Chronic Inflammation An American Epidemic

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Chronic Inflammation

An American Epidemic

_http://www.mnwelldir.org/docs/terrain/chronic_inflammation.htm_

(http://www.mnwelldir.org/docs/terrain/chronic_inflammation.htm)

Inflammation is an immune response; a response to an infection, an

irritation, or an injury. Immune cells are called to the site through the blood

stream. The blood vessels near the site become miraculously permeable and the

site

becomes warm and red due to the increased blood flow (warm, hence

inflammation).

Neutrophils and macrophages engulf microorganisms and phagocytes are called

in. Some immune cells try to “eat†the invaders; others excrete hydrogen

peroxide (and other oxidative chemicals) trying to kill them so they can be

cleaned up by the phagocytes and friends.

Inflammation is a part of the body’s natural defence system against injury

and disease.

Chronic inflammation, on the other hand, is a disease. The system has gotten

hung up, and instead of protecting the organism (our bodies) it starts to

kill the organism, slowly but surely.

Today modern medicine is starting to admit that chronic inflammation is the

main contributing factor to all chronic degenerative diseases, and the root

cause of the two greatest killers in America: Cancer and Heart Disease. In

deed, chronic inflammation might just be the root cause of all degenerative

disease.

Chronic inflammation may be the root of all degenerative disease. [Andrew

Weil — _www.drweil.com_ (http://www.drweil.com/) ]

Accepting this would certainly simplify preventive medical practices (even

as non existent as they presently are), but I find it interesting that once in

our early history medicine tried to create a theory that reduced all disease

into one or two categories. History does, it seems, repeat itself.

The Damage

Pro-inflammatory cytokines are the part of our immune systems that attack

and kill cells with oxidative chemicals. If they don’t stop their attacks,

they

will start killing cells our bodies need. The inflammation in a joint can

eat away at our cartilage and you’ve got a serious case of arthritis.

Unchecked

inflammation in an organ, say the pancreas, can cause diabetes. Unchecked

inflammation is now thought to be responsible for cardiovascular disease and

cancers. The elderly are especially vulnerable to this sort of unchecked

inflammation since the body looses the ability to “down-regulateâ€

inflammation

with age.

You do not have to be old to have chronic inflammation. You can have it and

not know it, until it is too late. Thus we are going to spotlight those tests

for having chronic inflammation or being at risk for chronic inflammation.

After that, we will outline the therapies to bring down chronic inflammation

and how to avoid it in the first place, for you will soon find that

inflammation begins on the end of your fork.

Does anyone recall the headlines in the New York Times about blood vessels

bursting like popcorn? The article told us that the latest theory on the cause

of heart disease is inflammation. One of the doctors who made this discovery

was Dr Paul Ridker. The results of his studies in the early 1900s landed on

the front pages of the New York Times right around the turn of the century. We

’ve covered this in our book, Bypassing Bypass, but we must tell you a

little about it right now.

Microorganisms cause inflammation within our blood vessels, and the

inflammation attacks the inside of the arteries. Besides immune cells being sent

to

the site to fight the inflammation, lipoprotein(a) is sent to form a sticky

patch over the damaged area; a patch that that can grab onto cholesterol

(supposedly bad cholesterol) and a cholesterol bandage is created over the site.

However, the inflammation is inside now. The patch grows and bulges. The

inflammation grows and bulges. Eventually, “blood vessels explode like

popcorn.â€

The reason I called the cholesterol “supposedly bad†is that it tried to

save your life. If the inflammation continued without being patched by

cholesterol, the artery would eventually open and you’d bleed out.

However, because the inflammation was not halted, the bandaged area has

burst and the body must quickly respond because your artery is about to open

wide. How is this patch formed? By a blood clot.

A clot is formed at the site to patch up the damage. Eventually,

lipoprotein(a) will come along and form a sticky patch and attract cholesterol

to form a

better bandage, but there is a problem, and it has to do with our diet and

lifestyle, our hypercoagulable lifestyles. Our blood tends to clot “tooâ€

much. The clot formed is usually bigger than it need be, and being such, the

chances of it breaking loose increase. If it does break loose and it goes to

your

brain, you suffer a stroke. If it goes to your heart, you suffer a heart

attack.

This sums up a good deal of what we have to say in Bypassing Bypass (which

we are rewriting) but there is a lot more to learn (so if you want a copy, go

get it here: Bypassing Bypass, and keep in mind that you are eligible to get

the updated online version free when it is released).

Testing

Knowing you have a problem is the first step to fixing the problem.

The first test you should know about is called the C Reactive Protein test.

If your CRP test is positive, you have are three times more likely to die of

a heart attack, no matter how many cholesterol drugs you are on, or if your

cholesterol is normal. [NEJM, 1997]

If you have Vulnerable Plaque (the popcorn popping arteries described above)

you have an 800% greater chance of a heart attack.

In July of 2001, JAMA published a study on chronic inflammation and the risk

of diabetes. Another test they used, besides the CRP, was an inflammatory

marker test, the IL-6. The study concluded that your chances of developing type

two diabetes are easily predicted by the outcome of the CRP and IL-6 tests

together. The ultimate test would be the Inflammatory Cytokine Profile

consisting of the two mentioned plus TNF (tumor necrosis factor), interleukins

-1

beta and 8.

What is at stake?

Depression, asthma, pancreatitis, Parkinson's, lupus, anemia, kidney

failure, psoriasis, and fibrosis might just be the start. All of these diseases

have

a suspected root cause of chronic inflammation.

From Life Extension Vitamins _http://lifeextensionvitamins.com/agandin.html_

(http://lifeextensionvitamins.com/agandin.html) , we learned that seemingly

unrelated illnesses “often exhibit excess levels of pro-inflammatory markers:

Allergy — Inflammatory cytokines induce autoimmune reactions

Alzheimer's — Chronic inflammation destroys brain cells

Anemia — Inflammatory cytokines attack erythropoietin production

Aortic valve stenosis — Chronic inflammation damages heart valves

Arthritis — Inflammatory cytokines destroy joint cartilage and synovial

fluid

Cancer — Chronic inflammation causes many cancers

Congestive heart failure — Chronic inflammation contributes to heart muscle

wasting

Fibromyalgia — Inflammatory cytokines are elevated

Fibrosis — Inflammatory cytokines attack traumatized tissue

Heart attack — Chronic inflammation contributes to coronary atherosclerosis

Kidney failure — Inflammatory cytokines restrict circulation and damage

nephrons

Lupus — Inflammatory cytokines induce an autoimmune attack

Pancreatitis — Inflammatory cytokines induce pancreatic cell injury

Psoriasis — Inflammatory cytokines induce dermatitis

Stroke — Chronic inflammation promoted thromboembolic events

Surgical complications — Inflammatory cytokines prevent healing

Lets take a closer look at some diseases and their inflammatory connection.

Cancer: in an article entitled “Chronic Inflammation and Cancer,†by Emily

Shacter, PhD published in Oncology, she sums up her findings thus:

A substantial body of evidence supports the conclusion that chronic

inflammation can predispose an individual to cancer, as demonstrated by the

association between chronic inflammatory bowel diseases and the increased risk

of

colon carcinoma. Chronic inflammation is caused by a variety of factors,

including bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections, chemical irritants, and

nondigestible particles. The longer the inflammation persists, the higher the

risk

of associated carcinogenesis. This review describes some of the underlying

causes of the association between chronic inflammation and cancer. Inflammatory

mediators contribute to neoplasia by inducing proneoplastic mutations,

adaptive responses, resistance to apoptosis, and environmental changes such as

stimulation of angiogenesis. All these changes confer a survival advantage to a

susceptible cell. In this article, we discuss the contribution of reactive

oxygen and nitrogen intermediates, prostaglandins, and inflammatory cytokines

to

carcinogenesis. A thorough understanding of the molecular basis of

inflammation-associated neoplasia and progression can lead to novel approaches

to

prevention and treatment of cancer. [ONCOLOGY 16:217-232, 2002]

Though conventional medicine hates admitting that sometimes we must fight “

like with like†(the theory behind homeopathy), what I gleaned from this

article that truly stood out was that irritation caused by the oxidizing

chemicals

released by the immune system can lead to a cancer. Cancer, in turn, is

often treated by attacking it with oxidizing chemicals, which a few

chemotherapies are, as is Paw Paw.

Since oxidizing chemicals are responsible for cancer, shouldn’t it be

obvious (as Shacter points out) that supplementing with antioxidants might be a

smart move to prevent cancer in the first place.

Aging: why do people age? One reason is the inflammatory process. This is

why you see people who appear much older than their age, and you see people who

look much younger than their age. One of them suffers from chronic

inflammation.

Macular Degeneration: JAMA, in Feb of 2004 linked this one to inflammation.

Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: we still don’t know which came

first, the problem or the inflammation, but these two are often found together.

In her article “Cytokine and other immunological markers in CFS,†Dr Nancy

Klimas believed that the unusual amounts of cytokines might lead to hormonal

imbalances. Often called the most mysterious of illnesses, and hard to

diagnose, we do know that chronic inflammation accompanies both, and that

treating

the terrain is a person's only hope for long term recover.

Osteoporosis: as we've seen with chronic periodontal disease, inflammation

leads to bone loss. Studies using people with inflammatory bowel disease are

also showing that bone loss progresses as the disease progresses.

Arthritis: earlier we mentioned that the inflammation eats away cartilage.

In Rheumatoid Arthritis, the inflammation is systemic eating away at the

entire body, an autoimmune disorder.

Multiple Sclerosis: this is a tough one. MS has been described as an

inflammatory disease of the central nervous system. According to Professor V

Hugh

Perry, the macrophage population in MS brains are much more activated than in

others, and that inflammations can be further amplified with age, injuries,

infections, and surgeries. [_http://www.sedonalabs.com/news/HMinflammation.html_

(http://www.sedonalabs.com/news/HMinflammation.html) ]

Healing Chronic Inflammation

To heal anything, you must know its cause. As stated at the beginning,

chronic inflammation begins on the end of your fork, or the Standard American

Diet

(SAD). Sodas, French fries, chips, and burgers are the real weapons of mass

destruction. Every day there are WMDs of our diet that assault our bodies

rendering countless damage and casualties to our body’s defences, yielding

more

and more inflammation and damage. [Dr. Richard Fleming, cardiologist]

Let us talk about prostaglandins.

There are three types, Prostaglandin 1, Prostaglandin 2, and Prostaglandin

3.

P1 and P3 are “good†in that they dilate blood vessels, reduce clotting,

and are anti-inflammatory. It is P2 that is considered bad, mainly because it

signals lymphocytes to increase the immune response. This in itself isn’t

bad,

because if you have an infection, you want P2 to do just that. However, we’

re talking chronic inflammation here; the battle is over, but the soldiers

fight on.

The building blocks of prostaglandins come from the foods we eat, but are

synthesized (made) in our bodies. Biochemical synthesis requires that all the

parts are available plus enzymes. Enzymes are the workers that put chemical A

and chemical B together to make chemical C. Well, it just happens that the

COX2 enzyme takes lipids (fats, mostly omega-6s) from our food and add them to

arachidonic acid to create prostaglandin 2, which signals two things: Pain

and an immune response.

Drugs on the market called COX2 inhibitors are designed to stop this

process. And they did. They did this so well, that we learned a bit more about

the

connection between inflammation and cancer when Vioxx was discovered to

prevent colon cancer. The big drawback was that Vioxx attacked the arteries

causing

heart disease.

There is another way to inhibit and stop this process, and that is by

increasing our good fats in our diet which inhibit immune response, and take

out

the things that are causing our inflammation.

Additionally we should learn to cook our foods at lower temperatures.

Cooking foods at high temperatures causes glycotoxins. Glycotoxins are sugars

(glucose) bonded to critical proteins that accumulate in our bodies naturally

(but

we don’t need to help the process by eating foods cooked at high temps). As

this buildup progresses, they cause cells to signal the production of

inflammatory cytokines. [_www.lef.org_ (http://www.lef.org/) ] This is one

reason

that as we age, our ability to bring “down†the inflammation response

decreases.

The Most Dangerous Foods

Trans Fats: Funny, but we’ve been told for the longest time to avoid butter

and eat margarine. Well, the American Heart Association, even though it had

received a lot of money from the corn oil industry, finally came out and said

that trans fats “might†be deadly and that we should cut down on them.

Trans fats inhibit enzymes in our bodies that process omega-3 fatty acids.

They should be avoided, plain & simple.

Corn Oil: This is the most popular omega-6 fatty acid in our diets today.

Above we learned that omega-6s are needed to produce prostaglandin 2. Although

I love the cult classic movie Attack of the Killer Tomatoes, I have to shake

my head, because I know that corn is the real killer in America.

When I lived in Israel, I was amazed at how much olive oil they used. Your

average Moroccan recipe called for anywhere from a half a cup of olive oil to

half a swimming pool of olive oil (especially for egg plant). However, while

I was there, the government began importing huge corn oil shipments from the

US. Suddenly corn oil usage was on the rise, and they were exporting more

olive oil than they were using. Today, Israel is a long-term human study in

dietary fats. Cancer rates are on the rise. It will not be long before all the

results are in. And no one who studies fats will be surprised, either.

Refined Carbohydrates: White sugar and corn syrup are in everything, it

seems. Fructose is no better. And what about High Fructose Corn Syrup? Here you

have a corn product and a highly refined carbohydrate. We have told you again

and again and again that sugar depresses immune function. How does this work?

you ask. From the Linus Pauling institute we get this:

High glycemic-load diets have also been associated with increased serum

levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of systemic inflammation that is

also a sensitive predictor of cardiovascular disease risk. Not surprisingly, in

the Nurses’ Health Study, women whose diets provided the highest glycemic

loads had a risk of coronary heart disease that was almost twice as high as

those whose diets provided the lowest glycemic loads. The relationship between

dietary glycemic load and coronary heart disease risk was more pronounced in

overweight women, suggesting that people who are insulin resistant may be most

susceptible to the adverse cardiovascular effects of a high-glycemic load

diet.

If you eat something that is high in sugar, it stimulates the inflammation

response. One thing we know about the inflammation response is that it taxes

the immune system.

This is the last time I want to ever have to tell any reader to avoid

processed foods. The more processed the food, the higher the glycemic level,

the

more chemicals, and the less food value. If high temp cooking is dangerous,

Kellogg’s Cornflakes must be pure poison, for they are actually heated up to

4000 degrees during the process.

If you take a trip over the internet searching for the terms “Chronic

Inflammation,†you will eventually find the worst foods you can eat:

French fries, Donuts, Commercial Pastries (donuts, cookies, crackers), Chips

(potato, tortilla), and Sodas (and bottled Teas and Fruit Juices).

Why? French fries are cooked at high temps in trans fats. So are donuts and

most commercial pastries plus they are made from white sugar; trans fats

(shortening), and lots of white sugar, mmmmm. Chips are either high in trans

fats

or high in omega-6 fatty acids, not to mention the high-glycemic starches.

And we should all know by now what’s in our sodas and fruit juices: sugar,

sugar, and more sugar. Aspartame/NutraSweet isn’t any better; it too has been

linked to triggering inflammation.

Beyond what you eat, you should be careful about how you live: diet and

lifestyle are not two separate things. When the body is overloaded in toxins,

it

can respond only in one way: chronic inflammation. Smoke, pesticides,

cleaning chemicals, allergens, dust, contaminants, herbicides all contribute to

toxic overload just as much as nutritional deficiencies. Pathogens, as we’ve

already seen cause infections that lead to inflammation. We’ve already

discussed

stealth viruses; but there are many more pathogens (Parasites, bacteria, and

yeast) that are also contributing. If you don’t get enough sleep, your IL-6

markers can go thru the roof. If you are on drugs, antibiotics, steroids, birth

control pills, they are killing off the good bacteria in your body. Candida

can flourish. And don’t forget chlorinated water. Anything that kills off our

good bacteria allows Candida to flourish. [Read about Probiotics]

Finally there is stress. Stress increases your natural steroids and

eventually leads to depression. Depression has been linked to the inflammatory

response. [Licinio J et al. “The role of inflammatory mediators in the

biology of

major depression: central nervous system cytokines modulate the biological

substrate of depressive symptoms, regulate stress-responsive systems, and

contribute to neurotoxicity and neuroprotection.†Mol Psychiatry, 1999 Jul:

4(4):317-27].

First Aid

 

WARNING

Many of the following are anticoagulants or blood thinners. You are advised

not to mix them or to avoid them if you are already taking anticoagulants or

blood thinners. You might want to visit a naturopath to help you get off

pharmaceuticals and onto safer alternatives, and to guide you in your choices

if

you have chronic inflammation.

Anthocyanins are the water-soluble flavonoid pigments in fruits and

vegetables that help inhibit inflammatory COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes. [british

Journal

of Sports Medicine, 2006] Many of the fruits listed below contain these

phytochemicals, however here is a graph we got from _Wikipedia_

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthocyanin) .

 

 

foodstuff

Anthocyanin in mg per

100 g foodstuff

_blackcurrant_ (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blackcurrant)

190-270

_chokeberry_ (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chokeberry)

200-1000

_eggplant_ (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eggplant)

750

_orange_ (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orange_(fruit%29)

~200

_blackberry_ (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blackberry)

~115

_vaccinium_ (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vaccinium)

80-420

_raspberry_ (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raspberry)

10-60

_cherry_ (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cherry)

350-400

_redcurrant_ (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Redcurrant)

80-420

red _grape_ (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grape)

30-750

red _wine_ (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wine)

24-35

 

 

Birch taken as a tea and made from, the bark or leaves, is a diuretic and

anti-inflammatory herb used for gout, kidney stones, and rheumatism. Oil and

creams are used for swollen joints. Do not use if you are allergic to aspirin.

Berries are wonderful antioxidants. Raspberries, _acai berries_

(http://www.mnwelldir.org/docs/Newsletters/06_Dec.htm#Acai_) , _goji berries_

(http://www.mnwelldir.org/docs/Newsletters/06_Dec.htm#Goji_) , blue berries,

cranberries

and strawberries. All your antioxidants are needed to help fight chronic

inflammation; antioxidants are anti-inflammatory.

Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) is a Native American remedy, used mainly

for “women’s problems†(menopause). It is also used for tinnitus (ringing

in

the ears) and arthritis. It contains alicylic acid, tannins, resin and

bitter glycosides, so it is contraindicated if you are allergic to aspirin. It

is

an aspirin substitute, but should be avoided if pregnant, nursing, or using

anticoagulants or are on HRT therapy.

Boswellia is a rainforest herb that in clinical studies has been shown to

improve symptoms in patients with osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Like Curcumin, its active ingredients block the production of inflammatory

prostaglandin hormones and other inflammatory chemicals.

Butterbur, a plant from the UK and Europe, is an amazing anti-inflammatory

and anitispasmodic (prevents cramps). Just recently, studies in the British

Medical Journal fount that butterbur treated allergies (hey fever) just as well

as expensive medicines. Another study showed that it was far superior to the

traditional allergy medications. In a combined study from Germany and

Switzerland using a group of 330 patients, they discovered that an extract

used,

called Butterbur Ze339, was just as effective as Claritin and Tavist with no

drowsiness. Dosage: 50mg twice daily with meals. [ " Treating intermittent

allergic rhinitis: a prospective, randomized, placebo and

antihistamine-controlled

study of Butterbur extract Ze 339. " Phytotherapy Research Vol. 19, Issue 6.]

Vitamin C has long been recognized for its anti-inflammatory properties and

works best when taken as a Vitamin C Complex (with bioflavonoids such as

quercetin and copper, calcium, and l-lysine). In a study of people exposed to

simulated sunlight, researchers found that vitamin C and E worked

synergistically to reduce skin inflammation. In a cell study, Italian

researchers noted

that quercetin and vitamin C worked together to protect cells from

inflammation-induced damage. The daily dosage should be 1,000-2,000 mg if you

live in a

relatively non toxic neighbourhood, up to 6,000 mg per day if you live in

lots of smog.

Capsicum/Hot Pepper aka Capsicum frutescenscan, or Cayenne Pepper helps

fight dangerous blood clots, can " cool " a number of inflammatory responses

including burns, some nerve ending disorders and even possibly arthritis. Has

definite fibrinolytic activity (can break down blood clots through enzymatic

mechanism to some degree), also may be helpful in the pain of rheumatoid

arthritis

and a number of bowel diseases. Topical capsicum cream cools pain of several

nerve ending disorders such as shingles and post-therapeutic neuralgia, a

drop or two to the gum around an aching tooth works wonders. The cream can be

helpful for pain due to diabetic neuropathy, and the pain which occurs after

an amputation or mastectomy, as well as other peripheral neuropathies such as

those that occur in AIDS patients. If you are taking anticoagulants or have a

bleeding problem (slow clotting time) do not take capsicum without your

doctor's approval. If the pepper you have eaten is too hot and starts burning

you

up, eating a banana will quickly cool you down.

Carnosine, at least 1000 mg a day, and/or 300 mg of the European drug

aminoguanidine can inhibit pathological glycation reactions in the body.

Cat's Claw, known as una de gato and Uncaria tomentosa, is a Peruvian herb

with a long history as a remedy for inflammatory arthritis. Recent

cell-culture and animal experiments at the Albany Medical College, New York,

Studies

show that cat's claw inhibits inflammation by blocking the activity of NF-kB.

Celery seed (Apium graveolens) has a calming effect on the nervous system,

helps to lower blood pressure, and can aid in a urinary infection. The seeds

are traditionally used to improve circulation to muscles and joints and helps

excrete uric acid. Celery seed is contraindicated if you are pregnant or

suffering from kidney disease. Like Curcumin, celery seed can cause

photosensitivity if taken in large doses.

Coconut Oil is antiviral, antibacterial, and parasiticidal (kills

parasites). Inflammation begins with a bad terrain and germs. Coconut oil can

improve

the terrain and help get rid of the germs.

Curcumin is the natural yellow pigment found in turmeric, a spice from

India. Curcumin is also a powerful antioxidant; is active against a range of

bacterial and fungal infections; a superb liver tonic; helps normalize blood

cholesterol, and thins the blood. In a study from Cornell University, it was

found

that curcumin blocked the activity of Cox-2. which might explain some of the

herb's anticancer effects. Curcumin is contraindicated if you are taking

anticoagulants, suffer from gall stones or obstructive gallbladder disease.

Curcumin also increases your sensitivity to the sun, so it is advisable to

avoid

long periods in strong sunlight. The daily dosage is 2.8 mg.

Devil's claw tuber (Harpagophytum procumbens) contains glycosides,

phytosterols, flavonoids and harpagoquinone. It is a bitter, anti-inflammatory

herb,

useful for a wide-range of joint and muscular problems, including Rheumatoid

Arthritis. It is also a digestive stimulant. Devil’s claw tuber is

contraindicated if you are suffering from stomach or duodenal ulcer, taking

anti-coagulant therapy, or are pregnant.

DHEA is a hormone that decreases with age. DHEA has been shown to suppress

IL-6, an inflammatory cytokine that often increases as people age. Typical

doses of DHEA are 25-50 mg daily, although some people take 100 mg daily.

Vitamin E is a protective antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties. A

vitamin E complex that contains gamma tocopherol and tocotrienols provides

the most broad-spectrum protection. Take 1-2 capsules (400 - 800 IU) daily.

Vitamin E is a blood thinner.

EpiCore _http://www.mnwelldir.org/docs/Newsletters/06_Dec.htm#EpiCor_

(http://www.mnwelldir.org/docs/Newsletters/06_Dec.htm#EpiCor) is a preventive.

If

you have a cold, it won’t end it overnight. But the odds are, if you’re

taking it, you won’t get that cold. Researchers believe that EpiCor is a more

powerful antioxidant than blueberries, that it will protect against most known

infections, reduce inflammation, fight off Candida, and support the growth of

probiotics in the intestinal tract.

Ginger inhibits Cox-2 and another proinflammatory compound, 5-lipoxygenase.

This simple herb and condiment contains almost 500 different compounds, many

of which are anti-inflammatory. It contains many volatile constituents,

including zingiberene, zingiberole, phellandrene, borneol, cineole and citral,

and

can also be used externally. Ginger is contraindicated if you are taking

anticoagulants. Large doses are contraindicated if you are pregnant or

suffering

from an ulcer. The daily dosage is 100 mg.

GLA: Although GLA (Gamma-linolenic acid) is an omega-6 fatty acid, it has

anti-inflammatory properties. Very little GLA is converted to arachidonic acid

and prostaglandin E2; GLA actually increases production of the

anti-inflammatory prostaglandin E1. Robert B. Zurier, MD, of the University of

Massachusetts Medical Center, Worcester, gave GLA supplements or placebos to 41

patients

with rheumatoid arthritis. Two-thirds of those receiving GLA had a 25 percent

reduction in their arthritic symptoms. The daily dosage is 2-3 grams.

Green tea: Researchers at Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland,

recently reported that the antioxidant polyphenols in Green tea had

anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting Cox-2 and TNFa. Genistein inhibits

prostaglandin

E2 and Cox-2, and quercetin inhibits the activity of inflammation-promoting

" adhesion " molecules. It's likely that Pycnogenol, grape seed extract, and

other bioflavonoids work through similar mechanisms. The daily dosage is 25-500

mg.

Jiaogulan _http://www.mnwelldir.org/docs/cancer1/altthrpy2.htm#Jiaogulan_

(http://www.mnwelldir.org/docs/cancer1/altthrpy2.htm#Jiaogulan) is a potent

antioxidant (gypenosides are the active molecules) that protects the body from

DNA damage, liver disease, atherosclerosis, and is a potent

anti-inflammatory.

Vitamin K helps reduce levels of IL-6, a pro-inflammatory messenger. Vitamin

K also helps in the treatment of osteoporosis by regulating calcium and

promoting bone calcification. One 10-mg capsule daily is recommended for

prevention purposes. Vitamin K is found in leafy green vegetables.

Lyprinol is a unique configuration of Eicosatetraenoic Acids (ETAs) that are

related to the omega-3 fatty acids found in flaxseed and fish that could

easily be 200 to 300 times more powerful than most NSAIDs (non-steroidal

anti-inflammatory drug) for relief of muscle and joint pain if used over a

period of

time. You seafood lovers will be glad to know that the Green Mussel (it has

all sorts of names, but Green is always in the name, and it comes from New

Zealand) from which this oil comes can be found in the frozen food section at

your supermarket.

Meadowsweet flowering tops (Filipendula ulmaria) contains salicylic acid,

tannin and citric acid. It is an excellent digestive remedy, that reduces

acidity in the stomach and helps to alleviate gastritis and peptic ulceration,

which makes it tremendously useful for those with arthritic conditions who

cannot take aspirin or other NSAIDs due to the side effects on the stomach.

Quite

a large dosage is needed for treating arthritis, but it does combine well

with other herbs (mentioned above), but avoid if you are allergic to aspirin.

Minerals such as Calcium, magnesium, and potassium help to fight acidity and

inflammation. Additionally you'll need some trace minerals Boron (found in

raisons, prunes, and nuts), chromium, copper, iodine, iron, manganese,

molybdenum, selenium (works best with Vitamin E), silver, zinc (abundant in

fish).

All of these are found in Celtic Sea Salt. Celtic Sea Salt® Brand

_http://www.celticseasalt.com/_ (http://www.celticseasalt.com/)

MSM is a form of nutritional sulfur. With the advent of chemical

fertilizers, our foods no longer have the nutritional sulfur our bodies need.

Patrick

McGean, a reader of ours who has researched MSM extensively told us, " Sulfur is

the mineral which enables the transfer of oxygen by keeping the cell

membrane semipermeable. Gases do not transfer as well as liquids through the

cell

membrane when the membrane is no longer permeable, and anaerobic disease

happens in the toxic carbon dioxide trapped in the cell. Otto Warburg proved

this

but he never asked why? " MSM has a long history of helping people with

arthritis, lupus, and even pollen allergies. It is necessary to good health.

N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) is a protective antioxidants with anti-inflammatory

properties. NAC is an amino acid with antiviral and liver protectant

properties. One 600-mg capsule daily is recommended.

Nettle leaf has been shown to suppress the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-a.

It contains amines including histamine, choline, acetylcholine and serotonin.

It is usually charged with minerals such as calcium, potassium, silicic acid

and iron. It strengthens and supports the whole body. In addition to its

major role as a skin herb, nettle improves elimination of wastes via the

kidneys, in particular uric acid, making it a useful cleansing remedy and

helpful in

gout. You can find many preparations of Nettle leaf at health food stores,

but picking the young leaves and making tea is one of the best ways to take

this herb, just strain well (and wear gloves when picking it).

Olive Leaf Extract is antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral. Clearing up

systemic yeast is another good start.

Omega-3 essential fatty acids found in fish oils contain EPA and DHA which

are essential building blocks for the body's anti-inflammatory prostaglandins

(e.g., prostaglandin E1) and for turning off Cox-2 and the body's

pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1, IL-6, and TNFa). In addition, omega-3 fatty

acids

block the activity of an enzyme that breaks down joint cartilage.

Docosahexaenoic

acid (DHA) might just be the most effective nonprescription supplement to

suppress pro-inflammatory cytokines. The daily dosage is 3 or more grams. Keep

in mind that the body can make DHA and EPA from linoleic acid (flax seed oil)

if you've got healthy probiotics [ _http://www.mnwp.org/s_labs/index.htm_

(http://www.mnwp.org/s_labs/index.htm) ] in your gut. My favourite food

product, Omegasentials[_http://www.mnwp.org/omega/index.htm_

(http://www.mnwp.org/omega/index.htm) ], contains all you need to fulfill your

daily omega-3

requirements.

Oregano is one of the most magical herbs in your garden. It is an

anti-inflammatory and a powerful antioxidant. The best form of oregano is

probably the

essential oil, however, you can find oregano in capsules. TAKE WITH FOOD. The

wild form of oregano contains 31 known anti-inflammatories, 28 antioxidants,

and four known COX-2 inhibitors.

Quercetin is a bioflavonoid compound that blocks the release of histamine

and other anti-inflammatory agents at supplemented doses; a minimum 100 mg per

day.

Probiotics help clean up fungus in the gut. There are formulas

_http://www.mnwp.org/s_labs/index.htm_ (http://www.mnwp.org/s_labs/index.htm)

that are

even more specific against candida/yeast. (Sedona Labs now calls their

candid/yeast formula iFlora for Women _http://www.mnwp.org/s_labs/index.htm_

(http://www.mnwp.org/s_labs/index.htm) ). Additionally, probiotics help turn

your

flax oil (linoleic acid) into DHA and EPA, natural anti-inflammatories.

Pycnogenol is a powerful antioxidant that reduces osteoarthritis pain. A

recent German study published in Biomedicine and Pharmacotherapay (Vol. 60),

discovered that it inhibited significantly the COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes within

30

minutes of taking the supplement. [Nutra

_http://www.nutraingredients.com/news/ng.asp?id=65624-pycnogenol-arthritis_

(http://www.nutraingredients.com/news/ng.asp?id=65624-pycnogenol-arthritis) ]

Rosemary is a common kitchen herb is rich in ursolic acid. In laboratory

experiments, researchers found that the ursolic acid extract of rosemary was a

potent inhibitor of Cox-2 activity. The daily dosage is 100 mg.

St. John's wort is better known for its antidepressant effect, but this herb

also has anti-inflammatory properties. Researchers from the University of

Frieburg, Germany discovered that hypericin, one of the phytochemical in St.

John's wort, inhibited NF-kB, which activates pro-inflammatory genes.

Silymarin is the antioxidant extract of milk thistle. Studies have shown

that it inhibits Cox-2 formation. This role of silymarin might explain why

earlier studies found it to inhibit the growth of prostate, breast, and skin

cancers. Daily dosage is 100-200 mg.

Systemic Enzymes are used by many people with chronic inflammation. Systemic

enzymes fight inflammation, fibrosis (scar tissue), and viruses; modulate

the immune system; and cleanse the blood. Wobenzyme, Rutozyme, and ArthroZyme

are just three products containing admixtures of systemic enzymes. Below are mo

re systemic enzymes and their actions.

· Bromelain is the name of a group of powerful protein-digesting,

(proteolytic) enzymes that are found in the pineapple plant. These enzymes are

anti-inflammatory and have been proven to suppress the inflammation and pain

of many forms of arthritis, sports injuries, and joint conditions.

· Papain is also used to remove fibrin from wounds, treating

jellyfish, insect stings, and edemas. It is a powerful inflammatory that

accelerates wound healing, swelling, and adhesions after surgery.

· Serrapeptase also known as Serratia peptidase, is a proteolytic

enzyme found naturally in the intestine of the silkworm, which is used by the

silkworm to dissolve the cocoon and emerge as a moth. It is a powerful an

anti-inflammatory agent, used for bruises, for fibrocystic breast disease,

bronchitis (loosens and expels mucous), edema, and lupus.

 

· Serrapeptase [_http://www.mnwelldir.org/docs/reviews/SP-Zyme.htm_

(http://www.mnwelldir.org/docs/reviews/SP-Zyme.htm) ] digests dead tissue,

blood clots, cysts, and arterial plaque. The late German physician Dr. Hans

Nieper used serrapeptase to treat arterial blockage in his coronary patients.

In addition to its anti-inflammatory abilities, serrapeptase reduces pain.

Physicians throughout Europe and Asia have been using serrapeptase for years,

especially as an alternative to COX2 inhibitors, NSAIDS, ibuprofen, and

aspirin.

You can read our review of the best form of Serrapeptase we've found:

SP-Zyme [_http://www.mnwelldir.org/docs/reviews/SP-Zyme.htm_

(http://www.mnwelldir.org/docs/reviews/SP-Zyme.htm) ].

Wild yam (Dioscorea villosa) contains plant estrogens that might help

suppress the symptoms of menopause. It is also an anti-inflammatory herb,

useful in

joint pain; is anti-spasmodic which seems to help in Irritable Bowel

Syndrome; and it is a bitter herb that stimulates digestion and supports the

liver

function. Wild yam is contraindicated if you are taking HRT or are pregnant or

nursing or taking birth control pills.

Yarrow and has an aspirin effect, and is a pain reliever and

anti-inflammatory herb. Used for muscle spasms and is a good wound healer. Do

not take if

you are taking aspirin. Works like white willow. Helps blood coagulate, unlike

aspirin which prevents clotting. Both yarrow and birch should not be used if

you are allergic to aspirin.

Back to the Basics

I can hear some of you chomping at the bit. Yes, we’re going to get to the

root cause of this root cause.

Chronic Inflammation has a root cause. And it all comes down to one thing,

which was stated in our paper: The Lost History of Medicine

_http://www.mnwelldir.org/docs/terrain/lost_history_of_medicine.htm_

(http://www.mnwelldir.org/docs/terrain/lost_history_of_medicine.htm)

A healthy body has a pH of 7.0 and a negative electrical charge.

The overall solution to the problem of chronic inflammation is three fold:

Alkalize, alkalize, alkalize. As Dr Baroody’s book says: Alkalize or Die.

There are no secrets in wellness, only things we’re just not fully aware of.

 

Detox your system. Detox your life.

Electrolyzed water is a good start. Eat superfoods and basic greens. Get “

good fats†into your body, the omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids, or again, my

favorite food: Omegasentials _http://www.mnwp.org/omega/index.htm_

(http://www.mnwp.org/omega/index.htm) . Get rid of all vinegars except apple

cider

vinegar or coconut vinegar. Toss out all cooking oils except for coconut and

palm

oil. Blow up your microwave.

I was once planning to write a book entitled: How To Cure Incurable

Diseases. Well, this is it: Detox and rebuild your body using whole organic

foods.

Get alkalized and stay alkalized. Make sure your diet consists of the basic

building blocks. Run barefoot in grass and on beaches. Fall in love. Play often.

 

That’s it. Shortest book on earth.

References & Further Reading

Chronic Inflammation and Cancer, Oncology Vol 16, No 2 (February 2002)

_http://www.cancernetwork.com/journals/oncology/o0202d.htm_

(http://www.cancernetwork.com/journals/oncology/o0202d.htm)

Mairi Rossm, Chronic Inflammation – Rocking the Medical World

_http://www.sedonalabs.com/news/HMinflammation.html_

(http://www.sedonalabs.com/news/HMinflammation.html)

Inflammation: Chronic Protocol

_http://www.health-marketplace.com/p-Inflammation.htm_

(http://www.health-marketplace.com/p-Inflammation.htm)

Aging and Inflammation

_http://lifeextensionvitamins.com/agandin.html_

(http://lifeextensionvitamins.com/agandin.html)

_Fats_ (http://www.med.und.nodak.edu/depts/surgery/nutrition/fats.htm)

Craig RP. The quantitative evaluation of the use of oral proteolytic enzymes

in the treatment of sprained ankles. Injury 1975 May

Fisher JD, Weeks RL, Curry WM, Hrinda ME, Rosen LL. Effects of an oral

enzyme preparation, Chymoral, upon serum proteins associated with injury (acute

phase reactants) in man. J Med 1974

France LH. Treatment of injuries with orally administered Varidase as

compared to Chymoral and Tanderil. Praxis 1968 May

Gal P, Ted F, Skotakova J, Mach V. Systemic enzyme therapy in the treatment

of supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children. Rozhi Chir 1998 Dec

Hingorani K. Oral enzyme therapy in severe back pain. Br J Clin Pract 1968

May

Mazzone A, Catalani M, Constanzo M, Drusian A, Mandoli A, Russo S, Guarini

E, Vesperini G. Evaluation of Serratia peptidase in acute or chronic

inflammation of otorhinolaryngolog pathology: a multicentre, double-blind,

randomized

trial versus placebo. J Int Med Res 1990

Mazzone A, et al. Evaluation of Serratia peptidase in acute or chronic

inflammation of otorhinolaryngolog pathology: a multicentre, double-blind,

randomized trial versus placebo. J Int Med Res 1990

Petry, Judy J. " Nutritional supplements and surgical patients " AORN Journal

1997 June

Kelly, G.S. " Bromelain: A Literature Review and Discussion of Its

Therapeutic Applications. " Alternative Medicine Review 1996 Nov

Metzig, C et al Bromelain Proteases reduce human platelet aggregation in

vitro, adhesion to bovine endothelial cells and thrombus formation in rat

vessels in vivo. In Vivo 1999 Jan-Feb

Starley, I.F.; Mohammed, P.; Schneider, G.; Bickler, SW. The treatment of

pediatric burns using topical papaya. Burns 1999 Nov

Thomas M. Newmark and Paul Shulick, authors of Beyond Aspirin: Nature's

Answer to Arthritis, Cancer & Alzheimer's Disease (Holm Press, Prescott,

Arizona,

2000)