Ways to Naturally Support Inflammation in the Body

Inflammation is at the root of many chronic health conditions, from autoimmune disorders like Hashimoto’s to cardiovascular issues, gum disease, and even joint pain. While the body has natural processes to manage inflammation, sometimes these processes become overwhelmed, leading to chronic inflammation that can damage tissues and impair overall health.

It’s an underlying factor to almost every chronic condition, big or small and supporting this inflammation is a huge key.

In addition to diet and lifestyle for inflammation, my absolutely favorite compound that can help to really get to the root of inflammation is Specialized Pro-Resolving Mediators (SPMs).

What Are Specialized Pro-Resolving Mediators (SPMs)?

SPMs are bioactive lipid compounds derived from omega-3 fatty acids (though they are not at all the same as Omega 3s). SPMs are categorized into different families, which are:

• Resolvins – Help reduce excessive inflammation and prevent tissue damage.
• Protectins – Support neurological and immune system health.
• Maresins – Promote tissue regeneration and healing.

SPMs are not anti-inflammatory in the traditional sense because instead of blocking inflammation like NSAIDs or steroids for example, they work with the body’s immune system to resolve inflammation and promote healing without shutting down necessary protective functions.

How Do SPMs Work?

The body’s inflammatory response has two main phases:

1. Initiation Phase – The immune system responds to injury, infection, or stress by triggering inflammation. This is necessary for healing, but when it persists for too long, it can cause harm.
2. Resolution Phase – The immune system sends signals to stop inflammation and begin repairing tissues. This is where SPMs play a crucial role.

When SPM levels are too low, the resolution phase never fully completes, leading to chronic inflammation, pain, and tissue damage. Thrive SPM directly supports this resolution. It does this by:

• Stopping the production of pro-inflammatory molecules (such as cytokines and prostaglandins).
• Encouraging immune cells to remove dead cells and debris (a process called efferocytosis).
• Promoting tissue repair and healing by activating repair mechanisms.
• Restoring balance in the immune system so that it responds appropriately without overreacting or being over-vigilant which is so common in autoimmune conditions and cytokine storms.

So, essentially SPMs act as the body’s natural off switch for inflammation, ensuring that healing occurs properly without unnecessary damage to tissues.

While they originate from fish oil, they are not the same as taking a standard fish oil supplement. Most people assume that simply taking omega-3s will provide the same benefits, but the body must convert omega-3s into SPMs and this process becomes less efficient because it is affected by age, chronic illness, and inflammation. SPMs provide a direct source of bioactive, pre-formed SPMs, bypassing the need for conversion by the body and ensuring optimal absorption and effectiveness.

I am excited to have one of the most potent and clinically researched SPM formulations available, Thrive SPM. It is designed to support your body’s natural ability to resolve inflammation and promote healing at the root level.

SPMs and Hashimoto’s: A Personal and Clinical Perspective

Autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s involve chronic inflammation that attacks the thyroid gland, leading to symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and brain fog. One of my clients, Lisa, struggled with constant fatigue and fluctuating TSH levels despite being on thyroid medication. She also had elevated thyroid antibodies and symptoms that didn’t improve even with dietary changes alone.

When she started taking Thrive SPM, she noticed reduced joint pain, fewer energy crashes, and a decrease in her antibody levels in 3 months. Because SPMs help inflammation, they can also help regulate immune activity, support gut healing, and bring inflammation back to a manageable level.

I’ve also seen great success in managing Hashimoto’s flare-ups by temporarily increasing the dose of SPMs. Since gut inflammation is a common issue in Hashimoto’s, and about 80% of the immune system is in the gut, SPMs may also support gut lining repair, helping with bloating, food sensitivities, and digestive discomfort.

SPMs and Heart Health: More Than Just Prevention

We often hear about inflammation’s role in heart disease, but what’s less discussed is how SPMs may help reverse some of the damage. Chronic inflammation contributes to plaque buildup in the arteries, high blood pressure, and increased cardiovascular risk.

One of the biggest breakthroughs in SPM research is their ability to improve endothelial function. This means that they help keep blood vessels flexible and prevent stiffening. I had a client with a family history of heart disease who despite a healthy lifestyle, had high C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. (CRP is a marker of inflammation). After using SPMs, his CRP levels dropped significantly, and he reported improved circulation and less swelling in his legs.

SPMs and Oral Health: Fighting Silent Inflammation

Most people don’t realize that gum disease isn’t just about brushing and flossing but it’s also an inflammatory condition that can contribute to heart disease, diabetes, and even cognitive decline because of the bacterial buildup. If you’ve ever had swollen or bleeding gums, that’s inflammation at work. SPMs have been studied for their role in reducing gum inflammation and helping with periodontal healing.

A colleague of mine, a holistic dentist, started recommending SPMs to her patients with chronic gum issues, and has seen major improvements in gum health, reduced sensitivity, and faster post-surgical healing.

SPMs for Joint and Muscle Recovery: A Natural Alternative to NSAIDs

For anyone dealing with arthritis, muscle soreness, or joint pain, SPMs can be a game-changer. Unlike NSAIDs, which can harm gut health over time, SPMs actively resolve inflammation rather than just masking the pain and creating a short-term anti-inflammatory effect.

Athletes and active individuals can also benefit from SPMs. I’ve had marathon runners and fitness enthusiasts tell me that taking SPMs before and after workouts reduces soreness and speeds up muscle recovery.

SPMs for Brain Health: Supporting Mental Clarity and Focus

Brain fog is one of the most frustrating symptoms of inflammation, whether from autoimmunity, chronic stress, or aging. Neuroinflammation has been linked to memory loss, cognitive decline, and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.

Research suggests that SPMs may help protect neurons, reduce oxidative stress in the brain, and improve mental clarity. I personally noticed an enormous difference in my focus when I started taking SPMs regularly, and many of my clients have shared similar experiences.

How to Boost SPM Levels Naturally

While supplementing with Thrive SPM is the most effective way to increase SPM levels, you can also support your body’s natural production by doing these:

• Eating omega-3-rich foods, such as wild-caught salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts.
• Reducing inflammatory foods, including processed foods, sugar, and trans fats.
• Managing stress – since chronic stress can deplete natural SPM production.
• Exercising regularly, as movement helps regulate inflammation levels.

However, even with these lifestyle changes, the body’s ability to convert omega-3s into SPMs declines over time. This is why direct supplementation with Thrive SPM is so beneficial for optimal benefits.

I’ve been using Thrive SPM in clinical practice for the past five years with remarkable results, and I personally take it every day. For me, it has helped keep my thyroid antibodies down—both TPO (thyroid peroxidase) antibodies and TG (thyroglobulin) antibodies.

Thrive SPM can also be used in higher doses for acute inflammation, such as during a Hashimoto’s flare-up, where I recommend taking six capsules per day for 10 days before transitioning to a maintenance dose of 2-3 capsules per day for 3-6 months. Personally, I take two per day ongoing because I’ve found that it simply helps me feel better.