Inflammation is the root cause of most chronic illness. The word inflammation comes from the Latin “inflammo”, meaning “I set alight”. It is the body’s attempt at self-protection; the aim being to remove harmful stimuli, including damaged cells and irritants and begin the healing process. It is part of the body’s immune response. Initially, it is beneficial when, for example, you cut your hand and tissues need repair. However, sometimes inflammation can cause further inflammation
Our immune systems are largely housed in the gut and the interplay between the gut and the brain is profoundly important. Once inflammation is active, it is highly self-perpetuating. Inflammatory chemicals travel throughout the body causing oxidative stress to the tissues.
In my book, Is Your Lifestyle Killing You, I explain 8 Lifestyle Factors for Disease(inflammation) Prevention ; Food Plan, Restoring Physical Activity, Sleep Well, Stress Management, Digestive Health, High Level Nutrition, Detoxification, Supportive Healthy Communities.
Scientific studies support these lifestyle causes of inflammation
• Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia, found in a study that sleep deprivation or poor sleep quality raise inflammation, which in turn increases the risk of developing heart disease and stroke.
• Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, Washington found that postmenopausal overweight or obese women who lost 5% or more of their body weight had measurable falls in levels of inflammation markers
Most “normal” laboratory tests will not give a good indication of the level of inflammation in the body. It is good to have knowledge of which test are the best “predictive” biomarkers of inflammation.
HBA1c
Fasting Insulin
Vitamin D
CRP
Homocysteine
Oxidized LDL
Food Sensitivity Testing
