The fatigue, joint pain and brain fog you have been feeling may be more than “just getting older.” While some view aging as a slow, inevitable decline, new research suggests that chronic inflammation—not age itself—is the true driver behind many long-term health issues. This process, known as “inflammaging,” refers to persistent, low-grade inflammation that contributes to autoimmune conditions, cardiovascular disease and neurodegenerative disorders.

But here is the good news: from a Functional Medicine perspective, inflammaging is not inevitable. In fact, it can be your body’s way of signaling deeper imbalances—and an opportunity to heal.

Common Symptoms of Chronic Inflammation

Chronic inflammation acts like a slow-burning fire in the body, silently damaging joints, nerves, gut lining and even brain function. It plays a significant role in autoimmune flares, pain, fatigue and mood disorders.

At Hang 10 Drips IV Infusions & Functional Wellness Solutions in Virginia Beach, we specialize in Functional Medicine and IV therapy for clients across Hampton Roads. We frequently see patients struggling with the following symptoms:

• Brain fog
• Joint or muscle pain
• Bloating or digestive issues
• Fatigue or sleep problems
• Skin rashes or sensitivities

What’s Feeding the Fire?

Unresolved inflammation often stems from hidden sources that the immune system perceives as ongoing threats. Here are six of the most common—and most overlooked—triggers:

A Root-Cause Approach to Healing

At Hang 10 Drips, we take a root-cause approach to inflammation using Functional Medicine principles and advanced lab testing to identify:

• Food sensitivities
• Gut health and immune function
• Exposure to mold and environmental toxins
• Micronutrient and antioxidant imbalances
• Oxidative stress and toxin exposure
• Hormone imbalances
• Immune disruption

We then build a personalized treatment plan designed to reduce inflammation and restore balance. Your plan may include anti-inflammatory nutrition strategies, targeted supplements, antibiotics/antivirals, hormone optimization, immune modulators, mitochondrial support, detoxification support and IV nutrient therapy.

We also offer the Healthy Start program, which is a great way to begin your root cause investigation. This program includes state-of-the-art testing for food sensitivities, gut health and micronutrient balance—with deep insight into what your body needs to truly heal. This program was born in a need to help people with pain assess root causes stemming from the gut and started as a collaboration with Barr Center for Innovative Pain & Regenerative Therapies in Virginia Beach.

Your Body is Not Broken—It Is Communicating

Chronic pain, chronic fatigue and pain are not just signs of aging—but a signal for deeper healing. Once we identify and remove the root causes of inflammation, your body can shift from survival mode to healing mode.