Chronic Stress and the Problems It Can Cause

Chronic stress has the ability to cause all types and variances of physical and mental problems. The impact too much stress can have on a person’s life can really take a toll on his or her overall health and well-being. It is important to get a handle on your stress before it is able to trigger issues with your health. If you are already struggling with too much added pressure in your life, certain lifestyle changes need to be implemented to keep any problems from progressing.

Stress is not always a bad thing. In fact, we need some levels or stress in our lives but when we are experiencing too much stress that is when problems can arise. Stress management expert, Elizabeth Scott, M. S., states that our bodies were made to handle acute stress but not chronic stress. “Chronic stress results from a state of ongoing physiological arousal. This occurs when the body experiences stressors with such frequency or intensity that the autonomic nervous system does not have an adequate chance to activate the relaxation response on a regular basis.”

It is not only our personal lives that induce our health concerns, our career, environments and traumatic events could also be major factors in why people succumb the side effects of chronic stress. When a person is unable to effectively manage the stress they are experiencing, it could lead to problems like headaches, anxiety, digestive issues, depression, weight gain, and various skin aliments. In reality, there are very few health problems that stress does not play a role in or exasperate to some degree.

Besides the body’s response to stress which we can easily see in the form of physical and mental ailments, we also are experiencing an internal reaction. When we are feeling stressed out, the body’s adrenal glands release cortisol and DHEA, both play a role in carbohydrate, lipid and protein metabolism. If an abnormal amounts of cortisol and DHEA are released, our bodies could have a tougher time managing chronic illnesses.

If you think any of the chronic physical or mental problems you are experiencing are related to an overload of stress, the Salivary Adrenal Stress Profile administered by ALCAT Worldwide may help you determine if your health is suffering because of the added pressure your body is constantly feeling. Procedures for the test, which observes the effects too much stress is having on a person’s adrenal glands, are very simple and include several saliva samples taken at different parts of the day. Anyone who has been suffering from a long-term medical condition should consider the Salivary Adrenal Stress Profile to ensure that his or her adrenal glands are performing healthily to successfully manage stress.

What To Know About Food Intolerance Symptoms

People often confuse and interchange the terms “food allergy” and “food intolerance” but there are distinct differences between the two, including what symptoms are presented, that everyone should be aware of to be better informed about the health concerns and signs associated with both.

When someone is allergic to a certain food or foods, an offensive response in their immune system is triggered to fight off the food it mistakes for a threat and reactions to this threat can affect the whole body. When someone is intolerant to a certain food or foods, their body is unable to properly digest what is causing the intolerance and is followed by symptoms that usually affect the stomach and digestive system.

Other major differences between the two are symptoms for food allergies usually come on suddenly, and an allergic reaction can be triggered by even the smallest amount or trace of food. Also, a food allergy can be life threatening because symptoms can include a sudden drop in blood pressure, difficulty swallowing or breathing or anaphylaxis.

However, symptoms of a food intolerance are not life-threatening and they are known to gradually develop over time. Usually symptoms of a food intolerance begin hours after the food is consumed, and can last for hours or days. Symptoms of a food intolerance have even showed up in some cases 48 hours after the trigger food was consumed. People with food intolerances may also still be able to eat foods, in very small amounts, that cause a intolerant-like reaction because it may only happen if a lot of a certain food is consumed.

This makes food intolerances much more difficult to diagnose than a food allergy.

Also unlike food allergies there is a possibility for a person’s tolerance to improve. Once a food intolerance is identified and eliminated from a diet, the person who was once affected by the trigger may no longer experience intolerant symptoms after they reintroduce the food.

Food intolerances are much more common than food allergies and it is also not unlikely for someone to have an intolerance to more than one type of food or food groups. While the symptoms for a food allergy and a food intolerance may overlap slightly, people who suffer from food intolerances may have general symptoms that can be mistaken for other ailments like irritable bowel syndrome or other gastrointestinal problems.

The following are some common symptoms that can be attributed to a food intolerance:

• Asthma-like Symptoms: Some people who suffer from a food intolerance have asthma-like symptoms when they are exposed to the trigger food including problems breathing normally.
• Digestive Issues: A food intolerance can trigger a number of problems with a person’s digestive system including nausea, gas, bloating, diarrhea, cramps and vomiting.
• Headaches/Migraines
• Heartburn
• Irritability
• Rapid Breathing
• Skin Reactions: Food intolerances do not always cause symptoms that are just internal. They also have the capability to be reflected by symptoms that appear on the skin. Conditions like eczema, rosacea, and even acne can all be triggered by a food you didn’t even know you were intolerant to.

• Sweating

Skin Disorders and Food Intolerance

Symptoms of food sensitivity or intolerance can appear in many forms. Most people expect when they have a sensitivity or intolerance to a certain food or foods, that they will experience a lot of internal problems, such as inflammation or issues with digestion. However, a lot of people don’t understand that the problems they are experiencing externally - with their skin for example - could also have a direct correlation to the foods they are consuming. Having the ALCAT Test completed can help identify which foods are causing you to not only suffer on the inside, but on the outside as well.

There are various skin problems and diseases, like eczema or rosacea, which occur because of the body’s response to an abnormality in the immune system. This response often leads to inflammation and irritation of the human body’s biggest organ- the skin. Certain foods have been shown to be directly linked to have a negative effect on certain people’s immune systems. These foods end up leaving them with itchy, irritating, and unsightly rashes and skin disorders all because of a food or drink they consumed that their body has been deemed sensitive to.

Due to the fact that many of these skin conditions and diseases have no known cure, people are searching for a way to manage their lives while living with these issues. After the ALCAT Test determines which food are triggers for your skin ailments, you can start preventing flare-ups by sticking strictly to a diet which avoids the ingredients that cause an inflammatory response within your body. Numerous studies have shown a large percentage of those who have taken the ALCAT Test and received their food-intolerance and sensitivity results, have had noticeable improvements in the symptoms that appear on their skin.

More and more people are beginning to wade into the waters of food intolerance and sensitivity knowledge in order to get to the bottom of their health problems. Health care experts in all fields have been recommending the ALCAT Test to their patients in an effort to determine which foods could be behind their ailments. Skin care specialists are also touting the benefits of eliminating dietary factors that could cause an external reaction. These specialists are also referring patients to the ALCAT Test as a result of their first hand experience.

In addition to those in the medical field recommending the ALCAT Test, a testimonial from Annett Müller, whose two-year-old daughter was suffering from atopic dermatitis, also showcases how effective the test can be in helping to reduce or completely stop some skin symptoms. Annett’s daughter’s condition was a moderate case that was spreading over her face, and affecting her sleep. After only two months of following the results Annett received from her daughter’s ALCAT Test, the toddler’s skin condition was almost completely relieved, and she was able to sleep through the night.

A lot of the problems we exhibit on the outside of our bodies have been directly linked to what is happening on the inside. What we put into our bodies is reflected in our appearance, which is why it is important to determine which foods may have a negative impact on your health. Help keep your skin clear of health problems with your ALCAT Test results that show you exactly what you should - and should not - be eating.

Lose Weight By Understanding Your Food Sensitivities

Weight loss and the holiday seasons are two things you thought you would never hear in the same sentence.  If you were told it is possible to lose weight during the holidays, would you believe it?  Probably not, right?  Well it is more than possible, and it is all thanks to recent studies regarding food sensitivities.  

For the longest time people were under the impression that food allergies were the cause of certain health issues.  It was even thought that someone was allergic to a food if it didn’t agree with them.  Wesley Burks, MD, division chief of pediatric allergy and immunology at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina said it best, “You can’t eat cheese, feel sick and claim a food allergy, but then turn around and enjoy ice cream and feel okay”.  Well, thanks in part to recent food studies looking into the reactions foods go through during digestion, food sensitivities have been discovered.  

Food sensitivities are much more common than food allergies, you just don’t know that they are there.  Or do you?  If you have ever suffered from bloating, headaches, stomach pains, gas, swelling, etc., it most likely has been due to a food sensitivity to something that you have eaten within the past few hours.  Food sensitivities are definitely responsible for that unwanted weight gain as well as numerous other health concerns.  The cause behind the unwanted weight gain and other unpleasant health issues...inflammation in the gut or intestines.

So how does understanding food sensitivities help you lose weight?  Foods which you experience sensitivities to are preventing you from achieving that optimal level of health and weight.  By molding a diet around your food sensitivities, the body will begin functioning the way it should, side-effect free.  Increased metabolism, less fatigue, more energy are all possible after identifying which sensitivities you are affected by.  How are you supposed to mold a diet around food when you don’t know which foods negatively affect you?  It really doesn't have to be as complicated as it seems.  Of course you can go through an elimination diet over a period of a couple weeks to help rule out certain foods that are making you gain weight.  Although, there is a much quicker and more precise way.  It is called a food sensitivity test.

A food sensitivity test can precisely uncover exactly which foods are causing the inflammation which we now know causes a variety of other health issues. A simple blood test, analyzed in a lab, will provide you results to help you develop the diet that best suites your sensitivities.  ALCAT Worldwide offers such a test and it has helped numerous patients return to a healthy, symptom-free lifestyle.  Take advantage of the opportunity in front of you now before the “eating season” begins and you end up in another weight battle.

Gut Inflammation: Friend or Foe?

In 2004, TIME Magazine released an article “Health: TheFires Within”. This submission talks about inflammation and how it is meant to protect the body from infectious diseases. The author also mentions potential links to: inflammation gone awry and the possibility of diseases like Alzheimer’s, heart attack, colon cancer and a host of other diseases.

Now, 10 years later, it is believed to be that testing for food intolerance can assist in uncovering the cause for inflammation. Our body’s primary immune response, Inflammation, is our natural defense system from infectious bacteria. As soon as the body detects bad bacteria knocking at the door, the area affected becomes inflamed preventing the bacteria from spreading elsewhere. However, Inflammation doesn’t only occur at injury sites. Believe it or not, your gut can become inflamed due to a food intolerance, which affects nearly 80% of the U.S. population. This gut inflammation plays a major role in side effects such as digestive disorders, migraines, obesity, aching joints etc. that majority of Americans deal with on a daily basis.

By identifying which foods you are intolerant of, or in more rare cases allergic to, we can greater understand the reason why the symptoms you are suffering from occur. There are many ways to be tested for food intolerances, although there is one that stands above the rest. The ALCAT Test, provided by Cell Science Systems, makes use of the use of the ROBOCat II instrument, an automated liquid handling system designed to measure white blood cells, the ALCAT Test measures reactions of white blood cells using the electronic principle of particle counting and sizing.

Together, along with the assistance provided by the ALCAT Test, we can hopefully begin to significantly reduce if not eliminate the symptoms you are suffering from. Based on which foods you are intolerant to, a diet customized solely for you can developed. Staying away from your trigger foods will allow you to live healthier and more importantly feel healthier with less holding you back. Remember, inflammation is our body protecting itself from something it doesn’t like so listen to what your body is telling you when experiencing those pesky side-effects. There is something triggering that stomach pain or headache, time to find out what it is!

Pro Athletes Use The ALCAT Test To Score

We find ourselves at the beginning of February in a bit of a professional sports doldrums. College Football has ended, the Super Bowl has passed, The NBA is barely at it's halfway point, Spring Training hasn't picked up quite yet, and we're still a month away from the madness that comes with College Basketball in March. This is the time of year that fans and athletes both, may become a bit lazy.

For some however, this lull in the action is the perfect opportunity to improve their game in some non-traditional ways. Chief of which, is a change in their diet.

The ALCAT Test & Athletes

It should be no secret that professional athletes require the highest standard of nutrition. Their bodies are larger, stronger, and crave more energy than the average office worker's. However, as we know, everyone's body is different. Even with team-prescribed diet plans, these men and women may be harming their performance if they aren't aware of their own food sensitivities.

The ALCAT Test has been utilized by Joe Rowgowski, the former head Strength and Conditioning coach for the NBA's Orlando Magic, and currently with the Houston Rockets, for years. According to Joe, "I've seen very good results with the ALCAT Test, and often recommend it to the athletes I work with."

One of those athletes, was shooting guard J.J. Reddick.

"Diet plays a key role in reaching peak performance, the ALCAT Test showed me what foods were right for me," said Reddick.

It isn't only NBA players that are taking notice, though. Over in Major League Baseball, one particularly high profile player has used the ALCAT Test to drop 20 pounds. David Ortiz of the Boston Red Sox said "the results have been almost immediately noticeable," and "I can feel a difference when I swing a bat and when I work out, I don't get as tired."

Former NBA Super-star Grant Hill has also gone on record in his support of using the right tools to determine his optimal nutritional intake:


These athletes are the best of the best at what they do. They value any kind of edge that they can gain over their competition. The ALCAT Test helps to identify which foods and nutrients will help them perform at the highest level, and it can do the same for you. Whether you're gearing up for the company's annual 5K run, or just trying to avoid the chronic symptoms that result from inflammation, head over to the Cell Science Systems website to find a medical professional near you who can help administer the ALCAT Test.

Who Recommends The ALCAT Test?

When discussing a food sensitivity test, such as The ALCAT Test, one of the first things potential patients wonder is how legitimate the test is. Perhaps it's all fluff, or a scam that doesn't deliver results that are any different from a standard take-home allergy test.

For the past three decades, Cell Science Systems has been working with an international network of medical professionals who have seen they kind of changes that The ALCAT Test has brought forth in their clients. Many of them have even posted blogs about their personal experiences, some of which we have compiled here for you to peruse.

Dietitians, MD's & Pharmacists Recommend The ALCAT Test

Kristina LaRue is a registered dietitian from Orlando, FL. Although a nutritional professional, she struggled with her own digestive issues for some time, before taking The ALCAT Test for herself. Kristina discovered a variety of food intolerances, and adjusted her diet accordingly. You can read all about her journey here:
http://www.loveandzest.com/2013/06/why-i-had-to-change-my-diet.html

Dr. Desmond Ebanks goes into depth discussing his experiences with food sensitivities. He admits to not learning about them during medical school, as well as acknowledges his colleagues' initial aversion to the idea. However, he then details some specific cases in which patients of his benefited from utilizing the information that they received in their ALCAT Test results:
http://alternityhealthcare.com/2013/05/21/food-medicine-or-poison/

Graham MacKenzie is a registered pharmacist, and has experience with all manners of food sensitivity and allergy tests. In his blog post, he describes what makes The ALCAT Test different from traditional "skin prick" tests, and explains what kinds of symptoms may be relieved with a change in diet:
http://stonespharmasave.com/blog/?p=220

These are just three quick resources you can reference when researching just what The ALCAT Test is all about. Our network of physicians and practitioners spans across multiple continents, so the chances of a doctor in your area who recommends The ALCAT Test in their practice are relatively high. To get started finding one near you, follow this link:
https://www.alcat.com/alcattesting.php

CSS Announces New Gut Health Profile (GHP)!

Cell Science Systems has developed the ONLY gut health profile that evaluates the gastrointestinal (GI) tract on a genetic, antibody, and cellular level.

The Gut Health Profile (GHP) consists of the following tests:

GENETIC:

HLA-DQ2.5 and HLA-DQ8

ANTIBODY:

Total Serum IgA

Tissue Transglutaminase Antibody (tTG)
Deamidated Gliadin Peptide (DGP)

Anti-Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Antibody (ASCA)

CELLULAR:

Alcat Food Sensitivity/Intolerance Panel

Why is our Gut Health Profile (GHP) Important?

·         70-80% of the immune system is in the gut

·         GI disorders affecting almost 2 in 5 Americans

·         IBS affects up to 20% of the population

·         Crohn’s & Ulcerative Colitis affects up to 5-7% of the population

·         Celiac Disease affects between 1-3% of the population

·         Functional Dyspepsia and Constipation affects up to 15% of the population

Common Questions

Q: Is this a blood Test?

A: Yes, if you are ordering the full Gut Health Profile, 3 tubes of blood need to be drawn

Q: What if I am already gluten-free?

A: If you are already gluten-free, your antibody levels will not be accurate. We have created a GENETIC-ONLY portion of the Gut Health Profile (GHP) that contains a simple buccal swab.

Q. Is there a difference between Celiac Disease and Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity?

A. Yes. Non-celiac gluten sensitive individuals are sensitive to or intolerant of gluten grains and related grain proteins and frequently show gastrointestinal symptoms similar to, but less severe, than those in Celiac Disease.

Another important fact to remember is that gluten related disorders are on a spectrum as stated by world expert Alessio Fasano, MD. He says “Imagine gluten ingestion on a spectrum. At one end, you have people with celiac disease, who cannot tolerate one crumb of gluten in their diet. At the other end, you have the lucky people who can eat pizza, beer, pasta and cookies – and have no ill effects whatsoever. In the middle, there is a murky area of gluten reactions, including gluten sensitivity.”

Where do you fall? Take our new Gut Health Profile (GHP), to find out!

What Do My ALCAT Results Mean?

What Do Your ALCAT Test Results Look Like?

The results of your ALCAT test are delivered in an easy to read, color-coded format. But before we get to what these colors mean, let’s discuss what comes along with your ALCAT test results. Each individual’s packet comes with an “Understanding Your ALCAT Test Result” booklet. This booklet is recommended as the first thing to read, in order to understand what you’re looking at. In case you’ve misplaced it, the information is also on ourwebsite. Along with the booklet, you will also notice a wallet-sized card that highlights your most sensitive foods. It is recommended you keep this card handy at all times (while grocery shopping, dining out, etc).

Moving on, your ALCAT test results are divided into 4 colored sections; red, orange, yellow and green. The RED section outlines your most severe sensitivities, the ORANGE section outlines your moderate reactions, the YELLOW section outlines your mild reactions, and the GREEN section outlines your non-reactive or “safe” foods.

It is recommended you remove the items in the RED column from your diet for a MINIMUM of 6 months.

It is recommended you remove items listed in the ORANGE section for a MINIMUM of 3-6 months.

It is recommended to avoid, if possible, items in the YELLOW section for at least 3 months (especially if there are only a few items in your red and orange sections).

Foods listed in the GREEN section indicate no reaction, and can be eaten freely on a rotation basis - meaning no more than once every four days.

You will also notice 3 BLUE boxes on your Alcat test results. These boxes indicate your reaction to Candida, Gluten/Gliadin and Casein/Whey. If you show any reaction to any of three, the report will automatically remove any items for the acceptable food list (GREEN section) that would have relation to those items. For example, in the below report, you will notice a moderate reaction to casein and cow’s milk and goat’s milk in that blue box. Those items are listed because casein is in both of those items. 

You will also notice an asterisk next to certain items. The asterisk simply denotes your mild reactions.

Many of our first-time patients can be overwhelmed by some of their results, and neglect to take the time to fully comprehend what they might mean. Remember, there’s no substitute for health, and most of the time, your GREEN section will include far more foods that you do not show a reaction too, and may even offer new possibilities for meals that you have never considered before. If you have any questions, please contact us on our Facebook or Twitter accounts. Happy eating!

Top 5 Mistakes People Make Once They Receive Their ALCAT Test Results

It is not uncommon for us to receive many different questions once our customers receive their ALCAT Test results. Some of the more common ones can actually be answered within the packets of information provided with your results. We understand that all the paperwork can be a bit intimidating, but your body is a very complicated maze of systems. You wouldn't expect to be able to fly a fighter jet without reading the instruction manual, right?

Concentrate On The Green Column, Rather Than The Red.

Below are some of the more common mistakes people make when they first receive the results of their ALCAT Food Sensitivity Test:

1. Not Reading The Understanding Your Alcat Test Results Booklet: This booklet is provided in every test result to educate and give added information for best results using the Alcat test.  It is provided as a tool to help make the process of elimination, rotation and reintroduction easier. Though it may seem tedious to read the 51 page booklet, it will be worth it as you will understand how to use your Alcat results for the most benefit to your health.

2. Reintroducing More Than One Food At A Time: It is recommended to reintroduce one food into your diet at a time (once every 4 days) so you can isolate what food may still be causing reactions. For example, if you are reactive to Grape and Strawberry and reintroduce both on the same day, have a reaction, you would not know what food truly caused that reaction. If you introduce one food at a time and have a reaction, it is obvious that food is causing a reaction and should be removed for a longer period of time.

3. Only Looking At Your Foods: The Alcat tests for more than just food. It also tests food additives/colorings, chemicals, molds and herbs. One area that is often overlooked are skin care products including lotions, shampoo, conditioner, cosmetics, etc. You would be surprised as to how many different ingredients are in those products.

4. Not Reading Labels: Most people are not aware of what is in the products they use daily. After receiving your Alcat test results, it is recommended that you read every label of products you use/consume including but not limited to foods, cosmetics, cleaning products & body and hair care products.

5. Eating Items Not Tested For: It is recommended that you only eat items that were tested for and on your rotation plan. The largest food test panel is 200 foods. When someone eats foods that were not tested for, there is no way of knowing what type, if any reaction that food may be causing.

For other questions, please find us on Facebook, Twitter, Or send an e-mail to info@alcat.com

What You Don't Know About Inflmmation Can Quietly Kill You

You know the basics about inflammation. If you’ve ever been stung by an insect, fallen off your bike as a kid, broken out in hives, or come down with a nasty cold, then you know what acute inflammation is like. And you know that your body responds to this type of an “assault” in the form of bruising, swelling, itching, aches, and pains.

In simplest terms, inflammation is the body’s immediate first-aid reaction to heal itself from some type of damage caused by a virus, bacteria, fungus, environmental toxin, or an injury. Without the crucial process of inflammation, the body cannot restore itself in the face of damage.

Essentially, all inflammation starts in an acute phase. The body becomes damaged in some capacity due to a foreign agent, and it responds immediately to repair the damage. In many cases, this reaction goes undetected, or symptoms are so mild that they are even unnoticeable. Once the threat is gone, the body is able to go back to a non-emergency state—and the inflammation process turns off.

Inflammation becomes chronic when the body has to continuously fight off a repeated offender, such as, for instance, Candida, H.pylori, or heavy metal toxicity. At this point, the body’s inflammation process fails to shut down. When this occurs, the body is weakened over time because it is overstressed.

The inflammation process can be compared to a light bulb. When left on continuously, the light bulb will burn out a lot quicker than if it’s turned off during non-use. When the inflammation process fails to turn off, the immune system becomes compromised because it is simply overworked and overused. Once the immune system is compromised, ALL forms of chronic disease can occur—not just inflammatory diseases. That’s why diseases seemingly unrelated to inflammation occur. These include, but are certainly not limited to:

• Type 2 diabetes
• Obesity
• Cancer
• Heart Disease
• Stroke
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Parkinson’s disease
• Fibromyalgia
• Multiple sclerosis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Lupus
• And many others

So, while inflammation may not be the visible, obvious cause of these illnesses, it is the catalyst for chronic disease.

That’s why chronic inflammation is being labeled the 21st century’s silent killer. Unlike its acute form, chronic internal inflammation can occur undetected because it falls just below the radar of pain and visible swelling. You feel nothing, or you may experience vague, unexplained symptoms for which there are no conventional answers. Lab results may continue to come back normal leading you from doctor to doctor in frustration. And while you search for answers or even ignore your symptoms altogether, your body’s inflammation process carries on for weeks, months, or even years—which compromises your immune system.

Wellness is the absence of inflammation, according to Dr. Barry Sears, author of the The Anti-Inflammation Zone.¹ Simply put by Dr. Sears, if you have inflammation, you cannot be well. Chronic inflammation has become an epidemic in America, and it threatens to overburden the healthcare system and destroy many future lives with the most serious chronic, degenerative diseases.

The key to optimal health and disease prevention is to detect chronic inflammation and treat its root causes promptly and effectively. This may take time, and you and your doctor may have to do a bit of detective work to find out the true culprits of inflammation. You can proactively prolong your health—and your life—by preventing your body from entering into a state of chronic, untreated inflammation.

Testing for Chronic Inflammation

C-reactive protein is a solid indicator for disease potential. Interestingly, research reveals that chronic inflammation increases the level of C-reactive protein (CRP) in the blood. As such, the American Heart Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) jointly recommend using inflammatory markers such as CRP to assess heart disease and stroke risk.² Taking it a step further, high C-reactive protein levels may alert you to the potential for other diseases, not just heart disease and stroke.

CRP is a simple blood test. While the CRP test does not specifically diagnose a particular disease, it is a general marker of infection and inflammation that alerts medical professionals that further testing and treatment may be necessary.³ CRP tests can also tell you if you’re getting better, or if medical treatments and therapies are working. For instance, CRP levels decrease when aspirin is administered to cardiac patients.

What Can You Do to Stop Chronic Inflammation?

Protecting yourself against chronic disease requires changing the way you think about your health. Many people sacrifice their long-term health because they simply want their symptoms to go away, so they self-treat with over-the-counter medications from the local drug store instead of dealing with the underlying causes that assault their bodies on a continual basis.

The truth is there is no “overnight fix” for chronic inflammation. In order to effectively put a stop to chronic inflammation and the potential for future disease, you need to find the true, hidden culprits and either control or eradicate them altogether. Some of the culprits of chronic inflammation include:

• Fungi such as Candida.
• Bacteria (including but not limited to) H. Pylori (responsible for peptic ulcers) and Borrelia burgdorferi (responsible for Lyme disease).
• Viruses such as Hepatitis AE, Herpes, HIV, and Epstein Barr.
• Heavy Metal Toxicity (like mercury for instance, from "silver" dental fillings or mercury amalgams).
• Undiagnosed food allergies. Many people unknowingly suffer from lactose intolerance or gluten intolerance, or may be allergic to corn or soy (common ingredients found in many processed foods). Undiagnosed food allergies have the potential to cause severe, chronic inflammation.
• Environmental molds in the home or workplace. Occult (hidden) mold can trigger the inflammation response in people who are susceptible to the toxins produced by various molds.

Effective therapies to treat the underlying causes of chronic inflammation may take several weeks, months, or even years. While this may seem like “forever,” it is actually only a short period of time when it comes to increasing the quality of your overall health—and your lifespan.

Adequate treatment involves a multi-faceted approach of:

1. Eradicating foreign agents (viral, bacterial, fungal, and/or environmental). Therapies include the use of:

• Antifungal prescription medications such as Amphotericin B, Diflucan^®, Lamisil^®, Nizoral^®, Nystatin^®, Sporanox^®.
• Broad-spectrum antibiotics.
• Chelation therapy.
• Removal of mercury amalgam fillings.

2. Reducing the body’s inflammatory response. Common anti-inflammatory treatments include the use of:

• Prescription and over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Warning: These may increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and gastrointestinal bleeding, so discuss these risks with your healthcare professional.
• Systemic enzymes.

3. Resolving nutrient deficiencies caused by chronic inflammation and a compromised immune system. In particular, it is useful to:

• Restore the balance of intestinal flora with probiotics, especially for those who need to use antibiotics and antifungals to combat bacterial and fungal infections.
• Replace trace minerals. During chelation therapy, trace minerals should be replenished.
• Increase omega-3 by supplementing the diet with fish oil, nuts and seeds, and wild fish. 

4. Making dietary adjustments. Chronic inflammation is usually seen in people who have diets with an unbalanced ratio of omega-6 and omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFAs). Omega-3 EFAs will actually help to decrease the amount of internal inflammation, thereby helping you to avoid chronic conditions. The Standard American Diet severely lacks omega-3 derived from healthy sources such as  fish oil, wild fish and nuts and seeds. A healthy dietary balance between omega-6 and omega-3 should be 1:1. However, due to our highly processed American diet loaded with bad fats (trans fats), the ratio is 15:1 (and can be as high as 30:1 in some cases).

---

Cited Sources:

1. “Save Yourself from the Hidden Killer, Silent Inflammation,” MSNBC - http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6791181 - Accessed Sept. 2005
2. “Inflammation, Heart Disease and Stroke: The Role of C-reactive Protein,” American Heart Association - http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4648 - Accessed Sept. 2005
3. “C-reactive Protein (CRP)” WedMdHealth - http://my.webmd.com/hw/health_guide_atoz/tu6309.asp - Accessed Sept. 2005

Athlete, Author Cammi Granato Says Food Sensitivities Can Be Behind Chronic Health Problems

From the Vancouver Sun
By: Erin Ellis

 
Little Cammi Granato used to get headaches after she ate a ham sandwich and canned soup for lunch.


A headache? From soup? That’s doesn’t make sense, her mother told her.


That was the ’70s, but now a lot of people know that sulphite and nitrite preservatives in processed foods and prepared meats — that innocent ham sandwich — can make them feel sick.


The grown-up Cammi Granato, now 41, became an elite athlete, leading the U.S. women’s hockey team in the 1998 and 2002 Olympics. She wonders how she would have felt if she’d known more about what’s in her food years ago.

“The differences are mind-boggling how much food can really affect a little person. And I think back to when I was younger and how it affected me because I didn’t change my diet until I was much older.”


It wasn’t just the headaches, she had eczema, sores in her mouth and felt tired. She credits giving up all milk-based food, including yogurt, with clearing the symptoms and giving her more energy.


“I had no idea that the fatigue I was feeling for so long was due to the milk. It was crazy. It was an underlying fatigue that was always there, but as soon as I went off the yogurt. It just went away,” says Granato who now lives in North Vancouver with her B.C.-born husband Ray Ferraro, a broadcaster and 18-season NHL veteran.


“I wish I had all this information when I was still playing ... It was like the last piece of the puzzle.”


The picture of how food played into her life didn’t come into focus until Granato had her first son, Riley, who is now five. He had digestive trouble from the beginning, then recurring ear aches, restlessness and, as he grew older, nervous habits like incessant nail-biting and fitful sleep. Her friend Johanna Sedin, wife of Canucks team captain Henrik Sedin, recommended that she see a Vancouver nurse who’s made a career out of helping people find out what foods are hurting them.

Margaret Evans, author of a book released this spring called Could It Really be Something They Ate?, says it’s an area that’s grudgingly gaining support from some scientists, but is readily accepted by parents who sometimes see a revolutionary change in their children.


Researchers around the world have confirmed a growth in the number of people with clinically proven allergies – that is, their immune systems produce antibodies after contact with an allergen like food or pollen. The result is an allergic reaction: tight throat, swollen lips and tongue, rashes and difficulty breathing. Between four and six per cent of young children and three to four per cent of adults have a proven allergy, Health Canada reports.

But up to 38-per-cent of the population will say they have a food allergy, according to an extensive European review of the evidence funded by the EU.

The difference may be explained by a food intolerance or sensitivity that’s severe enough to cause symptoms, but does not create antibodies in the blood or produce a skin reaction commonly used to diagnose an allergy,


“These are the ones that are most tremendously on the rise,” says Evans, who blames processed foods and the over-use of antibiotics for many of the health problems she sees in clients who consult her about their diets.


She delved into the topic after years of coping with her own her digestive problems and those of her children. First, she had a screaming infant with green bowel movements who could not be settled. Then other babies who developed infections, diarrhea, stomach pain and irritability as they grew — all signs she now recognizes as food intolerance. Evans eventually took the whole family off all dairy products — no milk or cheese — then stopped her daughter from eating eggs and took wheat out of her youngest son’s diet.

“Within two weeks, the changes were nothing short of miraculous,” she writes in her book. “No more diarrhea. No more tummy aches. No more ear infections. No more fatigue and confusion.” All of her children are now adults, some with children of their own.


Evans says she has seen similar results in hundreds of clients after she conducts an exhaustive consultation listing their health history back to infancy, family health history and antibiotic use. She contends that the food at the root of the problem is generally something that the person eats everyday and probably craves as a comfort food in times of stress.


An example she sites is a nine-year-old boy who would only eat plain pasta and pizza crust with the sauce scraped off. He was diagnosed with autism, withdrew from playing with other children and had limited means of communication. As a last resort, his mother switched the pasta to rice pasta and changed the pizza crust to a gluten-free one. Within weeks, the boy began to speak in full sentences and expanded his diet to include fruits and vegetables.

Too good to be true? The trend toward a gluten-free, dairy-free diet to treat autism is such a big movement in Europe and North America that numerous researchers have tried to test its effectiveness. It’s usually called a gluten-free, casein-free diet, casein being the protein found in milk. A 2009 review of existing studies published in the journal Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders found no solid support for the diet and added that it can lead to poor nutrition and isolation because of its restrictiveness. (No pizza parties, for instance. No ice cream cones with friends.) But the authors also recommend using the diet for children with autism if their behaviour changed significantly because of it.


Then a study published in 2010 in the journal Nutritional Neuroscience found test scores improved enough in 26 autistic children in Denmark placed on a gluten-free, casein-free diet, that researchers switched over 29 other children in a control group who were not previously on the regimen.


The science behind the diet has been called the “opioid-excess theory” which says some people’s intestines are more permeable than others, allowing incompletely digested proteins which mimic natural opiates, endorphins, for instance, to enter the blood stream and disrupt normal behaviour of the nervous system. Also known as “leaky-gut syndrome” this theory has gained a wide popular following, but scientific research in the area is contradictory. A UK study published in 2008 found no elevated levels of opioids in the urine of 65 boys with autism.

For the general population, eggs, milk, soy and gluten ­— a protein found in wheat, rye and barley ­— are common causes of food sensitivities, says Evans, any food could be the culprit. She’s seen clients who had to stop eating chicken, tomatoes, potatoes, sugar, corn, raspberry jam and artificial colours.

In Granato’s case, she took eggs out of Riley’s diet and got rid of all dairy and wheat from family meals. They eat lots of fruits and vegetables, fewer processed food, more organic foods, especially meat. It had an unexpected side-effect of clearing up an intestinal inflammation that her husband had been treating with prescription medication for years.


“It’s hard (to change your diet),” says Granato, “but it’s harder to see them suffer.... Why would I want (my son) to have double ear infections, why would I want him to have anxiety, biting his nails, his nervous system in overdrive?


There’s just no reason to eat those things that trigger that.”

I've Got a "Gut" Feeling: Leaky Gut Syndrome

By Michelle Tonkin, ND

How many times have you heard the phrase “Listen to your gut” or “Go with your gut?” Your gut is symbolically the center of all right and wrong, and if it’s not considered when you make a decision, that decision can lead you to the wrong choice. Why is it that your gut seems to govern the rest of your body?

Most medical professionals would agree that if the gut is not healthy, the body isn’t either. In fact, many of them have come to the understanding that chronic disease begins with the gut, and Leaky Gut Syndrome is more common than people think.

What is Leaky Gut Syndrome?


Leaky Gut Syndrome (LGS) is the result of an imbalance of beneficial gut flora (more bad bacteria than good) that can result in reduced immunity and is present in most disorders of the GI tract.


When the cells of the small intestine become damaged, it can cause spaces within the small intestine to become larger. These microscopic holes allow food particles, bacteria, viruses, parasites, funguses, and yeast-like candida to flow freely into the bloodstream. The body sees these particles in the bloodstream as foreign invaders and goes on the offensive, producing antibodies to attack the intruders. This can result in the development of food allergies, environmental/chemical sensitivities, and ultimately, autoimmune disease processes.


Leaky Gut Syndrome Triggers


These are some common culprits that, over time, can be a causative factor in triggering leaky gut syndrome:


Drugs:


• Antibiotics

• NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, etc.

• Birth-control pills

• Steroid drugs

• Chemotherapeutic agents

• Antacids

Diet:

• A diet that is high in refined sugar and flour, processed foods, chemical food additives, caffeine, soda, or alcohol. These all can irritate the intestinal lining as well as overburden the liver and immune system.


Microorgan isms & Free Radicals:

• Various parasites, bacteria, mold and mycotoxins can damage the intestinal lining. The toxic byproducts set off immune responses which can further increase inflammation.

Nutrient Deficiencies:

• Zinc and vitamin B6 are needed to maintain intestinal wall integrity as well as produce hydrochloric acid.

• Vitamin A is needed to build healthy mucosal linings, including those of the intestines.

• The amino acid l-glutamine (found in protein) plays a part in the normal repair process of the intestines.


• Enzyme deficiencies to properly absorb and digest proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.

• Lack of beneficial bacteria needed to restore proper microbial balance.

Various Diseases and Disorders:

• Inflammatory conditions such as Crohn's Disease, Colitis, Celiac, and Pancreatitis can increase intestinal permeability. The increased intestinal permeability often aggravates these conditions.

• HIV/AIDS can also create a leaky gut as can the medications used to manage the disease.

• Candidiasis

• Cancers of the gastro intestinal tract

• Food allergies that cause an immune response along the gastro intestinal tract

• Liver disorders and poor liver function

• Bacterial conditions (eg. Lyme disease, recurring Streptococcus and Staphlococcus infections)


• Viral conditions (eg.Epstein Barr, mononucleosis, and herpes) place more burden on the immune system and the gut is a major player in the body’s immunity.

Healing Leaky Gut and Restoring Intestinal Integrity


There are many types of solutions to help restore your intestine and heal Leaky Gut Syndrome. Below are a few excellent examples.

Betaine HCL: Betaine hydrochloride, also known as hydrochloric acid (HCl) or stomach acid, helps the body digest foods such as protein and fats by breaking them apart. The stomach’s naturally low pH also destroys ingested bacteria and microorganisms and keeps the gut free of invaders.
However, without adequate stomach acid, these organisms can cause many types of infections and even pave the way for full-blown disease. Without adequate levels of HCl, proper absorption of protein, calcium, vitamin B12, and iron is dramatically decreased. Without the proper amount of stomach acid, even the healthiest of foods cannot be properly digested, which in turn can lead to serious health issues. Symptoms of low hydrochloric acid are:

• bloating or belching, especially after eating

• burning in the stomach, especially after eating

• fullness or heaviness in the stomach after eating

• nausea after eating or taking supplements

• intestinal gas

• indigestion

• bad breath

• diarrhea or constipation

• food allergies


• itching around the rectum


• weak or cracked fingernails


• dilated blood vessels in the cheeks or nose (in nonalcoholics)

• skin break-outs or acne


• iron deficiency

• chronic intestinal parasites

• undigested food in the stool

• chronic Candida infection


Bowel Cleansing: Periodic cleansing of the bowel and affiliated organs is essential to health. There are many bowel cleansers on the market today, from herbal to ozone. Most are safe, effective, and non-habit-forming. The best product I have found that works effectively as a bowel and internal cleanser is a magnesium-oxide product called Bioxy Cleanse. It is important to note that stool softeners, laxatives, and enemas are not considered cleanses. Colonics are also a great option especially when dealing with chronic constipation.


Colostrum: the second immune system: Colostrum is a newer recognized supplement on the market that has proven beneficial to the immune system. Colostrum is the pre-milk fluid produced from the mother's mammary glands during the first 72 hours after birth. It provides life-supporting immune and growth factors that ensure the health and vitality of the newborn. Research shows that colostrum has powerful natural immune and growth factors that help bring the body to a state of homeostasis, or well-being. Colostrum has also been shown to help support healthy immune function, and enables us to resist the harmful effects of pollutants, allergens, bacteria, and viruses.

Apart from mother’s milk, the only known viable source of colostrum is from cows (bovine). As we age, our bodies gradually produce less immune and growth factors that help our bodies fight off disease and heal damaged body tissue. Because of the HGH (human growth hormones) in colostrum, it has the ability to help with tissue repair and healing, and is especially helpful in cases of compromised intestinal tracks, like LGS.

Candida Cleansers: Cleansing the bowel of candida will help restore microbial balance in the intestinal tract, especially when one is dealing with candida overgrowth. There are many candida cleansers on the market today. The better ones usually have some or all of the following: grapefruit-seed extract, pau’d arco, olive leaf, oregano, berberine, caprylic acid, and garlic.

Enzymes: Enzymes are protein molecules that are present in all living things and contain two parts. The first part is protein, a long chain which contains hundreds of amino acids in a specific arrangement. The other part is a coenzyme, usually a vitamin or mineral (or it may contain a vitamin, or perhaps a molecule which has been created from a vitamin). The enzymes found in food are responsible for breaking down the food particles as well as the biochemical reactions that make them ripen.

There are two different types of supplemental enzymes available: animal and plant. Animal enzymes are derived from the pancreas of beef or pork. They do not spare the body’s own production of digestive resources and therefore the body must contribute a large amount of its own enzymes to help digest food, especially in the early stage of the digestion process.

Plant enzymes are preferable because they work in a broader pH range than animal enzymes and are able to predigest food in the stomach. They are also derived from a natural source and not potentially laden with the animal toxins. While manufacturers are careful to put back vitamins and minerals that are lost during food manufacturing, they do not replace the enzymes. Therefore, unless supplemental forms of enzymes are taken, our diets will continue to be deficient in these nutrients, which are essential for overall health.

Essential Fatty Acids: There are two classes of essential fatty acids: omega-3 and omega-6. Essential fatty acids, or EFAs are “essential” for health. A membrane composed of special types of fats surrounds each cell of our body. These EFAs come directly from the foods we eat.


EFAs are important to prevent many health problems including skin disorders, heart disease, arthritis, and PMS. They are also great at reducing inflammation in the body; this is critical for healing LGS. Most people do not take in enough essential fatty acids, so it becomes essential to supplement. Good sources of EFAs are flax oil, primrose oil, borage oil, and fish oils.

L-Glutamine: L-Glutamine is the most abundant free amino acid that circulates in the blood and skeletal muscles. This important amino acid is utilized in numerous vital functions and is required by our body for rapidly dividing cells, as well as repairing and restoring muscle and mucosal tissue. L- Glutamine plays an important part in intestinal integrity as it can help to tighten the intestinal holes caused by LG. Supplementation can be found in both capsules and powder. Powder is usually suggested as it covers the entire intestinal tract on its way down.


Probiotics (aka “friendly” bacteria, intestinal flora, beneficial bacteria): Our gastrointestinal tract houses more than 400 types of different microorganisms. These "friendly" microorganisms help protect our GI tract from "unfriendly" microorganisms, bacteria, parasites, viruses, yeasts, and fungi. They also act to improve immune system function, and have numerous health benefits.

The ratio of flora in the intestines should be of a ratio of 85 percent friendly bacteria to 15 percent harmful bacteria. Many of the chronically ill have the ratios reversed. Regular supplementation of a high-quality probiotic that contains numerous strains of living lactic acid bacteria will help produce good bacteria that encourages growth of a healthy colony of bacteria in the digestive tract. Research shows us that probiotics are of vital necessity as they:


• improve digestion and nutrient absorption

• dramatically improve human immune function

• protect against invasion of foreign pathogens and infectious agents

• enhance the immune system's ability to fight infections

• provide a main source of vitamin K


• lower cholesterol by metabolizing it

• control bowel toxicity and decrease the risk of bowel cancer

• reduce gas production by non-disease-producing microorganisms

• protect the body from the devastating effects of accumulated toxins


• produce short-chain fatty acids that are converted into energy

• help protect against unhealthy cholesterol buildup LGS can be controlled. Keep your entire body healthy by listening to your gut, and there will be no doubt you are making the right decision.


Michelle Tonkin, ND, CNC, MH, MI, MR, graduated with a degree in natural health and received a diploma for her Doctor of Naturopathy from Trinity College in 2005.

The Seven Stages of the "Inflamed" Leaky Gut

From Natural Solutions- September 2012


1. It cannot absorb nutrients properly and usually results in fatigue and bloating.

2. Large food particles pass through the lining and cause an autoimmune response. This results in food or environmental/chemical allergies or sensitivities.

3. The carrier proteins are damaged and cause nutrient deficiencies, which can also be the cause of many symptoms (eg. a magnesium deficiency may induce muscle spasms, a copper deficiency, or high cholesterol).

4. Chemical sensitivities can develop. This leakage of toxins can overburden the liver, and make the body less able to handle the elimination of chemicals/toxins.

5. The protective coating of IgA (immunoglobulins A) is adversely affected and the body is not able to ward off protozoa, bacteria, viruses, and yeasts, such as candida.

6. Bacteria and yeasts are able to trans-locate, meaning that they can pass from the gut lumen or cavity into the bloodstream. This enables the parasite to setup infection anywhere in the body.

7. The formation of antibodies can leak across and look similar to antigens on our own tissues. When an antibody is produced to attack it, it also attacks our tissue. The result is autoimmune disease.

For a list of suggested supplements and protocols, please visit naturalsolutionsmag.com, where we have created a special page with additional information.

The New Science Behind America's Deadliest Diseases

Written By: Laura Landro - The Wall Street Journal



What do heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer's, stroke and cancer have in common? Scientists have linked each of these to a condition known as chronic inflammation, and they are studying how high-fat foods and excess body weight may increase the risk for fatal disorders.

Inflammation is the body's natural response to injury and outside irritants. But when the irritants don't let up, because of a diet of high-fat foods, too much body fat and smoking, for example, the immune system can spiral out of control and increase the risk for disease. Experts say when inflammation becomes chronic it can damage heart valves and brain cells, trigger strokes, and promote resistance to insulin, which leads to diabetes. It also is associated with the development of cancer.

Much of the research on chronic inflammation has focused on fighting it with drugs, such as cholesterol-lowering statins for heart disease. A growing body of research is revealing how abdominal fat and an unhealthy diet can lead to inflammation. Some scientists are investigating how certain components in foods might help. Dietary fiber from whole grains, for instance, may play a protective role against inflammation, a recent study found. And dairy foods may help ease inflammation in patients with a combination of risk factors.

The Wall Street Journal Chronic inflammation is perhaps best understood in its relation to cardiovascular disease. The immune system's white blood cells rush to the arteries when the blood vessels are besieged by low density lipoprotein, or LDL—the "bad" cholesterol. The cells embed themselves in the artery wall and gobble up the invading cholesterol, causing damage to the arteries that can lead to heart attack or stroke.


"You need to have inflammation when you have a wound and the immune system goes in to heal it. Yet we don't want too much inflammation in our system causing damage to our arteries" and other harm, says Wendy Weber, a program director at the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, part of the National Institutes of Health.

One significant discovery concerns obesity and the ways it promotes inflammation. Fat cells, particularly those in the visceral fat that settles in the belly and around organs, were long thought merely to store excess weight. Instead, fat cells act like small factories to churn out molecules known as cytokines, which set inflammation in motion, says Peter Libby, chief of the division of cardiovascular medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston and a professor at Harvard Medical School.

"We've learned that abdominal fat tissue is a hotbed of inflammation that pours out all kinds of inflammatory molecules," Dr. Libby says. The most important step patients can take is to lose excess weight, which can reduce inflammation in a matter of weeks or months, he says.


A substance known as C-reactive protein, measured with a simple blood test, is an indicator of inflammation in the body. A report published in Archives of Internal Medicine in 2007, which analyzed results of 33 separate studies, found that losing weight can lower C-reactive protein levels. For each one kilogram, or 2.2 pounds, of weight loss, whether by dieting, exercise or surgery, the mean reduction in C-reactive protein among participants was 0.13 milligram per liter.


According to the American Heart Association, a C-reactive protein level of less than 1 mg/L indicates a low risk of cardiovascular disease, 1 to 3 mg/L indicates moderate risk, and greater than 3 mg/L equals high risk. Doctors increasingly are ordering the test for patients at moderate risk for heart disease.


At a meeting in Quebec City last week on abdominal obesity and its health risks, experts in cardiology, endocrinology, nutrition and related specialties presented a wide range of new research linking obesity to inflammation-related diseases.

A number of nutritionists and physicians have developed anti-inflammatory diets. Christopher Cannon, a Harvard professor of medicine, co-wrote "The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Anti-Inflammation Diet." Dr. Cannon says his recommended diet is based on both the Mediterranean diet and a Healthy Eating Pyramid developed at Harvard University. This encourages consuming whole-grain foods, unsaturated fats such as plant oils, fruits, vegetables, nuts, fish, poultry, eggs and moderate amounts of dairy foods. It also suggests avoiding as much as possible red meat, butter, sweets and white foods such as rice, potatoes and pasta.

Still, there is little evidence to support any specific diet to protect against inflammation, says Dr. Cannon. "If you weigh 300 pounds and eat healthy, the weight will still counter any beneficial foods you are eating," Dr. Cannon says.

The American Heart Association recommends consuming both omega-3 fatty acids, found in cold-water fish like salmon and canola oil, and omega-6 fatty acids, found in nuts, seeds and vegetable oils such as corn oil. But investigators are still studying the roles each may play in promoting or controlling inflammation.


In one study, researchers at Vanderbilt University are focusing on whether omega-3 fatty acids reduce the risk of colorectal cancers and diminish the production of inflammatory molecules. Principal investigator Harvey Murff says many Americans consume far more omega-6 fatty acids, and one aim is to determine a healthy balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

Greater dietary fiber consumption was associated with lower levels of C-reactive protein and other markers in the blood that signal inflammation, according to a new study involving nearly 600 adolescents published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. Norman Pollock, a researcher at Georgia Health Sciences University and a co-author of the study, says one explanation may be that fiber is associated with higher levels of a protein hormone that improves insulin sensitivity, which in turn lowers levels of inflammation.

A combination of nutrients found in dairy food may also help ease inflammation in patients at risk for heart disease, stroke and diabetes. In a 40-patient study published last year in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, patients who were given 3½ servings of dairy daily over 12 weeks showed reductions in several markers of inflammation compared with a group given just half a serving of dairy per day. The first group also showed reduced blood pressure. Michael Zemel, a co-author of the study and professor emeritus at the University of Tennessee's Department of Nutrition, says three daily servings of dairy containing whey and its nutrients could help guard against inflammation. He recommends low-fat milk or yogurt.

New research funded by the National Institutes of Health is looking at the relationship of diet, inflammation and cancer.

"Cancer is caused by many different processes and inflammation is one of them, and if you could inhibit that process it would be tremendously helpful," says Young S. Kim, program director in the Nutritional Science Research Group at the National Cancer Institute

Inflammation: Put Out The Fire That Consumes Your Health

by Sayan Sarkar


Inflammation is a condition that, to one degree or another, afflicts tens of millions of people nationwide. As an isolated occurrence, inflammation is an appropriate response your body employs to address injury or infection. When inflammation becomes persistant, however, that’s a cause for concern.

Inflammation is a major underlying factor in chronic conditions such as arthritis or poor digestive health, resulting in serious discomfort and a limited lifestyle. In other instances, inflammation is a periodic byproduct of stress and the proverbial wear-and-tear of living. At times we tax our bodies excessively, causing joint pain and decreased mobility. And yet, there are occasions where the stressful demands of work and family—the unexpected obstacles that are symptoms of financial and personal hardship, unhealthy diet, and too little sleep—manifest themselves through inflammation.

Think of inflammation as a catchall for a variety of things (some of them serious, some of them less worrisome) where there is a distinctive set of causes. The challenge rests with finding an effective solution, which is practical, convenient, and affordable. Concerning these three points, there is a world of difference between products with extravagant claims and brands that commit to fight the epidemic known as inflammation.

The consequences of both nature and nurture—the genetic vulnerabilities we each possess, intensified by the (poor) decisions we make—contribute to inflammation. Our duty is to recognize the severity of this issue and take action for the betterment of all.

A simple review of the numbers underscores the need to educate ourselves about the culprits responsible for inflammation. If you don’t personally experience the symptoms, odds are that a friend or loved one battles with this condition. Consider inflammation as a sign that the body is in a fight against a specific enemy; in that respect, inflammation is the result, not the cause, of something more serious.

Persistent, systemic inflammation increases a person’s risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis, and an assortment of other problems that become more likely as we age. More disturbing is the rise in the use of prescription drugs—many of which have serious long-term side effects—as a response to the growing threat of inflammation.

Physicians and pharmacologists do important work in developing medicines that may halt the progression of diseases that, literally, threaten life and limb, in the instance of inflammation, an all-natural over-the-counter remedy can treat the same problem—with few, if any, side effects.


There are immediate steps we can all take to reduce inflammation, starting with improved exercise and better eating habits. Sufficient rest and a strong immune system complement this beginning, so that we can better control inflammation when it strikes.


Diet is critical. Amidst the far-too-numerous types of processed foods, sugary drinks, and oversized meals, we must seize any chance to embrace the benefits of sound nutrition. Eating whole foods and including exercise such as resistance training and light cardiovascular workouts is a manageable way to diminish bouts of inflammation. The long-term advantages, in terms of physical and emotional health, are immeasurable.

Also, by eliminating drinking and smoking—these are an invitation for all manner of otherwise avoidable diseases—people can make significant progress in their quest to vanquish inflammation. If these recommendations are still not persuasive, consider the financial savings related to cutting out alcohol and tobacco: the billions of dollars that go to hospitals, recovery centers, care facilities, and support programs could be redirected to help non-smokers with other health problems.

Supplements provide another avenue to fight inflammation. It is important to note: not all supplements are the same; not every supplement has the right ingredients to provide nutritional support, based on the right clinical research. For, in the absence of extensive supporting data and independent verification of supplement benefits, consumers must make a leap of faith. Doing so is neither wise nor efficient. We, as consumers, need to read the fine print, which reveals a supplement’s potential based on its ingredient list.

With this in mind, here are some key ingredients to identify:

Turmeric Extract (Curcumin) has been used for nearly 4,000 years in traditional Ayurvedic medicine and relieves pain from arthritis, various injuries, and detoxifies the body and liver;


Black Pepper (Piperine) dates back to 6,000 BCE and may enhance thermogenic activity in the digestive tract, thus strengthening the bioavailability of several nutrients;


Milk Thistle (Silymarin) has high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and may offer the liver protection from toxins;

Green Tea may reduce oxidative damage to cells, reduce severity of heart disease, lower LDL (bad) cholesterol, and increase the rate of fat burning;

Ginger Root is critical in relieving nausea and has anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial properties;

Asparagus Root contains anti-inflammatory nutrients, as well as various antioxidants such as Vitamin C, beta-carotene, and the minerals selenium, zinc, and manganese;


Gentian Root may help the body increase gastric secretions, improve digestion, and allow for better overall gastrointestinal health;

Eleutherococcus (Siberian Ginseng) may have a significant impact on reducing excessive cortisol production and boosting the immune system;

B Vitamin Complex provides crucial support for the brain, metabolism, digestive system, and various cellular and bodily functions;

N-Acetyl Cysteine may combat various environmental chemicals, toxins, and pollutants; and Inositol is an essential bodily ingredient at the cellular level.


These ingredients are all available individually, but combining all of these properties in one supplement is essential. And therein lies a fundamental fact: the only way to get the power of these ingredients without taking multiple supplements throughout day, or spending large sums of money on these products, is to find a single supplement that can achieve the same result.


Through smart living and appropriate supplements, we can win the battle against inflammation. Use this information to reclaim your health and peace of mind.

Inflammation-Fighting Tips
Extinguishing inflammation is equal parts prevention and reaction. Make these steps part of your weekly routine.


• Learn about inflammation and its role in many major diseases.

• Make personal wellness your top priority.

• Take twenty minutes a day for relaxation, leisurely walking or meditation.

• Resistance training and/or light cardiovascular exercise for at least thirty minutes, three times a week.

• Increased eating of fruits, vegetables, and Omega-3 foods (organic meats, fish, olive oil) and decreased consumption of Omega-6 foods (commercial meats, most vegetable oils, processed foods).


• Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep per night.


• Eliminate or reduce stressful situations.

When Food Causes Your Pain

(CNN) -- Everyone has felt the agony of overeating. But could your diet really be the culprit of arthritis, muscle pain, asthma and skin disorders as well?

Scientists are making a strong link between our food choices and pain.

About 70% of our immune cells are in our digestive system, making direct contact with the food we enjoy every day. If the immune system is triggered by bacteria in food, or flags a food as an allergen, or has an imbalance of important hormones such as insulin, it can set off the red alert of inflammation.


For example, the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reported that processed sugars and other high-glycemic starches increase inflammation, which causes pain, overheating, redness and swelling.

While inflammation is an important part of the body's healing process, chronic inflammation is at the root of many deadly diseases. The great news is that we can completely heal and prevent chronic inflammation with an eating plan.

The solution to pain is choosing to support your immune system with your next meal.

Here are five powerful ways to reduce inflammation:

1. Ditch the flour and sugar

White flour, a simple carbohydrate, breaks down into sugar right in your mouth with the help of digestive enzymes, so save your sweets for special treats.

And high amounts of sugar in the diet increase advanced glycation end-products, or AGEs, a protein bound to a glucose molecule, resulting in damaged, cross-linked proteins.


As the body tries to break these AGEs apart, immune cells secrete inflammatory messengers called cytokines. Depending on where the AGEs occur and your genetic predisposition, they could eventually result in arthritis, cataracts, heart disease, poor memory or wrinkled skin.


2. Avoid foods to which you may be sensitive or allergic


Eating foods that you are allergic to destabilizes your insulin and causes poor blood sugar levels, which leads to greater inflammation. A high level of insulin increases cortisol, your stress hormone, which causes your body to hold on to fat rather than allowing you to burn it for energy. Excess belly fat is an indicator of chronic inflammation.

Food allergies also trigger mast cells to release histamine, causing the redness and swelling associated with inflammation.
You must individualize your eating plan to avoid foods you are sensitive to. Common allergens include wheat, gluten, corn, dairy, sugar and potatoes.

3. Eat a rainbow

Red radishes, orange yams, purple cabbage and dark-green veggies are rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants that dampen inflammation. Focus on cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale, etc.), which are loaded with Indole 3 Carbonol.


The sulfur in this vegetable family also helps detox the liver.

Plus, a study in the Journal of Nutrition showed that eating berries daily could significantly reduce inflammation.

4. Eat lean protein sources


Beans, chicken, turkey and wild game (elk, emu, bison, etc.) are great sources of lean protein. An Pan and the research team at the Harvard School of Public Health released a study in March showing that red meat consumption (beef, pork and lamb) was associated with a higher risk of early death.

Beyond the concern of sodium or nitrates, red meat contains high amounts of arachidonic acid that can promote inflammation. Other food sources to consider include eggs and dairy products.

5. Give yourself an oil change

Avoid refined trans-fat, omega-6 oil (soy, corn and cottonseed oil) in cooking and use more olive oil. Olive oil is a great source of oleic acid, making it a powerful anti-inflammatory oil.


Spanish researchers reported in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition that people who consume more oleic acid have better insulin function and lower blood sugar.

Pasture-fed livestock, flax, chia and hemp seeds, wild salmon (not farmed) or smaller coldwater fish such as herring, sardines and mackerel are your best choices for high-powered, anti-inflammatory foods.