Inflammation

Inflammation is heat or fire in the body. This includes a distinction between acute and chronic inflammation. Think about when you've had a cut or wound. Your skin is red, flamed, and perhaps uncomfortable. That's acute inflammation. But in chronic inflammation, the "flare" does not stop. It continues on and on for months and years where the body acts with immune and other processes to heal a "wound" and yet there isn't one. The chronic inflammation then begins to support health conditions such as cancer.

To reduce inflammation, eat organic vegetables, some fruits, spices such as turmeric, and consider specific supplements. Inflammation levels can also be tested. The most common blood test is called c-reactive protein (CRP) high sensitivity available through mainstream blood laboratories. A healthy level is below 1.0 mg/L.

You can learn more about inflammation and cancer, including a more in depth explanation about inflammation and how to reduce it, in an article on the EmbodiWorks integrative cancer care resources website at http://www.embodiworks.org/cancertreatments/bodymindspirit/inflammation/. Why is there so much excitement these days about inflammation? It’s preventable, treatable (both to a degree), and it has been associated with several chronic health conditions that exert a tremendous cost on our society.

Specifically with regard to cancer, there is mounting evidence that elevated levels of markers of chronic inflammation are associated with a higher incidence of cancer. As an example, there was a really interesting study from Denmark where researchers took blood samples from 10,000 random people beginning in 1976 and then followed these folks for years to assess their health problems. Those who had an elevated c-reactive protein level (a marker of chronic inflammation), had a greater incidence of developing cancer years later, and the higher your CRP level, the worse your survival (Allin, et al. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2009).

There is also evidence that elevated levels of inflammatory markers are associated with poorer survival in breast cancer (Pierce, et al. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2009), and pre-treatment levels of c-reactive protein are associated with a worse prognosis in breast cancer (Allin, et al. Breast Cancer Research, 2011).

Integrative medicine comes in to play with lifestyle changes and supplements that can decrease levels of inflammation.

There is a lot you can do….and most of it does not require a prescription of any kind. Regular exercise reduces chronic inflammation. Perhaps this is why exercise has been helpful in controlling things like high blood pressure and heart disease and has been associated with better survival in cancer patients. Eating a Mediterranean diet also decreases inflammation (in fact another name for this diet is the anti-inflammatory diet). Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) are anti-inflammatory. Getting enough sleep, meditation, fiber, red wine (in moderation), aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and prescription cholesterol lowering drugs called statins all lower measures of chronic inflammation. There is a lot you can do….and most of it does not require a prescription of any kind. Regular exercise reduces chronic inflammation. Perhaps this is why exercise has been helpful in controlling things like high blood pressure and heart disease and has been associated with better survival in cancer patients. Eating a Mediterranean diet also decreases inflammation (in fact another name for this diet is the anti-inflammatory diet). Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) are anti-inflammatory. Getting enough sleep, meditation, fiber, red wine (in moderation), aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and prescription cholesterol lowering drugs called statins all lower measures of chronic inflammation.

Elevated levels of markers of chronic inflammation are associated with an increased risk of cancer (for more details: http://talkabouthealth.com/what-is-meant-by-the-term-inflammation-in-the-context-of-cancer-and-integrative-medicine). There is a difference between association and causation. While chronic inflammation and many diseases occur together, the exact mechanisms as to how inflammation might cause illness have not yet been worked out—but what an exciting area of research! Elevated levels of markers of chronic inflammation are associated with an increased risk of cancer (for more details: http://talkabouthealth.com/what-is-meant-by-the-term-inflammation-in-the-context-of-cancer-and-integrative-medicine). There is a difference between association and causation. While chronic inflammation and many diseases occur together, the exact mechanisms as to how inflammation might cause illness have not yet been worked out—but what an exciting area of research!

Most commonly this is done with a high sensitivity c-reactive protein (hs CRP in medspeak), IL-6 (usually limited to research studies), and serum amyloid A was measured in the study by Pierce, et al. (noted here: http://talkabouthealth.com/what-is-meant-by-the-term-inflammation-in-the-context-of-cancer-and-integrative-medicine) but I’m not as familiar with it. Most likely your insurance won’t cover a hs CRP unless you have heart disease. Most commonly this is done with a high sensitivity c-reactive protein (hs CRP in medspeak), IL-6 (usually limited to research studies), and serum amyloid A was measured in the study by Pierce, et al. (noted here: http://talkabouthealth.com/what-is-meant-by-the-term-inflammation-in-the-context-of-cancer-and-integrative-medicine) but I’m not as familiar with it. Most likely your insurance won’t cover a hs CRP unless you have heart disease.

Inflammation is heat or fire in the body. This includes a distinction between acute and chronic inflammation. Think about when you've had a cut or wound. Your skin is red, flamed, and perhaps uncomfortable. That's acute inflammation. But in chronic inflammation, the "flare" does not stop. It continues on and on for months and years where the body acts with immune and other processes to heal a "wound" and yet there isn't one. The chronic inflammation then begins to support health conditions such as cancer.

To reduce inflammation, eat organic vegetables, some fruits, spices such as turmeric, and consider specific supplements. Inflammation levels can also be tested. The most common blood test is called c-reactive protein (CRP) high sensitivity available through mainstream blood laboratories. A healthy level is below 1.0 mg/L.

You can learn more about inflammation and cancer, including a more in depth explanation about inflammation and how to reduce it, in an article on the EmbodiWorks integrative cancer care resources website at http://www.embodiworks.org/cancertreatments/bodymindspirit/inflammation/.

Wishing you optimal health and healing. While low levels of inflammation are normal and necessary, chronic high-levels of inflammation in the body have been shown to allow the progression of development from pre-cancerous forms to full blown malignant disease. Food such as refined and artificial sugar, processed foods, bad fats and animal-based foods lead to the conversion of a type of fat – arachidonic acid – into compounds which promote inflammation which in turn can lead to cellular damage and disease. One can reduce inflammation in a number of ways but a basic guideline is to focus on a plant-based whole food diet.

I have already described my thinking in this regard in a recent blog that surrounded the publication of an English study that clearly and unequivocally demonstrated the protective value of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in patient at high risk for colon cancer (http://robertanagourney.wordpress.com/category/colorectal-cancer-2/). To a large degree, cancer can be viewed as a wound that will not heal. Wound healing is a paradigm of inflammation. The more we can do in our lifestyles, diets, and therapies to reduce inflammation, the better. I have already described my thinking in this regard in a recent blog that surrounded the publication of an English study that clearly and unequivocally demonstrated the protective value of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in patient at high risk for colon cancer (http://robertanagourney.wordpress.com/category/colorectal-cancer-2/). To a large degree, cancer can be viewed as a wound that will not heal. Wound healing is a paradigm of inflammation. The more we can do in our lifestyles, diets, and therapies to reduce inflammation, the better.

It is an excellent idea to use Arnica both before and after surgery. I call this remedy the ‘homeopathic exception’ because it is one that works for almost every person for the same condition (this is contrary to how homeopathy generally works in that a remedy needs to be prescribed on an individual basis).

It works to reduce inflammation and speed healing which in turn helps to relieve some of the pain associated with surgery. It has a particular action on soft tissue and is well known as a remedy for bruising. Many sportsmen keep it in their kitbags for knocks and scrapes on the sports field. It is also available as a topical ointment or massage oil for sprains.

Most doctors are aware of this remedy and in my experience, regardless of their understanding of homeopathy, agree that it is very helpful.

Homeopathic remedies are prepared to an extremely dilute potency and there is no risk of an interaction with anaesthesia or other medications.

A good surgical protocol would be as follows:
Arnica 200c the day before surgery.
Arnica 200c just before surgery and just after.
Arnica 200c 3 x daily for 2 – 5 days as needed.
It is always best to consult with a homeopath before taking any remedies and of course, make your surgeon aware of any remedies you are taking.
It is an excellent idea to use Arnica both before and after surgery. I call this remedy the ‘homeopathic exception’ because it is one that works for almost every person for the same condition (this is contrary to how homeopathy generally works in that a remedy needs to be prescribed on an individual basis).

It works to reduce inflammation and speed healing which in turn helps to relieve some of the pain associated with surgery. It has a particular action on soft tissue and is well known as a remedy for bruising. Many sportsmen keep it in their kitbags for knocks and scrapes on the sports field. It is also available as a topical ointment or massage oil for sprains.

Most doctors are aware of this remedy and in my experience, regardless of their understanding of homeopathy, agree that it is very helpful.

Homeopathic remedies are prepared to an extremely dilute potency and there is no risk of an interaction with anaesthesia or other medications.

A good surgical protocol would be as follows:
Arnica 200c the day before surgery.
Arnica 200c just before surgery and just after.
Arnica 200c 3 x daily for 2 – 5 days as needed.
It is always best to consult with a homeopath before taking any remedies and of course, make your surgeon aware of any remedies you are taking.

This is good advice, particularly about the 'well-trained human'! I would add that although there are some common foods - sugar, processed foods - that all of us should avoid, we each have a unique chemical make-up whereby things that are beneficial to one person may cause inflammation in another person - even healthy foods.

For example, I'm allergic to raw garlic. Not extremely allergic with a violent reaction - but when I do eat it, I don't feel my best. Is raw garlic a healthy food? Absolutely. Is it a healthy food for me? Not really. Why? Because in spite of the health benefits of garlic, it causes inflammation in my body. And inflammation lowers the immune system.

So...that's the great part about getting a thorough allergy test by a well-trained ND or DC. Sugar, trans fats, high glycemic foods and most junk/highly processed foods all cause inflammation. Avoid them as much as possible. Consider them ritual foods for rare occasional indulgence. Keep a diet recall diary and review it with a holistic nutritionist or herbalist to see if it is a suitable food range for you and your unique needs.

Make sure you have sufficient vitamin D3 and omega-3 fish oil, which are both systemic anti-inflammatories. Many herbs & spices are also anti-inflammatory, including green tea, tumeric and ginger, so spice it up. Most real, richly-pigmented foods are anti-inflammatory, too, so eat the rainbow.

I don't know of a source which could review your own diet & personal health needs. A well-trained human would be a better choice. http://www.americanherbalistsguild.com/fundamentals

However, here are some sites to keep you in the right direction:
http://www.naturalantiinflammatory.org/anti-inflammatory-foods.html http://www.dlife.com/diabetes/information/slide_show_pdf_files/new_pdfs/Anti_Inflammatory_Foods.pdf
http://www.formerfatguy.com/glycemic-index-of-foods.asp

You can test your blood for inflammatory markers, to let your body be a guide, as well. These would include c-reactive protein (CRP), sed rate (ESR), & vitamin D (D-OH & D-1,25) levels.

When I first lost my hair, I broke out in a horribly painful case of folliculitis (inflammation of the hair follicles). The oncologist knew I hated taking more meds, and their only solution was massive antibiotics.

Fortunately this skin care center is next door to my office, and the natural clay treatments cleared up my skin within days.

When I went through radiation, I had the affected area treated with the clay at least 2x/week. I never burned, and the tissue healed beautifully.

You can see what my poor little head looked like at the bottom of the page below. You can contact the owner, Myriam, who will customize a kit for your needs. The clay is not listed in the online store, because she only provides this for cancer patients. See the contact link on their site.

http://tigerseyeskincare.com/results.htm When I first lost my hair, I broke out in a horribly painful case of folliculitis (inflammation of the hair follicles). The oncologist knew I hated taking more meds, and their only solution was massive antibiotics.

Fortunately this skin care center is next door to my office, and the natural clay treatments cleared up my skin within days.

When I went through radiation, I had the affected area treated with the clay at least 2x/week. I never burned, and the tissue healed beautifully.

You can see what my poor little head looked like at the bottom of the page below. You can contact the owner, Myriam, who will customize a kit for your needs. The clay is not listed in the online store, because she only provides this for cancer patients. See the contact link on their site.

http://tigerseyeskincare.com/results.htm