Now here are some tests you can take in order to "assess" your inflammation "status".
Tier 1: Non-negotiables
-hs-CRP (IL-6 driven) (the reason pomegranate/pomegranate extracts PQQ are often recommended for cardiovascular health are partly because they lower CRP and IL-6 quite a lot and way more in people struggling with issues such as T2D).
-Vitamin and mineral status (an RBC element test can also be added and vitamin D should be included (even 25-hydroxy vitamin D)).
-CBC (neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes).
-Erythrocyte sedimentation rate.
-Oxidized LDL.
-Procalcitonin.
Tier 2: Chronic health issues
-Cytokine panel.
-Th1/Th2/Th17 balance.
-24h urine n-methylhistamine.
-Anticcp / rf.
-24h urine prostaglandin D2.
-Fecal zonulin.
-24h urine leukotriene E4.
Then based on the results, you can further dial in your approach after you've covered the common lifestyle factors and conditions that exacerbate systemic inflammation.
Let's see, what else?
Well, something to keep in mind would be that in chronic inflammation, targeting TNF-α first works exceptionally well most of the time.
Here's why.
It:
Induces IL-1β and IL-6 in macrophages and synoviocytes.
Upregulates chemokine production (IL-8, MCP-1) and keeps recruiting monocytes and neutrophils.
It activates COX-2. It stimulates MMP-1, MMP-3 and MMP-9. It "upregulates" NADPH oxidase.
It assists/sustains Th1/Th17 responses.
This is why so many people find low dose naltrexone so helpful (do not use it for no real reason/before doing your own research or doing a liver panel).