Recent researches suggest that inflammation is a major risk factor in the development of such devastating illnesses as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, lupus, cancer, and Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. Let us see how inflammation provokes, for instance, heart disease.
The immune system perceives cholesterol accumulation in the arteries as damage, so it releases white cells to attack the area to repair it. This embattled spot becomes inflamed and plaque starts building. When inflammation fails to heal, plaque falls apart and causes blood clots that obstruct blood circulation, leaving the person victim to a heart attack or stroke. This is the story of inflammation in the blood vessels and artery walls.
In general when inflammation proteins spread in the body, they attack organs, brain (Alzheimer's), blood vessels (plaque), or joints (arthritis). Inflammation may cause pain or may not at first. Unfortunately, prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) relieve pain and inflammation, while suppressing cartilage repair in joints thus speeding up its destruction.
However, a diet free of inflammatory foods and harmful substances and consisting of anti-inflammatory food and herbs and a healthy lifestyle of regular activity and free of stress can be healing to the suffer, thus reducing dependence on steroids and NSAIDs. Dr. Gloria Gilbere, doctor of natural health who suffered an inflammatory disease, cured herself with such a diet.
She prescribes avoiding inflammatory foods like pure sugar (in soda drinks, candy, syrups, desserts) as well as refined, processed, and junk foods. The latter contains inflammatory and carcinogenic substances like trans-fats (hydrogenated fats), artificial preservatives and additives (in hotdogs, sausages, milkshakes, ice-creams), taste enhancers (sodium glutamate), and artificial sweeteners (aspartame) in sweets, chewing-gum, throat-soothing candy, and breath fresheners. By the way, aspartame is a major suspect in triggering autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis).
She also recommends keeping away from inflammation-inducing vegetables and fruits like tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, eggplant, pimento, okra, and blue berries. They contain the chemical solanine that blocks the production of cholinesterase; the enzyme improves muscle movement and flexibility, preventing pain and stiffness. She also suggests the consumption of the following anti-inflammatory foods:
• Omega-3 rich nuts and seeds like walnuts, freshly ground flaxseeds, almonds, and pecans. They heal and prevent inflammatory diseases. Remember your portion of fish, especially cold water fish like wild salmon, halibut, or cod three times weekly or take fish oil supplements (mercury-free)
• Include healthy omega-3-6-9 fatty acids in salad dressings and vegetables (I use virgin olive oil for stir-fries and light cooking as well as in salads)
• Brightly colored fruits and vegetables provide anti-inflammatory antioxidants. Add fresh or dry aromatic herbs (oregano, rosemary, thyme) to your dishes. Not only do they enhance food flavor but also add to your antioxidant intake
• Spices like ginger and turmeric offer anti-inflammatory action and enrich the taste of your cooking
• Make sure chicken and meat are free-range containing no antibiotics or growth hormones. Avoid red meat; it exacerbates inflammation
• Your dairy product intake should be low in fat and from grass-fed goats, sheep, or camel.
I also suggest to consider the following inflammation-reducing recommendations.
• Herbal infusions like chamomile and valerian are useful sleeping aids. Adequate restful night sleep helps the body repair inflammation and bolsters its fighting ability
• Make sure you make regular exercise part of your lifestyle habits to decrease C-reactive protein (inflammation indicator) levels
• Wheat and barley grasses have anti-inflammatory properties. You can grow them from simple grains at home. Add a small amount of the grass to a carrot-based vegetable juice. It is best taken before a meal. Seaweed also contains these healing characteristics. Include them in your salads, vegetables, and soups
For those who suffer from an inflammatory disease such as arterial plaque, arthritis, joint pains, or autoimmune disease (lupus, fibromyalgia, rhumatoid arthritis), Gilbere recommends the following supplements:
• Predigested greens and food-based glucosamine and chondroitin, collagen from free-range chicken for bone and joint repair
• Anti-inflammatory enzymes (protease, bromlain, papain, amylase, lipase, and cellulase)
• Goat-milk whey that naturally contains twenty pre-digested minerals for maximum uptake
• Anti-inflammatory herbs that include white willow bark (natural aspirin) and others
• Probiotics for boosting the intestinal microflora and immune system
With a healthy diet and supplements, you are able to reverse inflammation and remain disease-free. Do something about inflammation and don't become a powerless victim of this creeping culprit!
(Mariam A. Alireza is a holistic science specialist. Send comments to [email protected]. Log on to arabnews.com for previous articles.)
