Inflammation is a Jekyll and Hyde...Unchecked It Becomes Mr. Hyde and Can Cause Cancer

Inflammation in the body can be a Dr. Jekyll or a Mr. Hyde. As Dr. Jekyll, our immune system uses inflammation or infection to fight invaders such as viruses and toxins. But infection caused by poor nutritional choices and overeating becomes a Mr. Hyde. This type of irritation promotes obesity, Cancer, high blood pressure and other chronic illnesses.

The infection raises the body's levels of C-Reactive Protein (CRP.) CRP is a blood protein produced by the liver. Visceral fat produces more CRP than fat located in other areas of the body. A CRP less than 1.0 mg/L indicates a low risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD.); CRP between 1.0 and 3.0 mg/L indicates an average risk; a CRP greater than 3.0 mg/L indicates a high risk of CVD.

Studies have discovered that one substance common is our Western diet is most devastating in the production of inflammation. That one substance is arachidonic acid. Arachidonic acid or AA is a long chain polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid. The body requires some AA, but not the amounts that we get in our diets. It has been estimated that the typical Western diet includes 30 times more omega-6 fatty acids such as AA than 100 years ago.

Arachidonic acid is found primarily in fatty red meats (beef, lamb, pork), egg yolks, organ meats (liver, kidney, brain), and in refined vegetable oils (safflower, corn, soy, peanut, and sunflower.) The older we become, the more AA our blood accumulates.

The body changes arachidonic acid into inflammatory chemicals. People who are overweight and obese produce high levels of inflammatory chemicals such as cytokines and C-reactive protein. These chemicals promote joint and tissue damage, and intensify pain.

Studies show that by losing as little as 10 pounds can reduce inflammation, pain and stiffness by up to 90% no matter what the foundational cause. This reduction rivals the effects of ibuprofen and similar painkillers.

Powerful anti-inflammatory foods include:

• blueberries, blackberries, and cranberries; these berries contain anthocyanins, an antioxidant. They are also high in vitamin C which strengthens and protects joint cartilage. [1/2 cup of blueberries has more antioxidants than 5 servings of green peas or broccoli]
• pineapples- has the enzyme bromelain which stops the release of inflammatory chemicals. Eat two 1/2 cup servings per week
• ginger- 1 teaspoon daily
• omega-3 fatty acids; eat 2 to 4 3-ounce servings of fish weekly or take 1,000 to 2,000 mg of fish oil daily
• whole grains and beans- studies show that vitamins B1 (thiamin), B6 (pyridoxine), B12 (cyanocobalamin), and B3 (niacin) may reduce inflammation. Eat at least 1/2 cup of whole grains and/or beans daily (particularly brown rice, lentils, chickpeas, and black or kidney beans.)

The causes of infection are: poor diet (sugar, trans fat), lack of exercise, stress, hidden allegens (gluten, dairy), hidden infections (viruses, bacteria, yeast, parasite), toxins (mercury, pesticides), and molds (mycotoxins, dangers of black mold.)