The problem with inflammation is that it can become persistent and low grade. The medical world is just starting to understand that chronic persistent low grade inflammation in the body becomes one of the bad guys when it comes to your health.
Dr. James Joseph of Tufts University says that "inflammation is the evil twin of oxidant" (Newsweek, Summer 2005). Now what we are finding out is that whenever you find free radicals, you also find inflammation. These two guys can be your own worst enemy.
Inflammation and Heart Disease
We have traditionally thought that coronary heart disease as a cholestoral problem. The only thing is that 50% of the people who have have coronary heart disease don't have high cholestoral levels.
"Cholestoral reduction remained the Holy Grail of heart disease medicine until 2000, when elevated, silent inflammation levels, just below the perception of pain, were discovered to be the strongest, problematic component of heart disease, depression, cancer, arthritis, chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, dementia, Alzheimer's, ADD, ADHD and PMS." (Sam Graci - The Pathway to Phenomenal Health).
We used to have a simple view of heart disease. A gradual narrowing of the arteries caused by plaque build up in the artery (made of cholestoral). This could eventually lead to a blockage int he artery leading to a stroke or heart attack. Now we know that it is more complicatred than that. We know now that when free radicals and inflammation get involved at a local level in the artery, that's when serious implications can occur. What scientists are researching for is a more accurate test to predict a heart attack or stroke. This test would be one that measures inflammation rather than cholestoral.
Fatigue and Inflammation
Anyone who is feeling tired all the time has got some inflammatory issues. Energy is a very important sign that your body is trying to tell you something is wrong. When you catch the common cold, get the flu or some kind of bug, you could almost sleep all day. Why is that? It is the inflammation response. Your body's immune system and inflammatory response is firing on all cylinders to kill the bug, virus and parasites. You are sore all over and exhausted. That's due to inflammation. So, do you see the connection in how low energy often times means inflammation? Remember, there is rarely inflammation without the evidence of free radicals.
Chemicals and Inflammation
Synthetics in our home, glues, adhesives, pesticides and cleaning products cause more air pollution inside our homes than outside. We are a squeaky clean society, from shampoos to under-arm deoderants to perfumes, air resheners, odor killers, we are society that can't stand dirt. But, you know, I think we have gone too far. From mouth wash to douches, it's clean, clean, clean. We spray the play pen with Clorox or Lysol to kill bacteria for baby Joe. We use Febreez on our sofas. We spend 90% of our time indoors so what we breathe inside our houses is going to really affect our health.
What can you do?
Use environmentally healthy cleaning products.
Don't use Chlorine bleach.
Use simple and inexpensive cleaners such as soap, vinegar, lemon juice and Borax.
Avoid air fresheners and other perfume products. Freshen your air by opening windows or using baking soda, cedar blocks or dried flowers.
Urge your schools and communities to use non-toxic cleaning products and to stop using pesticides.
Inflammation Warning Signs
Whenever you have inflammation, you will have fatigue.
Whenever you have inflammation, you will have the presence of free radicals.
When you have obesity, you will have inflammation.
Chemicals in your home create an inflammatory response in your body.
Having a simple bood test like C-reactive Protein, can determine years ahead of time if you are susceptible to heart disease or cancer.
HAVE AN ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DAY! Click here for examples of superfoods that help keep inflammation in check.
