Fibrosis
Synopsis of Fibrosis
Fibrosis is a medical condition characterized by the excessive formation of fibrous connective tissue in an organ or tissue, typically as a result of chronic inflammation, injury, or disease. This fibrotic tissue—rich in collagen and other extracellular matrix proteins—replaces healthy tissue, disrupting normal structure and impairing function. Fibrosis is part of the body’s natural repair response but becomes harmful when overactive or persistent.
Fibrosis can occur in virtually any organ system:
-
Pulmonary fibrosis (lungs)
-
Hepatic fibrosis (liver)
-
Myocardial fibrosis (heart)
-
Renal fibrosis (kidneys)
-
Systemic sclerosis (system-wide fibrotic autoimmune condition)
-
Muscle or joint fibrosis (after trauma or surgery)
Fibrosis is typically progressive and may lead to organ stiffness, reduced elasticity, and eventual failure if not controlled. The underlying triggers include autoimmune disorders, viral infections, chronic alcohol use, toxic exposures, radiation, and metabolic or genetic conditions. In many cases, the body’s attempts to repair chronic damage lead to a cycle of scarring that never fully resolves.
When to see a doctor:
Evaluation is necessary if you have persistent inflammation, chronic organ-related symptoms (e.g., shortness of breath, abdominal pain, fatigue), or a diagnosis of a condition known to cause fibrosis. Imaging, biopsy, and blood markers are often used to monitor progression.
Natural remedies for Fibrosis
Anti-Inflammatory Diet: Focus on colorful fruits and vegetables, omega-3s, legumes, and herbs like turmeric and ginger.
Avoid Toxins and Alcohol: Reduces liver and tissue burden; key in preventing further fibrotic progression.
Gentle Movement and Stretching: Helps prevent tissue stiffening and preserves flexibility (especially in musculoskeletal fibrosis).
Maintain a Healthy Weight: Obesity increases systemic inflammation and fibrotic risk, especially in the liver.
Stress Reduction: Chronic cortisol exposure may worsen inflammation and connective tissue disorders.
Ingredients
These raw ingredients are often used in alternative medicine to treat Fibrosis
artichoke
barberry
collagen
cordyceps
turmeric
curcumin
dandelion
forsythia
L-glutamine
L-proline
licorice root
milk thistle
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
omega-3 fatty acids
resveratrol
specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
vitamin C
vitamin D
zinc
polyphenols
18-Hydroxyeicosahexaenoic Acid
3-acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid
Apigenin
Astragaloside IV
Acacetin
Apigenin
Astragaloside
Apocynin
Astragalin
Bovine Collagen
Boswellia serrata
Boswellic Acid
Boswellia
Curcuminoids
Collagen (mixed)
Chymotrypsin
Cynanchum (unspecified)
Cytokines
Connective tissue growth factor
Curcumin
Deoxyandrographolides
Epidermal Growth Factor
Epidermal Growth Factor
Elastin
epicatechin
Elastase
Fucoidan
Ficus simplicissima
fibroblast growth factors
fibroblast growth factor
Glycoside
Growth factors
Hu Zhang
Hyperoside
Hedyotis (unspecified)
Hydroxylysine
Isothiocyanate
Ligustilide
Ligustilides
Lymph
Melia
Osthole
peptides (unspecified)
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)
Serrapeptase
Salvianolic acid
Sulfated polysaccharide
Sulfatase
Transforming growth factor beta
Tanshinone
Vitamin E (unspecified tocopheryl acetate)
Vitamin A (retinyl acetate)
Additional Help
Free Consults with Dr. Shannyn
Struggling with chronic symptoms? Get real help.
Many health concerns are complex—and what works for one person may not work for another. Talk with Dr. Shannyn, our licensed naturopathic doctor, to get personalized guidance on which herbs, nutrients, or lifestyle shifts could support your healing.
Book a Free Consult →
Compassionate, root-cause care at no cost.
At-Home Lab Testing
Get to the root of what’s really going on.
Symptoms like fatigue, bloating, skin issues, or mood changes often point to deeper imbalances. Our at-home lab tests make it easy to investigate hormone health, gut function, food sensitivities, and more—no clinic visit required.
Explore Lab Testing →
Test from home. Review with an ND.