate the threat efficiently.
In these situations, inflammation is necessary and life-saving.
When Inflammation Becomes a Problem
Inflammation becomes problematic when it does not turn off after the threat has passed—or when it shows up without a true emergency.
This is known as chronic inflammation, and it is one of the most common root contributors to persistent symptoms and health challenges today.
Chronic inflammation places constant stress on the nervous system, metabolism, hormones, and immune response. Over time, this low-grade inflammatory state can interfere with how your body regulates energy, mood, digestion, and body composition.
This is why many people turn to an anti-inflammatory wellness program when they feel “off” but can’t pinpoint why.
Common Signs of Chronic Inflammation
Chronic inflammation can show up in many ways. If you experience one or more of the following, inflammation may be playing a role:
Acne or skin flare-ups
Anxiety or low mood
Asthma or chronic cough
Digestive discomfort or IBS
Headaches or migraines
Joint pain or stiffness
Hot flashes or hormonal shifts
Fatigue or low energy
Sinus congestion
PMS symptoms
Weight gain or difficulty regulating weight
These symptoms are often treated individually, but they frequently share a common inflammatory root.
What Causes Chronic Inflammation?
Chronic inflammation rarely has a single cause. It is usually the result of cumulative stress on the body, such as:
Past surgery or injury
Aging and metabolic slowdown
Immune imbalance
Long-term emotional or physical stress
Environmental toxin exposure
One of the largest and most overlooked contributors, however, is diet—especially long-term exposure to inflammatory foods.
Common Inflammatory Foods
Certain foods can repeatedly trigger inflammatory responses, especially when consumed regularly.
Common inflammatory foods include:
Added sugars
Artificial sweeteners
Artificial colors and preservatives
Hydrogenated or industrial seed oils
Deep-fried foods
Processed meats (nitrates/nitrites)
Excess caffeine
Excess alcohol
Foods containing MSG
Over time, these foods can overwhelm detox pathways and disrupt metabolic balance.
Food Sensitivities and Inflammation
Food sensitivities are another major contributor to chronic inflammation. Even “healthy” foods can be inflammatory for the wrong body.
Common allergenic or inflammatory foods may include:
Gluten (wheat, rye, barley, some oats)
Dairy
Eggs
Soy
Corn
Nuts
Beans and legumes
Nightshade vegetables (tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, eggplant)
Fish or shellfish
This is where a structured anti-inflammatory wellness program becomes so valuable—it removes guesswork.
How SHAPE Addresses Inflammation at the Root
The SHAPE Program is designed to help identify and reduce inflammation through a guided, phased approach.
Phase I: Reduce Inflammatory Load
Inflammatory foods are temporarily removed so the body can calm immune responses, support detox pathways, and reset metabolic communication.
Phase II: Identify Individual Triggers
Foods are reintroduced slowly and intentionally, allowing you to observe how your body responds—without background inflammation clouding the picture.
Phase III: Long-Term Integration
You use what you’ve learned to build a sustainable, personalized approach to eating and living that supports balance and resilience.
Throughout the process, inflammatory responses such as brain fog, fatigue, digestive upset, joint pain, skin reactions, mood changes, or fluid retention provide clear feedback—guiding next steps.
Why Inflammation Is the Common Denominator
The SHAPE Program is successful for many people because it focuses on root-cause resolution, not symptom suppression.
By addressing inflammation first, the body is better able to:
Regulate metabolism
Support hormone balance
Improve energy and mental clarity
Restore digestive function
Maintain healthy body composition
This is why SHAPE functions as a comprehensive anti-inflammatory wellness program, rather than a diet or quick fix.
Ready to Address Inflammation at the Root?
If you’ve been managing symptoms without clear answers, inflammation may be the missing piece.
The best place to begin is a Self-Sabotage Breakthrough Session, where we explore what has been driving inflammation in your body and determine whether SHAPE ReClaimed is the right next step.
Your body has been communicating all along.
This is where we learn how to listen.
Medical disclaimer: This information is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment. Medical conditions require medical care.
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