THE PROBLEM WITH INFLAMMATION

The greatest natural threat to the survival of the human race is infectious disease. Pathogenic microorganisms have killed more people than the sum mortality of all wars.

To combat this threat, our bodies developed systems to destroy, inactivate, and block the transmission of these invaders. These defenses include the skin barrier, immune deterrence, and inflammatory attack. Inflammation is mediated by the lymphatic system, circulating cells, and antibodies.

The primary expectation of the inflammatory mediators is to destroy invading bacteria, viruses, and other harmful microorganisms. Once activated, this system seeks to attack the offending agents. The result has been the limitation of damage from onslaughts by plague, influenza, measles, malaria, and others.

Inflammation is a necessity for survival of the human species. It is also a cause and component of a good deal of our misery. It seems that it becomes activated and attacks our tissues frequently.

Trauma, metabolic abnormalities, and harmful dietary habits are some stimulators of the inflammatory system. As a consequence of these non-infectious diseases, inflammatory cells and proteins attack the tissues. This process culminates in such maladies as joint damage, kidney impairment, and blood vessel abnormalities..

In fact, inflammation is a prominent factor in virtually all human morbidity, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and autoimmune illnesses. The suffix “itis,” meaning “inflammation,” is prominently part of the name of many illnesses. Arthritis, hepatitis, colitis, myocarditis, and many other chronic and acute diseases proclaim their inflammatory nature.

Inflammatory activation is a reaction. It occurs not only in response to infection, but to all the stresses to which we are exposed, like cigarette smoking, sedentary lifestyles, and high fat diets. Problems caused by inflammation are inevitable.  

These unintended activations of the inflammatory system, with the subsequent organ destruction, are the cause of most illness and disability. Inflammatory problems like tendonitis, nephritis,  and myocarditis are not existential threats like infectious diseases. But they do create sources of pain, dysfunction, and limitation.

Inflammation will never be eliminated. But we can limit the extent of the process and the damage to our tissues.

Saturated fat in the diet increases inflammation in the body. This same type of fat worsens the risk of heart disease and cancer. Saturated fat is prominently found in fried foods, crackers, chips, pastries, cookies, red meat, cheese, margarine, butter, 2% and whole dairy milk, salad dressings, and elsewhere. Yes, all this tastes so good. 

To ward off inflammation, change the way of eating. Have more fish. Broil. Substitute baked chips and crackers. Use skim or 1% milk. There are low fat butter options.

Body fat itself promotes inflammation. It’s really tough to lose weight. There is no easy way. Whatever program works for you, it must be continued indefinitely.

Strengthening skeletal muscles reduces inflammation. You don’t have to use heavy weights to accomplish this. You can lift light weights many times. Consistency and long-term commitment are keys.

Aerobic exercise cuts back inflammation. Use a machine. Attend a class. Jog. Walk quickly. Just enough to get your breathing a little heavier and your heart rate elevated.

Stretching reduces inflammation. begin gently and pay close attention to your body’s response to this activity. It shouldn’t hurt during or after the stretch. See my blogs that discuss stretching.

(Check with your doctor before beginning an exercise program.)

Stress and anxiety worsen this problem. Learn to meditate. Some of my blogs address this technique. There are books, tapes, DVD’s, and classes to teach and encourage this activity.

Improve sleep hygiene. Ask your doctor about this. I have written good blogs on this subject. There is an abundance of information on sleep to be found.

Laughing and smiling combat this process. See my blog on smiling. Find Things that make you laugh – books, cartoons, comics, etc. – and engage with them daily. Read my blog on smiling. 

Several dietary supplements help to retard the inflammatory attack. Remember, these “supplement,” not “replace,” effective diet control and the above healthy recommendations.

Enzymes have anti-inflammatory effects. They break down the destructive proteins. You can find supplements containing Bromelain (250 mg.), papain (250 mg.), amylase (12,500 units), lipase (1,000 units), and protease (12,500 units). Begin these approximate doses twice a day. Increase to 3 pills twice a day with food after 1 week. Any adverse reactions, such as nausea, mandates reduction of dose or stopping.

Probiotics, by supporting the microbiome, also inhibit inflammation. THe most important members of this class are Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Lactobacillus Bacillus, and Saccharomyces Boulardii. There is no optimal dose. It’s most important to be taking them over a long period of time.

Antioxidant supplements are useful in this endeavor. Vitamin C and bioflavonoids – 500 mg. each daily in addition to a daily multivitamin supplement – are the first to take. If you want to add more, I recommend l-glutathione (100 mg.), n-acetyl-l-cysteine (750 mg.), and CoEnzyme-Q-10 (100 mg.) daily.

Everyone experiences inflammation. As with everything else, prevention is preferable to intervention. Good luck.