One of the hottest topics of medical research is inflammation and why it may be the culprit in some of the most debilitating diseases. Inflammation generates free radicals, which damage cell membranes, DNA, and cellular machinery. It is believed that inflammation is such an energy drain that the body defers maintaining and regenerating its cells. The result is aging and disease.
Heart Attacks and Strokes
Although it is not proven that inflammation causes cardiovascular disease, inflammation is common for heart disease and stroke patients. Simply, the body may perceive the build up of fatty deposits in your arteries as a foreign body and in the process of defending itself; incite a heart attack or stroke. Much like having a splinter in your finger, if it is not removed the surrounding area will become red, inflamed and painful.
Alzheimer’s Disease
Studies show a correlation between a substance (amyloid beta protein) and Alzheimer’s. Inflammation may cause the “pump” that removes the protein from the brain to malfunction. This in turn, may be the cause of Alzheimer’s.
Autoimmune Disorders (Arthritis, Lupus, Crohn’s, Colitis, MS)
Strong evidence suggests a correlation between chronic inflammation in the digestive system due to leaky gut. This may set the stage for an autoimmune disease. An unhealthy digestive track allows undigested food particles to pass into the blood stream. The immune system incorrectly reacts to these undigested particles. Over time, a cross reaction occurs where the immune system begins to think your own cells are similar to the undigested food particles and starts to attack itself.
Cancer
A substantial body of evidence supports the conclusion that chronic inflammation can predispose an individual to cancer. Chronic inflammation overwhelms the body to such an extent that it is not able to use its own defense against newly formed cancer cells. Inflamed tissue is more likely to host tumors than tissue not in a combative state.
Preventing Inflammation
One of the most immediate plans of action is reform your diet. – A diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and low in inflammatory foods such as simple sugars and unhealthy fats can reduce inflammation.
Foods to avoid: Alcohol, Sugar, Vegetable based cooking oil, Fried foods, Commercially Processed Red meat, refined grains and overly processed food. Substitute Honey, Olive or coconut oil, free-range poultry, grass fed red meat, whole grains and herbal teas.
For more detailed information and a personalized diet plan, please schedule an appointment with our nutritional specialists at Active Health. Our medical professionals can customize a diet based your tastes and lifestyle.
Resources:
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Inflammation-and-Heart-Disease_UCM_432150_Article.jsp
http://preventdisease.com/news/09/040709_understanding_disease.shtml
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090708181204.htm
http://www.niams.nih.gov/health_info/autoinflammatory/default.asp
http://www.cancernetwork.com/review-article/chronic-inflammation-and-cancer#sthash.4BtJHYfl.dpuf