Tuesday 2 December 2014

The ABCs - I is For Inflammation & Inflammatory Food (Part 1)

When we hear the word inflammation, arthritis, rheumatism and joint pains come to mind. But the inflammation that is causing chronic diseases such as heart disease, obesity, diabetes, dementia, depression, IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), gastrointestinal reflux (GERD), allergies and autoimmune diseases is dangerous.

Our body's self protection mechanism uses inflammation to protect itself from viruses, bacteria and trauma. Swelling to a sprain or twist, a sore throat or a rash are the body's natural response to inflammation. This is our body's natural way of protecting its immune system. But there are healthy people who have this so-called 'silent inflammation' that can cause chronic illness, destroying the organs subtly, slowly and surely which ultimately leads to death. People with immune systems who won't 'shut off' the fight switch and thus is constantly on 'high alert' even when there are no 'predators' around to attack the body.

C-Reactive Protein Test

Unfortunately there are no tests for inflammation in today's advance medical world. The best test to do is the C-reactive protein test which is a pro-inflammatory marker. This test measures the C-reactive protein and the amino acid called homocysteine in the blood. This test measures the levels of this 'silent inflammation' in the body.

The Causes of Silent Inflammation*

1. A Poor Diet
This consists of mainly sugar, refined flours, processed food, and trans and saturated fats.

2. A lack of exercise

3. Stress

4. Hidden/chronic infections with virus, bacteria, yeasts, parasites

5. Hidden allergens from food/environment

6. Toxins such as mercury/pesticides

7. Mold

*taken from here

(...to be continued)


2 comments:

  1. I did that CRP test in hopes of answers to my constantly burning body. Nope. According to the test I am not inflamed. So why does my body burn? No one can tell me. Hmmm...

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    Replies
    1. The test is not perfect. That's the best they've got. Who knows something else is causing your inflammation but it can't be measured on this spectrum?

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