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

virtually inevitable. Whichever system in the body is affected most can determine the type of disease that will befall you personally. In any event, inflammation is often linked as an underlying cause leading to several serious conditions from Asthma to Arthritis and many others in between; even as far-reaching as Obesity and Alzheimer’s.

Causes of chronic inflammation:

 Stress
 Environmental Toxins
 Low grade viral, fungal, and bacterial infections
 Chronic, low-grade food sensitivities
 Digestive bacteria imbalances
 Diet and Lifestyle

Symptoms of chronic inflammation:

 Visible aging signs
 Fatigue & Irritability
 Chronic body aches and pains
 Joint pain and stiffness
 Frequent infections & Slow Healing
 Bronchitis
 Dry eyes & Blurry Vision
 Indigestion/Acid Reflux
 Skin conditions (acne, psoriasis, etc.)
 Weight changes/Obesity
 Urinary tract infections
 Candidiasis

Inflammatory-related Conditions:

 Gout/Arthritis (all forms)
 Hypertension
 Asthma
 Stones
 Digestive Disorders (Colitis, IBS, Gallbladder Disease etc.)
 Diabetes
 Heart Disease
 Cancer

EXAMPLES OF INTERNAL INFLAMMATION AND ITS PATH OF DESTRUCTION:

•  Gout/Arthritis/Osteoarthritis/Rheumatoid/Lupus/Fibromyalgia/Undiagnosed Joint & Muscle Pain– Inflammatory cells called cytokines lead to the production of enzymes that attack the tissues and break down cartilage in joints.
•  Diabetes– Inflammatory chemicals release TNF which make cells resistant to insulin.
•  Heart Disease/Stroke/Atherosclerosis– Inflammation causes artery clogging
•  Accelerated Aging– Inflammation causes wrinkles
•  Skin Disorders/Allergies– Inflammation that releases chemicals causing imbalances and healthy bacteria destruction. Results show in both internal and external reactions and heightened sensitivities on many levels.
•  IBS/Colitis/Crohn’s– Inflammatory cells are found in abundance in either or both the large and small intestines producing results that could determine your symptoms and in turn your diagnosis.
•  Asthma & COPD– Both driven by inflammation of the lungs and airways. Asthma is typically the result of allergies (again still inflammation) and often referred to as a “rash” in the lungs. COPD is the result of long term inflammation that has caused destruction actually plugging the airways.
•  Alzheimer’s– Chronic inflammation revs up the transportation of a protein known as amyloid beta protein into the brain leading to neurological damage.
•  Cancer– a multi-faceted link driving cancer initiation and promotion as a result of increased production of pro-inflammatory mediators that mediate tumor cell proliferation, transformation, metastasis, survival, invasion, angiogenesis, chemo-resistance and radio-resistance. These molecules are activated by a number of environmental and lifestyle-related factors, which together are thought to drive as much as 90% of all cancers.

Some people are genetically predisposed to certain conditions. However, one must take into account that their environmental surroundings, diet, and lifestyle typically mimic their predecessors. While this may heighten the chances of inheriting a similar fate, it does not dictate its inevitability. You have quite a bit to do with what happens inside your body, and we plan on providing you with some important tools for better health.