INFLAMMATION: WHEN A GOOD THING GOES BAD

Inflammation is a natural, thriving mechanism of the immune system. Acute inflammatory response is a way to fire at and ward off disease and infection, as well as to fuel cellular regeneration. We all require a healthy measure of inflammation in order to survive. What happens when the body feels as though it is constantly under an attack of some sort? What if the inflammatory response persists and you are plagued with an incessant slow burning fire inside of you? This is precisely when a good thing, goes bad.

The body is amazingly resilient, but relies solely upon communication between the major systems within the body (the endocrine, digestive, respiratory/cardiovascular, and the central nervous system) in order to function and heal properly. When chronic inflammation is present, these systems can no longer communicate, and disease is

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Gout and Kidney Stones

Kidney Stones

Kidney Stones (renal calculi) are formed as a result of a buildup of dissolved minerals on the inner lining of the kidneys. Once they make their way into the urinary tract severe pain in the groin, stomach, or flank area can ensue. A decrease in urination coupled with a large amount of stone-forming substances can cause these types of stones to appear. These stones can be formed by the mixture of calcium with oxalate or phosphate; and/or the combination of uric acid and amino acid cysteine.

Much like Gout, Kidney stones are being diagnosed more and more in recent years. The same type of stones can develop in the bladder as well, but are much more uncommon and have remained relatively low and unchanged by comparison. Over the span of almost 30 years, the Mayo Clinic observed a significant rise in the incidences of kidney stones; particularly in adult women. With more accurate CT scans our ability to monitor and diagnose stones are partly behind a good portion of this rise in cases, but also goes hand in hand with the rise in Obesity and Diabetes Type 2. Diets high in sugar, unhealthy fats, and salt have been to blame for stones and this type of diet certainly fits the profile for all of these conditions.

The Gallbladder: Facts and Myths

What is a Cholecystectomy

Cholecystectomies are one of the most over performed surgeries in the United States, and far too often, completely uncalled-for. Even in the presence of gallstones, one should always consider alternatives before rushing under the knife. The gallbladder is an essential organ responsible for collecting and storing bile in order to process and digest fats. To say that it can just be removed without consequence, is rather reckless. Aside from a number of potential dangers and complications stemming from its removal, weight problems and diabetes type two risks rise significantly.

Gallbladder attacks are often a sign of much larger problems, problems that do not simply disappear only once a small piece of that puzzle is removed. Our typical desire for instant gratification, coupled with the misconstrued notion that the gall bladder is an unnecessary organ, has led to an alarming number of these senseless surgeries.

What is CRP and what does it have to do with your health?

What is CRP?

CRP stands for C-reactive protein. This protein is produced by the liver in response to elements released from certain white blood cells known as macrophages; as well as elements released from fat cells (adipocytes.) CRP levels rise in the presence of inflammation and take on a role to bind with chemical compounds that are released on the surface of a dying or dead cell. This process is part of an immune system response to enhance the ability of antibodies and bacteria/pathogen eating cells (phagocytic cells) to eliminate damaged cells from the body. Certain chronic inflammatory conditions cause the release of IL-6 (interleukin-6) that trigger the release of CRP. IL-6 is a type of immune protein in the family of cytokines that can act as both an anti-inflammatory and a pro-inflammatory.

As discussed in previous blog posts, inflammation is a normal body process necessary for our body’s response to fight infection and injury. It is a natural part of our immune system’s ability to send white blood cells and other chemical compounds to a trouble area of the body in an effort to help it heal. However, in the presence of chronic conditions such as Arthritis, Colitis, Bursitis, Tendonitis, Gout, Heart Disease, Asthma, Diabetes, and more – the constant “fire” of inflammation can be disastrous, even deadly.
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Cold and Flu Season is Upon Us…………

Are you prepared for the winter germs?

Have you done enough to avoid illness and pain associated with this dreaded season?

Can the cold and flu season raise your threat of a Gout attack?

Can illness increase your arthritic joint pain and inflammation in general?

Contrary to popular belief, you can avoid serious bouts of illness and still avoid the flu shot. Optimizing your health through diet, water, sleep, and supplementation won’t only enhance your health overall, it will enhance your body’s ability to ward or fight off any of those nasty germs surrounding you. Even if you succumb to the germs, you can drastically reduce the severity of the hit with a strengthened immune system. Continue reading “Cold and Flu Season is Upon Us…………”

Electrolyte imbalances, Inflammation, and Disease

As we know, inflammation is the major underlying factor behind chronic, degenerative diseases. The body’s cells work very hard to maintain pH balance in the body. Our typical American diet and lifestyle is largely acidic and makes this process extremely difficult.

When overly acidic imbalances are present in the body, the cellular health is compromised. Decreased cellular oxygen levels and metabolic declines cause cells to ‘die off’ at a rapid rate. As acidic residues increase, the body attempts to buffer these acids with alkaline minerals (calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium) in order to excrete them from the body. In the presence of such acidic diets and lifestyles, this buffering system can easily reach maximum capability, quickly leading to acidic waste storage in the tissues.

Cells require very specific ion balance. Electrolytes must be maintained within specific limits to balance the pH of the body’s environment. Even the slightest acid increases can quickly lead to inflammation of the organs and tissues. Continue reading “Electrolyte imbalances, Inflammation, and Disease”

Gout can be found in dogs and other animals

Excessive amounts of uric acid in the bloodstream are not limited to only humans. Gout can affect our loving canine and feline friends, as well. Whereas humans are more likely to experience crystal deposits in the joint extremities, animals tend to grow uric acid crystals in their urine. When animals are unable to assimilate calcium and other minerals, abnormal uric acid and calcium levels can also deposit into the paws, toes, elbows, neck, ears, and tongue. This is know as calcified skin lesions, or Casinosis Cutis, and more common in breeds such as Boxers and Boston Terriers. Calcium “Gout” can also create a chalky liquid that can ooze from the paws. Continue reading “Gout can be found in dogs and other animals”

Chronic Stress, Chronic Inflammation, and Disease

We all know that stress can cause ailments such as difficulty sleeping, muscle tension, changes in appetite, headaches, stomach problems, panic attacks, and prolonged feeling of sadness or worthlessness. But, did you also know that stress can literally alter the cells in our body and lead to chronic inflammation and serious diseases? Prolonged, overexposure to cortisol and other stress hormones can wreak havoc on the mind and body. That is why people want to turn to more natural/herbal remedies in helping them lower their cortisol levels. From taking herbal tablets, to trying weed and looking up how to pack a glass blunt, there is a myriad of ways people can reduce stress levels naturally.Chronic stress can reprogram the cells in our body and disrupt all of it’s processes.

A region at the base of our brain, the hypothalamus, is set off in the presence of a perceived threat. In turn, this signals the pituitary and adrenal glands to release a surge of hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol. Cortisol is the main hormone responsible for Continue reading “Chronic Stress, Chronic Inflammation, and Disease”

Arthritis and Gout are no longer considered “old man diseases”……..and they are dangerous!

These painful joint conditions were once considered the inevitable outcome of old aging joints. However, these painful conditions have more than doubled in the past 10-15 years, with a shocking amount of sufferers now found to be under the age of 40. Doctors have seen the sharpest rise in patients in their 20’s and 30’s, some 30% since 2012, suffering from a disease that was once thought to be limited to royalty. Not so coincidentally, the rise in obesity, Diabetes Type 2, and prescriptions such as low-dose aspirin and diuretics has occurred almost simultaneously.

Even still there is large percentage of the population that suffers silently having never been diagnosed, or sometimes misdiagnosed. Gout especially can be overlooked by medical professionals due to inaccurate blood measurements of Uric Acid. Unless the fluid is directly aspirated from the joint it can be difficult to identify. Many that are under an attack at the time they are seen by a physician will have low to normal blood serum Uric Acid levels. Why is this? Continue reading “Arthritis and Gout are no longer considered “old man diseases”……..and they are dangerous!”

This Is Your Brain On Turmeric……

Are we doomed for cognitive decline as we age? Not necessarily. There are plenty of healthy, thriving older adults pushing into their 70’s and 80’s with cognitive functioning as well as, sometimes even better than, younger adults. Cognitive decline is far from uniform, with many variables in play. However, 1 in 9 Americans will suffer with some level of decline by the age of 65, with 1 in 3 by the age of 85.

Where and how does it all begin? We know that inflammation is at the heart of all disease. Often times the signs of chronic inflammation begin with achy muscles and joints. We find ourselves at the doctor being prescribed something specifically for that ailment. What we need to be considering is how that inflammation could be affecting other parts of our body, as well. We are programmed to treat each symptom individually, and as separate conditions, when we should actually be addressing the inflammation in the body as a whole before it continues to creep into and destroy other parts of the body. What does this have to do with your brain? Continue reading “This Is Your Brain On Turmeric……”

Category: Herbs