Now that you are familiar with some of the common factors that wreak havoc on your system, let’s now mention what exactly enters your system when influenced or prone to it.
The term “inflammation”, is basically an immune reaction triggered by our systems to prevent any infection by bacteria or damage e.g from injuries. If we examine human history itself, we will find out several bacterial infections and disorders that spread to whole populations but people were able to vanish them. Some of these past disorders include, smallpox, influenza, typhoid fever, and bubonic plague, which are almost extinct today.
While the majority of the above bacterial illnesses have almost vanished, nowadays, we have to face a whole new epidemic. There are multiple health issues today that shave off your quality of lives and well-being like such as, breathing problems, memory issues/alzheimer’s, allergies, autoimmune disorders, skin problems, and many more. All these issues that especially affect the Western population aren’t caused by bacteria like in the past but from inflammation.
In the past two decades, the frequency of degenerative diseases has been constantly on the rise. Researchers have found that inflammatory disorders have been affecting Americans at an alarming rate because of poor diet habits and induced levels of stress and anxiety. The level of inflammation is at its peak has almost grown to an epidemic. Without any substantial changes to our diet and lifestyle patterns, the country will keep on suffering from diseases like cancer, heart problems, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and the list goes on.
WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF INFLAMMATION ON THE SYSTEM
When we use the word “inflammation”, we usually think of symptoms like “heat”, “high temperature”, “Irritation”, “swelling” and pain somewhere. When a lesion gets inflamed, we can see with our own eyes the inflammation. However, inflammation is not always externally visible like that. The physical signs of “secret” inflammation do emerge but at a much later stage, sometimes when it’s too late.
Chronic (long-term) inflammation leads multiple issues in our systems. All sorts of inflammatory disorders may pop up and become a population in our bodies. A person who goes through chronic inflammation, becomes exposed to further health deterioration from diseases and even aging acceleration.
DISORDERS TRIGGERED BY INFLAMMATION
There are various health issues connected with inflammation. Some of the most commonly emerging ones are numerous kinds of arthritis. Arthritis is a broad term that refers to various kinds inflammations in the joint area. Some of the most frequent/common kinds of inflammation-triggered arthritis are:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Polymyalgia Rheumatica
- Bursitis
- Shoulder Tendinitis
- Gouty Arthritis
Other stressing body problems targeting the bones and joints of our body, that haven’t been yet confirmed to be caused by inflammation but they are still under investigation are:
- Osteoarthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- Neck and back pain (in the muscles)
Shockingly enough, the World Health Organization reveals that over 13 millions of people annually lose their lives from cardiovascular disorders. The cancer rates are also alarmingly big, with 8 millions of people losing their lives from cancer annually. Both of these dangerous disorders are caused by chronic inflammation. So in order to control the likelihood of developing such disorders, we must adopt some healthier diet and lifestyle changes.
Heart disorders separately were to blame for 25% of the deaths in the U.S last year and numbers of people affected are constantly on the rise. Almost 50% of the deaths linked to heart disorders were a result of chronic inflammation. The numbers may seem exorbitant and unbelievable but they are shockingly true. Inflammation is a huge factor contributing to heart problems.
Based on National Institute of Health findings, inflammation is a very vital factor for the development of heart disease and its aggravation. The same goes for other serious and chronic health disorders like cancer and diabetes.
FOODS THAT LEAD TO INFLAMMATION
For those affected by inflammation, diets rich in carbs and low in protein intake can be destructive. As a matter of fact, we’ve witnessed multiple times that such high carb and low protein diets lead to inflammation while the opposite diet (low carbs/high protein intake), actually keeps inflammation under control and all the negative side effects connected to it.
Every individual organism differs from the other, and thus it is important to spot all the signs and symptoms we experience when we take certain foods. We will offer you a diet against inflammation with all the proper foods to eat later in this report, but at this point, let’s delve in a few details.
Processed sugars and foods with an elevated Glycemic Index (G.I), in reality raise insulin levels and trigger an immune system response. There is a communication between inflammatory mediators (prostaglandins, cytokines), and insulin or blood sugar amounts. Studies reveal that when specific stressors emerge, insulin triggers an inflammatory reaction within the system.
Some of the worst foods that trigger an inflammatory response in the body are:
No 1: Sugar/Sweets. High amounts of sugar consumption have been associated with overweight issues, inflammation, and chronic inflammatory diseases like Diabetes Melitus.
No 2: Typical vegetable oils for cooking and baking. Oils with a high omega-6 fatty acid/low omega-3 acid ratio, also lead to inflammation.
No 3: Trans fats. These fats are typically found on junk food/fast food meals. They are also associated with inflammation, resistance to insulin, and other chronic disorders.
No 4: Non-organic milk and dairy products. Non-organic dairy products can also result in inflammation, especially in the female population, due to the hormones and allergen ingredients they contain.
No 5: Red or processed meat. Eating red and processed meat e.g corned beef cans, is also associated with immune reactions that lead to chronic inflammation within our systems. There is also a clean connection between processed meat consumption and cancer risk,
backed-up by many scientific trials.
Other types of foods suspect of causing inflammation are grains/flour, alcohol, synthetic food preservatives, and grain-fed meats. All the above foods should be avoided inf nay signs of inflammation emerge.
LINK BETWEEN STRESS AND INFLAMMATION
Going through chronic emotional, mental, and physical stress affects inflammation in the system to a very high degree. In reality, when the system is exposed stress, cortisol levels start to rise within the body.
Cortisol is specifically a steroid hormone that is produced in response to high levels of stress. This may occur from real stressful events or an unhealthy diet or lifestyle. Concerning inflammation, the stress reaction that starts to develop to relieve the body from tolerating such circumstances isn’t switched off. Chronic stress is tied to chronic inflammation responses.
In fact, chronic stress has a negative impact on various body functions. For example, it raises blood pressure and hypertension eventually. Chronic blood pressure also puts blood vessels under a tremendous amount of stress. Strokes and heart failures are a common phenomenon in people suffering from chronic inflammation because of inflammatory responses triggered non-stop.
Stress can really “eat” you! Thus, it is vital to learn ways to deal with high stress levels so that you avoid chronic inflammation. Some valuable relaxation methods include:
- Mild exercise
- Yoga/Meditation
- Consuming healthy and nutrient-dense foods
- Learning ways to keep emotional tranquility
- Breathing exercises
INFLAMMATION TREATMENT OPTIONS-THE HARSH ADMINISTRATION OF ANTI-INFLAMMATORY PILLS
The protocol of treatment in response to inflammation is the prescription of anti-inflammatory medicine. The most typically administered drugs in this case are those that provide relief from pain (pain-relievers).
Not long ago, the American Geriatrics Society has taken off nearly all non-steroidal and anti-inflammatory drugs from their guide of suggested drugs for people 75+ who experience chronic pain. It was found out that these drugs are overly prescribed, more than necessary and this may lead to negative side effects on the health of older people. Researchers have found that commonly used pain-relievers like ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin are not really beneficial for those going through chronic pain. Due to the research conducted on older subjects, researchers are also seeking to examine the excessive administration of NSAIDS in younger subjects as well.
Anti-inflammatory drugs are aimed to lessen pain and discomfort, minimize swelling, and control inflammation symptoms. They are speculated to help with the development of inflammatory disorder, but they don’t always function as intended. Anti-inflammatory substances for pain relief feature NSAIDS such as Ibuprofen and Aspirin. Other substances are the ones called corticosteroids (cortisone, prednisone), and numbing pain relievers.
Typically, anti-inflammatory drug substances demonstrate exaggerated side effects. For instance, the consumption of cortisone for extended periods of time can lead to serious problems with bone strength and integrity. Those experiencing asthma symptoms should also seek an alternative treatment option due to negative side effects from anti-inflammatory drugs. Many chronic takers of NSAIDS also develop stomach ulcers and internal bleeding because of the mucus development blocking attributes of these pharmaceuticals. The gastric wall is further exposed to stomach acid in those who consume NSAIDS for longer periods of time to fight inflammation.
Alternative medicine methods approach the matter of inflammation from another perspective. Instead of prescribing synthetic drugs to hinder inflammatory reactions, they suggest the use of vitamins/nutrients and lifestyle changes. While it’s true that some vitamins and nutrients have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, they may not completely eradicate the problem. Alternative medicine adopts a more natural way to treatment of the issue as opposed to taking artificial drugs, but doesn’t often consider the trigger cause of inflammation.
Further evaluation needs to be performed to find out the exact leading cause of inflammation. It’s not holistic or beneficial to only treat the symptoms, but it’s just as important to pinpoint the leading culprit of inflammation.
NSAIDS AND THEIR IMPACT ON INFLAMMATION
NSAIDS (Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs) are often prescribed against inflammation. These may differ in power and lasting effects on the system. Prostaglandins are a family of chemical substances released by system cells that trigger inflammation in the system when required.
The enzyme responsible for making these Prostaglandins goes by the name “COX” or (Cyclooxygenase). It is also further divided into 2 enzymes: COX-1 and COX-2. Both of these enzymes trigger the release of prostaglandins which lead to inflammation as a result. NSAIDS actually work to block the activity of such enzymes and control the effects of prostaglandins within the system. This eventually leads to long-term inflammation control. However, prostaglandins that guard the stomach lining and enhance blood clotting are also decreased, which results in stomach ulcers and internal bleeding in the region.
NSAIDS when taken excessively, can interfere with physiological COX-1 activity. NSAIDS also hinder the cyclooxygenase pathways. COX-1 is typically produced by normal functioning. The COX-1 stays stabilized under physiological circumstances. In case an NSAID like Aspirin enters the system, COX-1 becomes acetylated and its arachidonic acid pathway is hindered. The process of acetylation is the culprit behind aspirin’s anti-clotting and blood-thinning action.
One of the most frequently used NSAIDS is aspirin, which also prevents blood clotting and eventually inhibits strokes and heart failures in people with a heightened risk of experiencing these conditions. NSAIDS though interfere with the physiological activity of heart, kidneys, and stomach due to their action.
INFLAMMATION TESTING-BLOOD EXAMINATION
In those who suffer from long-term inflammation, there is an existing protein secreted by the inflammation region that travels through the bloodstream. One of the common blood tests to find out inflammation is CRP (C-reactive protein test). This test can pinpoint any heightened levels of the protein, which is considered a sign of inflammation.
In several situations when an individual suffers from chronic inflammation which leads to a serious disorder like cancer, arthritis, diabetes, heart failure, or connective tissue (muscle, joints, bones, ligaments) disease, the CRP levels are elevated. These levels are precisely detected through blood testing.
Homocysteine amounts in the blood can also be determined from blood testing. Homocysteine is an acid that is produced by the system physiologically when we consume excessive amounts of red meat. When homocysteine levels are abnormally elevated, the person is a high risk of developing heart problems, atherosclerosis, heart failure, stroke and even Alzheimer’s disease.
WHAT’S THE KEY CULPRIT OF INFLAMMATION?
Researchers and medical experts keep on examining the leading cause of inflammation. With so many contributing factors and issues linked to our diets, it’s no surprise that gut inflammation has a vital role to play here. We will explain the matter in more details in a later section, but at this point, we should be aware that there is a clear connection between the gut and inflammation. We will examine beyond the natural ways of treating its effects, but study the leading causes behind such symptoms.
Based on scientific evidence, Leaky Gut Syndrome may be the leading cause of many digestive tract diseases like IBS, Crohn’s Syndrome, and celiac disease. It can also be the culprit behind the onset of various inflammatory disorders like asthma, allergies, arthritis, and chronic heart problems and disorders.
Practical/holistic medicine takes into consideration the triggering causes of a disorder and doesn’t just provide a remedy for the treatment of the symptoms. It is vital to examine all these triggering causes that result in gut and digestive diseases. Gut diseases and syndromes may originate from food sensitivities, leaky gut, and other immunity factors, as stated formerly. We will examine the leading causes in more detail, in a later section.
By addressing inflammation, from a more practical perspective, unlike allopathic or alternative treatment options, we can determine the triggering cause of this modern epidemic. We better know the truth before it’s too late!
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