inflammation-1 In my last article further preventative breast cancer tips were revealed, however, if we
back that prevention further, inflammation is the culprit, so let’s now explore ways to further prevent issues at that level. Inflammation is the body’s natural protective response against pathogens, irritants, damaged cells, and other harmful agents. Inflammation is a common symptom in disease. Initially, it is beneficial when, for example, your knee sustains a blow and tissues need care and protection. However, sometimes inflammation can cause further inflammation and it can become a vicious cycle/battle.
Acute Versus Chronic Inflammation
Acute inflammation – starts rapidly and quickly becomes severe. Signs and symptoms are only present for a few days, but in some cases may persist for a few weeks (i.e. acute bronchitis, infected ingrown toenail, sore throat from a cold or flu, a scratch/cut on the skin, acute appendicitis, acute dermatitis, acute tonsillitis or sinusitis).
Chronic inflammation – this refers to long-term inflammation, which can last for several months and even years. It can result from: failure to eliminate whatever was causing an acute inflammation; the immune system attacks healthy tissue, mistaking it (them) for harmful pathogens (i.e. asthma, peptic ulcer, tuberculosis, colitis, chronic sinusitis or rheumatoid arthritis).
The medical community can measure the level of inflammation in the body, but for the most part, are hard-pressed to explain what is causing it, therefore, are taught to treat the symptoms with anti-inflammatory/steroidal medication, or antibiotics. Although antibiotics save many lives, their overuse has been well documented even by the medical community—meaning there is evidence they are largely responsible for the epidemic of chronic disease that we face today.
However, in contrast, by restoring, supporting and protecting our body’s natural defenses, which includes the normal flora (good bacteria found on the skin and in mucous membranes—GI tract, sinuses, genitourinary) and our immune system, we are able to keep bad micro organisms from taking over, which in turn will add many quality years to our life.
Research now supports the fact that there is a direct relationship between chronic inflammation and weight gain. The result is a vicious cycle that most dieters never end up escaping. Excess fat causes increased inflammation, while inflammation releases hormones that create even more fat.
And the only way to stop the cycle is to reduce chronic inflammation.
Here are a couple of actions you can take now:
· Try to get at least 7 hours of sleep a night.
· Learn stress management techniques, like meditation.
· Challenge yourself each day to increase your movement/steps by wearing a pedometer.
· Load up on these anti-inflammatory spices: garlic, onions, cumin, and basil.
· Try reducing your intake of grains, especially wheat.
· Take a high quality Omega-3 product…at least 2.4 grams/day (see Chapter 4 of “Wellness Warriors” for how to choose a high quality product)
Could silent infections be a component of wellness of which many people unaware? This will require you to embrace a philosophy that is not widely accepted by the conventional medical model. It is not a new concept, it is a return to the basics which have been forgotten. Our current health care philosophy is the product of large industries that make more money when disease is a mystery and health care is a complicated process requiring literally hundreds of costly treatments and medications that supposedly need to be taken for life. However, as wellness warriors, we have options, and that is to develop not only a healthy immune system, but a healthy GI tract as well.
Since the intestinal tract can actually be considered the largest immune organ in the body – contributing heavily to 60-70% of immune function—it’s important to learn more. The bottom line is that good gastrointestinal health is essential to good immune health, and good immune health is essential to overall good health. In my next article, I will further define silent infections and how it relates to bowel or GI health—don’t miss it!