Intermittent Fasting: A Natural Ally Against Inflammation and Chronic Pain

Chronic pain, joint stiffness, lingering inflammation, fatigue, brain fog—many people accept these as a normal part of aging or a busy lifestyle.

They’re not.

At Camarata Chiropractic & Wellness, we consistently see that chronic pain is not just a structural issue—it’s a metabolic and inflammatory issue. One of the most powerful, natural, and underutilized tools for lowering inflammation and improving healing is intermittent fasting.

Not as a fad.
Not as extreme calorie restriction.
But as a strategic way to allow the body to reset, repair, and heal.

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What Is Intermittent Fasting?

Intermittent fasting (IF) is an eating pattern that cycles between periods of eating and periods of fasting.

Common approaches include:

• 12:12 (12 hours eating, 12 hours fasting)

• 14:10

• 16:8

• Occasional 24-hour fasts (under guidance)

Intermittent fasting is not about starving the body—it’s about giving the digestive and metabolic systems time to rest, allowing repair processes to activate.

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Why Chronic Inflammation Drives Chronic Pain

Inflammation is the root driver behind most long-term pain conditions.

When inflammation is elevated:

• Pain receptors become hypersensitive

• Muscles remain tight

• Joints stiffen

• Fascia loses elasticity

• Nerves fire excessively

• Healing slows dramatically

Food timing plays a major role in whether inflammation stays elevated or begins to resolve.

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How Intermittent Fasting Reduces Inflammation

Intermittent fasting helps calm inflammation through several powerful mechanisms.

Improved Insulin Sensitivity

Constant eating—especially refined carbohydrates—keeps insulin elevated. Chronically high insulin is inflammatory.

Fasting lowers insulin levels, improving metabolic flexibility and reducing inflammatory signaling linked to joint and nerve pain.

Reduced Inflammatory Cytokines

Fasting periods reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are key drivers of pain amplification and tissue irritation.

Decreased Oxidative Stress

Intermittent fasting lowers oxidative stress, allowing tissues to repair rather than remain in a constant state of damage control.

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Autophagy: The Body’s Built-In Repair System

One of the most powerful benefits of intermittent fasting is autophagy—the body’s cellular cleanup and recycling process.

During fasting:

• Damaged cells are broken down

• Dysfunctional proteins are cleared

• Mitochondria regenerate

• Inflammatory debris is removed

Autophagy is essential for tissue repair, joint health, nerve recovery, and long-term resilience.

According to the National Institutes of Health, autophagy plays a critical role in cellular health, inflammation control, and longevity.

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Intermittent Fasting and Chronic Pain Conditions

Intermittent fasting has shown benefits for individuals dealing with:

• Joint and back pain

• Arthritis

• Chronic muscle tension

• Headaches and migraines

• Fibromyalgia-type pain

• Metabolic inflammation

• Autoimmune-related pain patterns

By lowering systemic inflammation, fasting helps reduce the background noise that keeps pain pathways activated.

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The Gut, Fasting, and Pain Relief

Constant eating—especially processed foods—disrupts gut health and increases intestinal permeability.

Intermittent fasting:

• Gives the gut lining time to repair

• Improves microbiome balance

• Reduces endotoxin leakage

• Lowers immune system overactivation

When the gut barrier heals, systemic inflammation decreases—and pain often follows.

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Nervous System Benefits of Intermittent Fasting

Pain is processed through the nervous system. When inflammation is high, the nervous system stays in a heightened, reactive state.

Intermittent fasting supports:

• Improved vagal tone

• Reduced sympathetic overdrive

• Better stress resilience

• Improved sleep quality

• Lower pain sensitivity

A calmer nervous system heals faster and responds better to care.

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Why Intermittent Fasting Improves Healing Outcomes

Patients often notice that when fasting is implemented appropriately:

• Chiropractic adjustments hold longer

• Soft tissue therapies feel more effective

• SoftWave Tissue Regeneration Therapy produces better results

• Recovery between workouts improves

• Energy becomes more stable

• Pain flares become less frequent

Healing requires energy—but it also requires less metabolic interference.

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Intermittent Fasting Is Not for Everyone

Intermittent fasting should be personalized.

It may not be appropriate for:

• Individuals with a history of eating disorders

• Certain hormonal conditions

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding

• Advanced adrenal dysfunction without guidance

This is why education and individualized strategies matter.

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How We Integrate Intermittent Fasting at Camarata Chiropractic & Wellness

We don’t prescribe rigid protocols. We educate and guide.

When appropriate, intermittent fasting may be combined with:

• Chiropractic care to optimize nervous system regulation

• SoftWave Tissue Regeneration Therapy to support tissue repair

• Red light therapy to enhance mitochondrial and cellular healing

• Fascia-focused therapies to restore mobility

• Nutrition strategies to stabilize blood sugar

• Lifestyle guidance for sleep, hydration, and recovery

The goal is not perfection—it’s progress and sustainability.

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Final Thought

Intermittent fasting is not about deprivation.

It’s about giving your body the space it needs to heal.

When inflammation comes down, pain loses its grip.
When metabolism improves, recovery accelerates.
When the system resets, healing becomes possible again.

Sometimes the most powerful medicine isn’t something you add—it’s something you strategically pause.

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Get a Hold of Us

If you’re ready to explore natural, sustainable strategies to reduce inflammation and chronic pain, we’re here to help.

Camarata Chiropractic & Wellness
3237 Union St, North Chili, NY 14514
Phone: 585-617-4145
Email: info@camaratachiropractic.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/camaratachiropractic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/camarata_chiro/

Schedule your consultation today and take the next step toward healing from the inside out.

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The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Content shared on this website is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition. Individual health needs and circumstances vary. Always consult with your healthcare provider or speak with our team at Camarata Chiropractic & Wellness before making changes to your health, nutrition, hydration, exercise, or lifestyle routines.