It is no secret that there is an epidemic of chronic disease in the US. We are spending 190 billion to treat heart disease, 227 billion to treat cancer and 112 billion to treat diabetes, according to an analysis of the 10 leading causes of death.
Obesity, heart attacks, cancer, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease, all among the leading causes of death in the US, are all inflammatory diseases that can be prevented or reversed through changes in diet and lifestyle. Identifying the cause of the inflammation is critical and can profoundly affect overall health.
The development of inflammation is multifactorial but there are several key risk factors that are worth noting. Stress plays an important role and needs to be addressed in today’s over scheduled world. Environmental toxins in the form of heavy metals, pesticides, pollutants and petrochemicals have been shown to contribute to metabolic syndrome and other chronic diseases.
Many experts now see inflammation as starting from an immune system response that’s out of control. Infection or injury trigger a chain of events called the inflammatory cascade – as the immune system is called to action to deal with the familiar signs of normal inflammation, like heat, pain, redness and swelling. Pro-inflammatory hormones in the body call out for white blood cells to come and clear out infection and damaged tissue. These agents are matched by equally powerful, closely related anti-inflammatory compounds, which move in once the threat is neutralized to begin the healing process.
Acute inflammation that ebbs and flows as needed signifies a well-balanced immune system. But symptoms of inflammation that don’t recede are telling you that the “on” switch to your immune system is stuck in high alert, even when there is no imminent danger. So what started out as a healthy healing mechanism now won’t shut down.
Chronic inflammation has its roots in the digestive system and is the sign of disease in the making. Two-thirds of the body’s defenses are found in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract — but this is often the last place a traditional doctor may look for keys to health issues.
Intestinal bloating, frequent bouts of diarrhea or constipation, gas and pain, heartburn and acid reflux are early signs of an inflamed digestive tract. So here too, the immune system clicks into overdrive to eliminate viruses and bacteria in food before they infect the body.
Unfortunately the typical SAD (Standard American Diet) of too much sugar, carbs, high levels of wheat, dairy, soy and other common allergens, overwhelms our metabolism and GI tract, stacking the odds in inflammation’s favor.
While there is no definitive test for inflammation, having your blood levels of C-reactive protein (a pro-inflammatory marker) checked can help assess the risk of inflammatory diseases. C-reactive protein (CRP) is a substance produced by the liver that increases in the presence of inflammation in the body.
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