This article is a continuation on how to prevent inflammation and even reverse conditions. The human body is a resilient entity, especially when treated before damage is already done to the organs and systems. If the liver can renew itself in mere six weeks, then you can also eradicate inflammation and avoid disease. Because your body is dynamic and not static, you can reclaim good health by feeding and treating it the way it needs to be treated.
We have learned in the past three articles that inflammation can be triggered by obesity (fat cells secrete inflammatory substances); emotional, mental, physical (smoking, alcohol and drugs) and environmental stressors; and “junk” diets rich in saturated and trans fats, refined sugar and carbohydrates and artificial sugars and additives and deficient in essential fatty acids, nutrients and phytochemicals. Because the condition can be corrected, I have been emphasizing the nutritional aspect of health in order to heal it.
In the last articles, I started by exploring the benefits and importance of essential fatty acids like eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docasahexaenoic acid (DHA) in fish oils, omega-3 fats in walnuts, flaxseeds and chia; gamma linoleic acid (GLA), omega-6, from borage, primrose and black currant seeds; and extra virgin olive oil (omega-9) and others. Today, I will discuss other therapeutic foods that also have anti-inflammatory potency on the body.
As I mentioned above, essential fatty acids are not the only inflammation healing substances, aromatic seeds, roots, gums, herbs, leafy greens and other plants also provide similar and supporting characteristics. They are mostly known for their culinary uses, but they have also been found to have medicinal effects as they act as anti-inflammatory remedies in the body, because of their high contents of phytocompounds and antioxidants. They offer special phytochemicals, vitamins, minerals, enzymes and other nutrients that act on free radicals, inflammation, bacterial and yeast infections, viruses and pain. Their antioxidants and polyphenolic flavonoids have potent effects on disease through their biological activities. Unlike pharmaceutical drugs and their synthetic compounds, they are more bioavailable to the body and less harming to health.
Their uniqueness comes from the synergy of the multitude of inherent nutrients, enzymes, phytonutrients and phytocompounds, which counteract free radical damage; suppress the activity of certain inflammation enzymes and tumor factors; and shut off abnormality in genes, all of which are implicated in inflammation. Certain herbs or spices offer more protective anti-inflammatory effects than others. We are all familiar with them in our kitchens, but today I will discuss their healing benefits. I have selected several of the most effective and studied ones. Some are more popular than others.
Curcumin is the powerful chemical extracted from turmeric root, Curcuma longa, the yellow curry powder much used in Indian, Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian cuisines. Its medicinal value is appreciated in Indian and Arabian traditional medicine as well. Curcumin’s potency comes from its anti-inflammatory agents, effective on the anti-inflammatory mechanism of the body. Research showed that the compound could inhibit the actions of interleukin-6 (IL-6), nuclear factor kappa beta, macrophage inflammatory protein, lipoxygenase, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-a), certain inflammatory proteins, genes and adhesion molecules. By suppressing TNF-a, curcumin can inhibit the growth of some cancer tumors, the spreading of cancer and the mutation of cells.
Through its anti-inflammatory properties, curcumin extract (2 to 8 grams daily), omega-3 fats (fish oils) and gamma linoleic acids (GLA) can help heal certain immune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis by counteracting the enzymes that breakdown joint tissue and cause joint stiffness and swelling as well as eczema, psoriasis and irritable bowel syndrome. It also slows down cognitive decline (memory loss, dementia, Alzheimer’s) by reducing pro-inflammatory compounds that affect the brain and neurons. Indians in India were found to be less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease than the average American. Turmeric root and other spices used in Indian dishes are suspected to be the paragons behind the protection.
Curcumin can also cleanse the liver from toxic compounds like excess iron and aflatoxin, which cause certain diseases such as liver cirrhosis and hepatitis that can damage the vital organ.
Ulcerative and inflammatory intestinal diseases can be successfully treated by curcumin extract. Treatment is more effective in combination with fish oils, GLA and Boswellia serrate (luban shihri, or thakar). Important! Inform your physician of such supplements.
Pycnogenol, Pinus pinaster, is the extract of French maritime pine bark. Along with vitamin C, its bioflavonoids strengthen the walls of blood vessels and build skin collagen, thus preventing under the skin bleeding and bruising and also delaying skin ageing and wrinkles.
The cardiovascular system can enjoy the good effects of Pycnogenol, too. The extract improves blood pressure readings, lowers low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and raises high-density lipoproteins (HDL). It also controls the C-reactive protein (CRP), an indicator of blood vessel inflammation. By preventing inflammation, the supplement protects the cardiovascular system and the heart. When taken along with L-arginine, a protein, the supplement can help erectile dysfunctions by dilating and toning blood vessels. The proper functioning of the vascular system and good blood flow improve general health, support cognitive skills and delay mental decline.
By suppressing the action of inflammatory compounds and enzymes, Pycnogenol enhances lung functions and relieves joint inflammation, stiffness and pain, hence reducing dependence on anti- inflammatory drugs and their side effects.
Diabetes Type 2 sufferers can reap the benefits of Pycnogenol, because it helps control the glycemic index (GI) by blocking the activity of carbohydrate digesting enzymes. It produces similar action of that of diabetes’ blood sugar reducing drugs (DON’T stop your medication unless your doctor says so!). Like cinnamon bark, it mimics insulin, preventing insulin rush to the bloodstream.
Grape-seed extract of superior quality can give comparable anti-inflammatory effects to Pycnogenol supplement. The extract strengthens vessels walls and keeps the arteries clear of cholesterol, plaque and inflammation, implicated in artery blockage. It has yet another advantage; like Pycnogenol, it slows down the skin’s aging process and delays premature wrinkles and mental deterioration.
Next time, I will continue writing about the impressive benefits of other spices, roots, herbs, gums, aromatic seeds and fresh fruits and vegetables and their juices and their roles in fighting and preventing inflammation. I will also explore certain digestive enzymes that can offer your body and health potent compounds to combat free radicals and inflammation that are at the base of many disorders. Remember that excess abdominal fat, obesity and “harmful” fatty modern diets also increase inflammation and its damage. So, do something NOW before inflammation creeps in and suffering begins!!!
P.S. Most of the information in my previous and last articles on inflammation come from the below books, Internet and other sources:
“The Inflammation Syndrome,” an interesting simplified book written by Jack Challem, the publisher and editor of the newsletter, The Nutrition Reporter.
Dr. Sears book, The Anti-inflammation Zone Diet,
N.B.: Individuals with medical conditions or on medication should consult their physicians when they decide to introduce anything new in their diet even if it is natural.
To read previous Health Solutions articles, visit: www.arabnews.com/life.style
To contact the author, email [email protected].
Inflammation Prevention (Part 4)
