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As we look at these challenges, there are some very positive things happening that you’ll want to know about. Knowledge is power—but only when we DO something with that knowledge.
I want to share some information about the culprit behind many chronic diseases that continue to plague so many people… chronic inflammation.
First, let’s distinguish between ‘acute’ inflammation and ‘chronic’ inflammation. Acute inflammation is what happens when you cut your finger or get stung by a bee – or when bacteria gets into your system some other way.
What happens? Well, first you feel the pain, swelling, and redness. This is the intelligence of your body, rushing in to attack any foreign invaders. They will be quickly neutralized, and you’ll feel better very soon.
But what about inflammation that your immune system fails to eliminate quickly and, instead, morphs into a condition that can last for many months – or even years?
This is called chronic inflammation. It’s when your white blood cells attack nearby healthy tissues and organs (looking for the bad guys), which sets up a chronic inflammatory process.
Left unchecked, this inflammatory process plays a central role in some of the most challenging diseases of our time, according to a Harvard Medical School Guide, Understanding Inflammation:
Scientists suggest many factors contribute to chronic inflammation, including genetics, exposure to environmental toxins, and lifestyle factors.
There’s not much you can do about your genes. And it’s an ongoing challenge to avoid toxins, like polluted air, heavy metals, and pesticides… even though we do our best.
We can, however, make some lifestyle changes that are just common sense. We can make sure we eat healthy fats, instead of the unhealthy ones. We can avoid processed foods. We can exercise. And we can (and must) get plenty of sleep, so our body can restore itself.
Our body is an amazing vehicle, but it does require some TLC to run efficiently.
You’ve probably heard the old saying, “You are what you eat.” I feel there’s a lot of truth to that — and the British Journal of Nutrition agrees. In their May 2016 edition, they summarized a number of studies, supporting the notion that dietary polyphenols may lower inflammation in the body.
Which foods are high in polyphenols, you may ask? They include:
And the Harvard Medical School Guide, Understanding Inflammation, suggests a few specific foods that provide healthy doses of omega-3 fatty acids, which have LONG been shown to reduce inflammation:
Now, this is amazing because omega-3s can cross the blood-brain barrier, so they may even help lower inflammation associated with Alzheimer’s disease and reduce the risk of stroke.
More Ways to Combat
Chronic Inflammation
In addition to eating all the healthy foods we can, we can help our body by avoiding the bad stuff. Leave off the sodas, refined carbs, and processed foods as much as possible. Exercise regularly, manage your body weight (obesity is a risk factor for inflammation). Also, don’t smoke. And by all means… get enough sleep!
You’ll also want to see your doctor and dentist for regular check-ups. Good oral health is mandatory to prevent inflammation. (See page 13 in the Harvard guide on inflammation.) If you don’t have one, just call us, and ask how to get yours.
There’s a test you need to ask your doctor to run for you. Chances are s/he won’t offer it, but you can be assertive and ask for it. It’s very inexpensive and may reflect the level of inflammation in your body. What test, you ask?
C-reactive protein (CRP) test has been recognized in recent decades, as a potential measure of risk for heart disease. Scientists believe that atherosclerosis is the result of the process of damage, repair, and inflammation in the linings of the arteries.
Early detection is key to knowing what’s going on inside our bodies.
Even though tests for cholesterol provide a lot of useful information – about HALF of heart attacks occur in people with normal cholesterol numbers!
Several studies have shown that, among people with normal cholesterol numbers, those with increased CRP levels have a “several-fold” higher risk for heart problems.
Additional research has shown CRP to be a BETTER predictor of cardiovascular events than other inflammatory markers. These cardiac events include heart attacks, strokes, bypass surgery, and angioplasty. (See the Harvard guide for more details.)
Inflammation is no joke. The World Health Organization (WHO) ranks chronic diseases as the greatest threat to human health. And the prevalence of diseases associated with chronic inflammation is anticipated to increase persistently for the next 30 years in the United States.
125 million Americans were living with chronic conditions in 2012. And 61 million (21%) had more than one.
Nearly 60% of Americans had at least one chronic condition in 2014.
42% of Americans had more than one condition in 2014.
12% of adults had 5 or more chronic conditions in 2014.
Worldwide, 3 of 5 people die due to chronic inflammatory diseases like stroke, chronic respiratory diseases, heart disorders, cancer, obesity, and diabetes.
Our natural state is health. It is our birthright. But our lifestyle choices, environmental toxins, and stresses of modern life ALL conspire to rob us of a vibrant, healthy and joyful life.
It’s time to reclaim yours. Time to put more emphasis on creating health than creating financial wealth… because health is wealth!
Our commitment is to help you enjoy a healthy physical, emotional and spiritual life.
We’ve created a product that many people are finding helpful to combat the effects of chronic inflammation – Nopalea. Check it out, and see what you think. We’re just a phone call away, if you have any questions.
Stay Healthy My Friends: Learn More
