Inflammation…“Set Afire”

The word “inflammation” traces back to the Latin for “set afire.”

Chronic inflammation plays an important role in the development of many diseases. Mounting evidence suggests that inflammation is a common underlying cause of major degenerative diseases. The four leading diseases — coronary artery disease, diabetes, cancer, and Alzheimer’s — may all be enabled by inflammation.

In some conditions, like rheumatoid arthritis, you feel heat, pain, redness, and swelling. But in other cases — like heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and diabetes — it’s not so obvious. If you didn’t go looking for it with tests, you wouldn’t even know it’s there.

Inflammation actually is good in the short run. It’s part of your immune system’s natural response to heal an injury or fight an infection.

But in the long-term, if inflammation becomes a long-lasting habit in your body, that can be bad for you. Long-term, or “chronic,” inflammation is seen in many diseases and detrimental metabolic conditions.

Inflammation can lead to heart attack

Inflamed arteries are common among people with heart disease. Some researchers think that when fats build up in the walls of the heart’s coronary arteries, the body fires back with inflammatory chemicals, since it sees this as an “injury” to the heart. That could trigger a blood clot that causes a heart attack or stroke.

Inflammation is connected to diabetes

Inflammation and type 2 diabetes are linked. Doctors don’t know yet if it causes the disease. Some experts say obesity triggers the inflammation, which makes it harder for the body to use insulin.

Inflammation is tied to Alzheimer’s

Chronic brain inflammation is often seen in people with this type of dementia. Scientists don’t yet understand exactly how that works, but inflammation may play an active role in the disease. Experts are studying whether anti-inflammatory medicine will curb Alzheimer’s. So far, the results are mixed.

Regarding Rheumatoid Arthritis does damage

Regarding Rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system attacks your body’s joints, causing inflammation that can harm them — and even the heart. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, and red, warm, swollen joints.

Vitamins, minerals and foods to combat inflammation response

  1. Vitamin A – it boost your immune system and guards against infectious diseases, thus reducing inflammation.
  2. Bromelain – in pineapple, this powerful enzyme fights inflammation and boosts your immune system
  3. Capsaicin – in chili peppers, it stops a group of proteins that control your body’s response to inflammation.
  4. Curcumin – found in turmeric, it is known for its natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies show curcumin helps with certain conditions, including arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and fatty liver disease.
  5. SAM-e – It might sound like the name of a friendly robot, but it’s short for a natural compound in your body. Studies show it might control inflammation and may work as well as mainstream treatments for osteoarthritis.
  6. Upgrade Your Diet – Refined carbohydrates, red meats, and fried foods raise inflammation in your body. Instead, you should consume inflammation-fighting fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans, and fish.

Finally, get enough sleep, since when you don’t get the sleep you need, your body may kick inflammation up a notch. Your nightly sleep goal should be 7-9 hours every night. Aim for both quality and quantity.


References:

  1. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/inflammation-a-unifying-theory-of-disease
  2. https://www.webmd.com/women/ss/slideshow-what-is-inflammationhttps://www.webmd.com/women/ss/slideshow-what-is-inflammation
  3. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/ss/vitamins-supplements-fight-inflammation

Immunity Boosting Foods

Food is medicine.

Food, along with exercise and adequate sleep, are done of the most powerful tools you have to help prevent disease and improve your overall health. And, a healthy body and mind begins with a healthy immune system, writes Angie Ferguson, an exercise physiologist and Tony Robbins Results Coach.

In addition to developing healthy lifestyle habits, the food you eat can help to reduce the risk and severity of infections, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. In short, healthy, nutrient dense “food can be medicine”.

When trying to stay healthy, it’s best to cut back on foods that lead to inflammation (processed meats and foods, saturated fats, refined carbs, sugary foods and beverages) and instead fuel yourself with foods full on nutrients, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.

  • Citrus fruits – vitamin C is an antioxidant
  • Garlic – contains the antioxidant allicin, which has antibacterial properties and strengthens your immune system
  • Ginger – has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties
  • Mushrooms – packed with vitamins and minerals and bio-active compounds called beta-glucans known to boost immunity
  • Green leafy vegetables – provide anti-inflammatory antioxidants, vitamins and minerals
  • Berries – rich in vitamin C and anthocyanins, which possess antioxidants agents, anti-inflammatory properties and support a healthy cardiovascular system
  • Turmeric – contains cur cumin which is an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-bacterial and detoxifying ingredient that’s amazing for digestive health.
  • Sweet potatoes and carrots – excellent sources of beta carotene which can reduce inflammation and boost immune function by increasing disease fighting cells in the body.
  • Olives – this fruit is an antioxidant powerhouses, which reduces inflammation and fight bad bacteria. Studies have shown that eating olives can raise levels of glutathione, a powerful antioxidant which acts as a defense against bacteria that cause airway and stomach infections. Olives possess a monounsaturated fat called oleic acid, which prevents heart diseases like atherosclerosis, heart attacks, plaque build-up, and strokes. The oil of olives is where this oleic acid is located; it can lower blood pressure and cholesterol, which reduces the chances of cardiovascular complications and general stress on the system.

Enjoy these nutrients dense foods in their different forms and see how healthy they can make you feel!


Reference:

  1. Ferguson, Angie, “First Line of Defense”, Florida Times-Union, , June 7, 2022, pg 1D.
  2. https://www.organicfacts.net/olives.html

Angie Ferguson is an exercise physiologist and Tony Robbins Results Coach.