Inflammation plays a major role in most degenerative diseases

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Inflammation plays a major role in most degenerative diseases

There are some good natural solutions.

Inflammation is a necessary reaction to protect us against infection and trauma through its close link to the immune system. But when out of control, it can be a major factor in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), eczema, psoriasis, chronic fatigue, miscarriage, chronic pain, depression, impairment of mental function, or just feeling unwell. Inflammation is known to play a major role in diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease and in fact is the major cause of progression of virtually all degenerative diseases.

Cytokines regulate inflammation. The natural regulators of inflammation are a group of chemicals produced by the body called cytokines. There are basically two groups of cytokines on opposing teams. One team promotes and the other dampens inflammation. How we feel can depend on which team is dominant. The feeling of tiredness, increased pain perception and muscle aches with the flu is due to dominance of the inflammatory team. When the infection resolves, the two teams return to equal strength and we feel no symptoms. The constant pain of rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a strong dominance of the inflammatory team and an inappropriate reaction by the immune system in attacking the joint capsule.

How does inflammation get out of control? The full answer is not yet known, but it is known that the greatest activity of the cytokines is seen in the digestive system, for it is here that there is constant need to be ready to react to anything that may be of harm to the body. An incredibly small one cell thick wall covered by a layer of mucus is all that separates our sterile internal body from the murky allergen and bacteria laden contents of our intestines. Any damage to this delicate barrier will allow foreign particles into the body and set of an inflammatory and immune reaction that may cause an imbalance in the cytokine teams with far reaching effects in different parts of the body. This long term imbalance of cytokines and inflammation can be set off by other factors such as a trauma or stressful event either emotional or physical. Once underway, it can be difficult to stop.

How can we control inflammation? Anti-inflammatory medications are among the most common medications used in Australia. In 2003 a report stated that in the USA there were 100,000 hospitalisations and 16,500 deaths due to complications from taking non steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs). These medications do not address the basic problem of imbalance in the "teams" of cytokines. Fortunately there are a number of ways to help the body to regain balance of the cytokines without any side effects, and potentially assist in prevention of serious disease and improvement in inflammatory symptoms.

	Prevention is always the better than cure. Avoid damaging influences on the digestive system – alcohol, overeating, not chewing enough, antibiotics, junk food, stress. Obesity is inflammatory.
	Reduce TNFa – the most potent inflammatory cytokine is induced by bacterial endotoxin - that is the "die off" products of bacteria, which can be considerable when you realise that we have about one and a half kilos of bacteria in our digestive system. Having a balance of good bacteria from "probiotics" is essential to minimise endotoxin effect. TNFa is inhibited by quercetin, antioxidants, some herbs and digestive enzymes.
	Reduce NFkB - a major driver of the inflammatory response. NFkB induces production of many inflammatory cytokines including TNFa, IL-1, and IL-6. NFkB can be inhibited by turmeric, green tea, pycnogenol, grape seed extract, lipoic acid, oleic acid, Vitamins A and D, the herb cats claw,, and probiotics. Potentially many diseases such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel conditions, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, may benefit from reduction of NFkB.
	Increase IL-10 – the body’s own cytokine balancer is induced by certain probiotics found in a number of products I use.
	Fish oil is a good anti-inflammatory.
	Food can be a big influence. Avoid chemicals and processed foods. Eating for your blood type can be helpful for some.
	A digestive repair program may be helpful. The digestive system is site of greatest interaction between the immune system and the outside world. Anything less than 100% function of the digestive system will have an effect on cytokines and the immune system. Maintaining health of the digestive system is imperative in treating and preventing inflammatory conditions. I use the urinary Indican test to monitor the health of the digestive bacteria balance.
	Adrenal support - the body's natural anti-inflammatory is cortisol secreted by the adrenal glands. Stress can cause an inability of the body to meet the need for this natural control. You may need herbs prescribed for this.
	Oxidative stress or free radical damage is present in inflammation and is also an activator of inflammation. Good diet, supplementary antioxidants and avoidance of sources of free radicals from unwise diet, chemicals and smoking will help.
	Enzymes help digest food, but also can break down products of inflammation, reducing pain and swelling in certain circumstances.
	Laughter has been shown to reduce inflammation. Attitude of the mind is very important.
	Seek some help – it can be complicated. The points above are only part of the picture. Individual treatment is required depending on the type of inflammation and individual response. I can prescribe a program for you.

Peter Kelly ND, BHSc (Comp. Med.), DBM. Ring 9580 6708 for an appointment. 63 Moore Street Hurstville 2220

Last modified: 11/11/08