The Healing Point - Inflammation

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Inflammation - Our True Adversary

Inflammation is at the root of most diseases and it is perhaps the most destructive internal process. Many diseases like arthritis, cardiovascular disease (heart attack and stroke), and bowel problems are the direct result of long term inflammation. Until recently we didn't realize the reason people develop atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) is because the lining of the vessels becomes inflamed. Once inflamed, the delicate lining of the arterial wall erodes and the muscular wall of the artery is exposed to free radicals. The once supple muscular wall becomes dense and fibrous (like scar tissue or gristle) and even calcium can deposit in the muscular wall. The result is hardening of the arteries and the accumulation of fatty plaque. Chronic infections, allergies, fibromyalgia and other pain syndromes are inflammatory problems. Diabetes and "metabolic disorder" (obesity) are also now viewed as inflammatory diseases. That is, the reason the 'blood sugar blues' are bad for you is because it leads to inflammation which in turn damages cells. When the cells are damaged they become even more inflamed, perpetuating the cycle and creating more serious disease. With this kind of snowball effect, it is no surprise that many people suffer the ravages of chronic inflammation.

When inflammation grows unchecked it creates so much pollution inside the body that it poisons tissues. Inflammation causes increased oxidative stress which leads to dehydration and degeneration of tissue. After a while, the cells are so burdened by the chronic exposure to these harsh free radicals, the cells weaken and are unable to perform their functions. Eventually the cells are overcome and they die. People with inflammatory conditions (virtually all known diseases) need to protect their cells and remove the toxic by-products (free radicals) of the inflammation.

Our bodies become inflamed all the time. As Dr. Perricone and many others have pointed out, ingesting sugar is highly inflammatory. Drinking a glass of orange juice causes a huge inflammatory response that pollutes the body. The situation sounds hopeless but there are many steps we can take to help ourselves.

Help Yourself
We can reduce the burden on the body by eating fresh, wholesome foods. Vegetables and fruits burn cleaner and nourish the body without creating much pollution. When we eat processed foods, we introduce more free radicals to the cells and increase our oxidative stress. I recommend specific dietary and cleansing programs based on each patient's presentation and health-related goals.

Acupuncture, massage, craniosacral therapy, conscious exercise, and hyperbaric oxygen also directly improve your ability to protect your cells from damage. Acupuncture helps regulate your nervous system and also balances hormones. Regulating these systems optimizes cellular function and the ability of the cell to adapt to environmental changes. Massage cleanses your body, reduces tension in muscles and improves circulation. Craniosacral therapy is a very gentle osteopathic technique which dramatically reduces tension in the nervous system (brain, spinal cord, and nerves). Exercise (especially yoga, tai chi, qi gong, and dance) circulates body fluids and physically moves stagnant residues around cells. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy adds oxygen to your body and directly supports the repair and the protection cells. It also reduces bacterial and viral infections.

Antioxidants
Given our increasingly toxic environment and sometimes hectic schedules, anti-oxidants are a very smart choice. Antioxidants dismantle the chemicals that hurt our cells and erode our health. They protect us from many diseases including heart disease and cancer. Common antioxidants include Vitamin C and E, beta carotene, glutathione and fish oils (including Krill oil). I have studied and used a variety of products over the years and I have found huge differences in quality. As is often the case, you tend to get what you pay for when you get cheap vitamins. The term bioavailability means the ability of the body to utilize the stuff in the pill. Many supplements seem good but if your body can't assimilate the nutrients, they don't get in your cells and they don't help you.

Another factor to consider when choosing supplements is in the formula itself. What does the formula contain and why? We have accumulated a substantial amount of data from biochemical research of antioxidant activity and we have learned about combining ingredients which work together synergistically. This allows the whole to be greater then the sum of its parts. The better formulations create stronger and deeper health benefits. For more info on antioxidants and for specific recommendations, visit www.TheHealingPoint.com or contact Adrian. Pharmaceutical-grade antioxidants and vitamin formulas are available online.

Systemic Enzymes
Another important defense against the damaging effects of inflammation is systemic enzyme therapy. Systemic enzymes "chew up" many inflammatory by-products and protect cells from damage. They also help mobilize thickened tissue like scar tissue, which forms when cells are damaged. This increases the circulation of the damaged area and allows fresh blood to bring oxygen and nutrients to the cells. That stiffness you may feel in the morning is from your body thickening up. Enzymes help keep the circulation open so the tissues can remain strong, elastic, and vital.

There are different enzyme formulas that target different tissues. For example, one formula contains specific enzymes to reduce arterial inflammation. These compounds directly support the arteries and improve blood flow. Another formula is more focused on the orthopedic system and helps reduce fibrous buildup from tendonitis and muscle strains. This formula also helps overuse syndromes. One should exercise caution with these powerful formulas - they are safe but I don't recommend them for everyone.

I hope this article is both informative and inspiring. As always, eat well, breathe well, and be well!

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