The Dr. Josh Axe Show

Episode: Top 9 Root Causes of Inflammation (That Doctors Won’t Address)

Host: Dr. Josh Axe
Date: January 26, 2026

Episode Overview

In this episode, Dr. Josh Axe uncovers the nine root causes of chronic inflammation that traditional medicine often overlooks. Drawing on science, practical advice, and personal experience, Dr. Axe explains the subtle ways inflammation takes hold in the body, the surprising contributors—including stress, diet, and environment—and offers actionable steps listeners can take to reduce inflammation for better health, longevity, and resilience. The tone is motivating, empathetic, and empowering.

Main Discussion Points & Insights

Understanding Inflammation

• Defining Inflammation: Dr. Axe stresses that inflammation isn’t inherently bad; “You need inflammation in order to heal and regenerate and repair. So it’s not that it’s bad, it’s that it’s too much.” (03:49)
• Chronic inflammation operates silently in most people and is linked to virtually all modern disease: heart disease, diabetes, dementia, autoimmune issues, cancer, and premature aging.
• Most symptoms people think are “normal,” like fatigue, mood issues, slow recovery, are actually warning alarms signaling chronic inflammation.

The Top 9 Root Causes (With Action Steps)

1. Insulin Resistance & Blood Sugar Issues

(10:20)

• Not just excessive sugar but chronic “cellular overwhelm” (cells are flooded with sugar, causing receptor burnout).
• 88% of Americans are metabolically unhealthy, with insulin resistance as a main driver of inflammation.
• Action: Focus on a diet high in protein and fiber, low in processed carbs and sugar.
• Quote: “We have to balance our blood sugar...more protein, more fiber, less sugar and carbs will help fix your blood sugar issues.” (18:23)

2. High Cortisol & Emotional Stress

(20:10)

• Chronic stress disrupts immune accuracy and raises inflammation markers.
• High-stress lifestyles (especially in women juggling multiple roles) contribute hugely to burnout and illness.
• Quote: “Busyness is a silent killer because it raises cortisol.” (27:54)
• Action: Build “margin” into your schedule; prioritize downtime, set boundaries, and incorporate activities that bring joy and relaxation.
• Consider adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha and rhodiola.

3. Fatty Acid Imbalance (Too Many Omega-6s, Not Enough Omega-3s)

(32:11)

• Industrial seed oils and processed foods have drastically shifted omega ratios from 1:1 to up to 25:1 (omega-6:omega-3).
• Increased omega-6s push inflammation “gas pedal” while omega-3s act as the anti-inflammatory “brake.”
• Quote: “With a 25:1 ratio, it’s like you’re driving 100 miles per hour with your brakes cut.” (34:25)
• Action: Increase wild-caught fatty fish, walnuts, flaxseed, chia; cook with extra virgin olive oil; avoid seed oils.

4. Sedentary Lifestyle

(38:12)

• “Sitting is the new smoking.” Just one hour less sitting reduces inflammation by nearly 24% in women with type 2 diabetes.
• Action: Incorporate more movement throughout the day; walking after meals is especially effective.

5. Leaky Gut & Hidden Infections

(41:44)

• Intestinal permeability (“leaky gut”) lets food particles and toxins into the bloodstream, triggering the immune system.
• Hidden infections (viruses, parasites, Lyme, molds) keep the immune system “stuck in war mode.”
• Quote: “Leaky gut is not rare, it’s very common. I think probably 60 plus percent of people have it.” (42:35)
• Action: Heal the gut (considering food sensitivities, gut-calming teas), address chronic infections with professional help.

6. Poor Exercise Form & Overtraining

(48:25)

• Overexercising or using improper form leads to repetitive injuries and chronic micro-inflammation in joints.
• Personal Story: Dr. Axe shares how poor lifting techniques in his youth led to herniated discs and chronic issues.
• Action: Seek expert guidance for movement patterns, warm up properly, focus on longevity-based training, avoid pushing through pain.

7. Environmental Toxins & Alcohol

(53:02)

• Everyday exposure to chemicals—glyphosate, industrial toxins, plasticizers—disrupts gut health and increases inflammatory burden.
• Alcohol worsens gut permeability and overwhelms the liver’s ability to detoxify.
• Action: Drink filtered water, choose natural personal and cleaning products, buy organic (avoid “dirty dozen”), reduce alcohol.

8. Blue Light Exposure & Circadian Disruption

(57:50)

• Modern lifestyles with excess indoor time and blue light after dark suppress melatonin, spike inflammatory cytokines, and disrupt natural repair cycles.
• Fact: 100 years ago, people spent 70% of their time outdoors; now it’s about 10%.
• Action: Get more sunlight exposure by day, limit blue light at night, wear blue blockers, avoid screens 2 hours before bed.

9. Loneliness

(1:02:30)

• Social isolation raises CRP and is as detrimental as heavy smoking, alcohol abuse, or being sedentary.
• Quote: “Studies show that loneliness is as bad for your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.” (1:03:08)
• Action: Prioritize deep, quality relationships. Join community groups, church, or supportive clubs. “Go deep, not wide” with social connections.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Inflammation isn’t just swelling or bloating; 90% of inflammation happens silently inside the body without any outward symptoms.” (04:19)
• “The biggest myth about inflammation? That symptoms are separate issues. In reality, your symptoms behave more like a chain of falling dominoes.” (28:51)
• Personal metaphor: Chronic inflammation is like an “alarm that never shuts off”—Dr. Axe shares the story of sleepless nights during a vacation with a faulty house alarm, likening it to how chronic inflammation disrupts our healing (05:16).

Important Timestamps & Sections

• [03:49] – Why we need some inflammation (not “all bad”)
• [10:20] – Insulin resistance as #1 overlooked cause
• [20:10] – Impact of cortisol, stress, and “hustle culture”
• [32:11] – Omega-3/omega-6 balance explained
• [38:12] – Sedentary behavior and movement
• [41:44] – Leaky gut and chronic infections
• [48:25] – The hidden risks of overtraining/bad exercise form
• [53:02] – Environmental toxins and impact of alcohol
• [57:50] – Circadian rhythm, blue light, and sleep’s healing
• [1:02:30] – Social connection and loneliness

Final Action Steps (Recap)

• Pick one root cause from the list that may apply to your life.
• Make a targeted change (diet, movement, rest, social life, environment).
• Example ideas:
  • Take an omega-3 supplement or eat more salmon.
  • Move every hour, even five minutes at a time.
  • Brew turmeric ginger tea for anti-inflammatory benefits.
  • Reduce toxin exposure by swapping household and personal products.
  • Deepen your most important relationships.

“When you can lower inflammation, you’re going to unlock more energy, balance your hormones, have more clarity, more longevity—because healing can happen when the alarm finally goes silent. That’s good news.” (1:05:05)

Overall Tone & Takeaways

Dr. Axe blends compassionate storytelling, scientific rigor, and practical steps. He encourages listeners to identify what’s causing their body’s chronic alarm to sound, and provides a toolbox for addressing root causes—not just symptoms. Even small changes, done consistently, are powerful over time.