In this issue:
Meow,
FREE RADICALS AND INFLAMMATION
Yep, we think inflammation is an important topic. Here’s the third in our
series on inflammation, this time featuring the role of free radicals and
antioxidants in creating and counteracting inflammation.
Most of our fair members know that free radicals can be evil critters, which
essentially rust and ruin the body unless they are vanquished.
With their unstable structure -- they have an unpaired number of electrons,
leading to “electron-stealing” -- free radicals disturb cell structure,
resulting in cellular damage in protein, fat, and DNA molecules.
If you’re a newbie and want to learn more about the reactive nature of free
radicals and their effects on aging, go to:
http://www.accessexcellence.org/LC/ST/bgfreerad.html
Meanwhile, free radicals also increase pro-inflammatory proteins, known as
cytokines, in the immune system.
Additionally, free radicals activate “adhesion” molecules in white blood
cells.
White blood cells, made by bone marrow to fight infection and disease, are
designed to adhere (or “stick”) to and digest or destroy infectious microbes and
other foreign or damaged cells.
Alas, when the immune system is in overdrive and free radicals are operating
unchecked, as in chronic inflammation, warrior white blood cells can start
adhering to perfectly normal cells, including those in arteries and joints, thus
exacerbating inflammation.
ANTIOXIDANTS FOIL DESTRUCTIVE FREE RADICALS
Antioxidants are the body’s superheroes, willing and able to foil destructive
free radicals.
Antioxidants stabilize erratic free radicals, by donating one of their own
electrons to the unstable free radical atom(s), thus suppressing the
inflammatory response.
DIETARY REMINDER: FRUITS & VEGGIES AS SOURCES OF ANTIOXIDANTS
Fresh fruits and vegetables provide the most vitamins, minerals and
antioxidants combined than any other food group.
Fresh produce is literally exploding with antioxidants, such as: vitamin E,
vitamin C, carotenoids, flavonoids and proanthocyanidins.
Yep, once again, this kat will remind you to load up on fresh fruits and
veggies. Even
dried fruit packs a significant antioxidant punch in your diet.
Fast Factoid: Some vegetables like potatoes, tomatoes, and
eggplant may actually make
inflammation worse for arthritis sufferers. These vegetables are part of
the nightshade family of plants and contain a chemical alkaloid which is an
irritant.
ANTIOXIDANTS FROM SUPPLEMENTS
I know, I sound like a broken record at times on the topic of antioxidants,
but so be it.
If you aren’t getting enough fresh fruits and veggies, you should consider
supplementing with the following antioxidants:
More than any other nutrient, though, vitamin E is considered to be effective
in reducing inflammation, according to Jack Challem, author of
The
Inflammation Syndrome.
Studies show that Vitamin E helps turn off genes involved in inflammation, as
well as some types of adhesion molecules.
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY HERBS
One of the most studied anti-inflammatory compounds in food is curcumim --
that bright yellow spice found in curry! So load up on Indian curries whenever
you can.
Curcumin’s mechanism of action is the same as that for Vioxx, which inhibits
Cox-2, without all the major side-effects.
Fast Factoid: Cox-2 is an enzyme that activates pro- inflammatory compounds.
Our Arthro-3
formula has curcumin, boswellia (another ayurvedic herb that inhibits
pro-inflammatory compounds), as well as MSM (effective in soothing muscle and
joint pain).
SAY “NO” TO REFINED SUGAR
Yep! I know, this is a tough one! It’s everywhere: cereals, breads, peanut
butter…pretty much in all processed foods.
Refined sugars (a.k.a. simple carbohydrates) are absorbed very quickly by the
cells. But the cells really don’t need much for fuel and so the excess sugar is
released into the bloodstream.
Dr. Nancy Appleton, PhD, author of Stopping Inflammation, states that
the excess sugar can form AGEs – advanced glycation end products – a primary
cause of inflammation.
Glycation is when excess sugar binds non-enzymatically to proteins (or lipids
or DNA) – which is not natural. This changes the molecular structure of the
protein making it toxic (more free radicals).
Rightly so, the immune system sees this protein as an invader and
inflammation is then on the rise. With lots of AGE products swimming around the
bloodstream – chronic inflammation is inevitable.
Fast Factoid: AGEs can occur just from ingestion of one soft
drink or candy bar! Yikes!
THREE TESTS FOR INFLAMMATION MARKERS
It’s always handy to have a good integrative physician friend.
While doing my research, I asked
Dr.
Hugo Rodier about tests that assess markers for chronic inflammation.
Here’s what Dr. Rodier suggested:
- C-Reactive Protein (CRP) test -- CRP is a marker of inflammation in the
bloodstream.
- Homocysteine test-- high levels indicate that there is a high risk of
heart attack or stroke (from inflammation)
- ADMA (dimethylarginine) test -- similar to homocysteine, high levels of
dimethylarginine are linked to inflammatory vascular diseases
If you’re interested in contacting
Dr. Rodier for a consultation, let him know “the kat sent me.” ^..^
INFLAMMATION SUMMARY – CONTROL THROUGH DIET, TEST TO BE SURE!
It’s important to remember that you have control over chronic inflammation –
through your diet.
- Eliminate polyunsaturated vegetable oils, partially hydrogenated
oils, margarine, deep-fried foods and any foods that contain trans-fat.
- Increase monounsaturated oils, like extra-virgin olive oil, and
omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, fish oil, walnuts and flaxseed oil.
- Include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, especially those
with high antioxidant content like blueberries!
- Eliminate refined sugars to stop formation of advanced glycation
end products.
- Include antioxidants to ensure you’re stabilizing those bad boy
free radicals.
- Include natural anti-inflammatory herbs including ginger,
curcumin, and boswellia.
Test for C-Reactive Protein, homocysteine, and ADMA or dimethylarginine to
see how you’re doing on your anti- inflammatory regime!
HEALTHY RECIPES TO THWART INFLAMMATION
Okay, we promised more recipes to fight inflammation.
We have listed a
few more recipes on our website which came (again) from
The
Inflammation Syndrome, by Jack Challem, and Stop Inflammation Now! by Dr.
Richard Flemming.
Click here to get all the yummy details!
BEYOND JUST “TELLING A FRIEND”
You all know the drill. Pick your products
online. Fill out the rest of the order form. Wait for the confirmation email to
arrive. You’re done.
Not so fast for some folks, who think the “Special Shipping Instructions”
section is there to send love notes and wild opinions directly to Teri.
Yes, it’s true. Teri pays attention to special fields on orders, including
the “Where From” field as well.
Next to notes that say “From mom” or “From a co-worker” or “From my doctor,”
Teri likes to scribble a comment, stamp this kat’s mugshot, or affix stickers,
depending on her fancy for the day. Stephen rolls his eyes, yet seems to
secretly approve.
One Monday morning, Teri was in stitches. The prior Sunday, one of our
members from Spartanburg, South Carolina had written in the “Where From” field:
“URL written on bathroom stall wall.”
Teri’s comment? “I love my job!”
And, we can’t help but love our members.
A very hearty and warm thanks to all our members who have been
“Telling a
Friend” about us! ^..^
‘Nuf for one day, don’t you think?
Yep, it’s definitely time to scat!
Still purringly yours,
Guido
Guido Housemouser
Chief Kat and Community Manager
Our Health Co-op
|
