A large number of diseases are due to inflammation. In fact, the syllable 'itis' at the end of so many medical words indicates inflammation. Arthritis, for example, means an inflammation of the joints, appendicitis indicates an inflammation of the appendix and gastritis an inflammation of the stomach. Inflammation is not quite the same as infection. Infection is one of the causes of inflammation, but inflammation may occur without any infection.
Inflammation produces pain, swelling, heat and loss of function and chronic inflammation inflicts devastating effects on health. A long list of common but seemingly unrelated health problems, from asthma and allergies to heart disease and kidney failure to strokes and Alzheimer's disease, all have their genesis in inflammation. In addition, many of the 'diseases of old age' are simply the result of long-standing inflammation.
A vast number of drugs are taken to simply suppress or control these symptoms. They are called anti-inflammatory drugs. These drugs may initially be effective in easing the pain or reducing the swelling, but they do not deal with the underlying problem; they simply control the symptom. What is worse, they have major side effects, especially when taken for prolonged periods; your stomach might develop bleeding ulcers or your kidneys may be damaged. In the U.S. a significant number of drug-related deaths are because of this group of drugs
The good news is that your body is designed with the ability to control, reverse and even prevent inflammation. Here is my four-step programme designed to keep the body in an anti-inflammatory state:
1) EAT AN ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DIET
As I have said a million times, you are what you eat. Certain foods promote inflammation while others prevent and relieve it.
AVOID THESE FOODS
Fatty red meat, fried foods, organ meats like liver and kidney, dairy products and egg yolks. (These contain pro-inflammatory substances.)
Rice, pasta, refined flour products, e.g. dumplings, crackers and white bread (these elevate blood sugar and create hormonal imbalance).
Sugar, excess sweet fruits and fruit juices (elevate blood sugar).
Food flavourings, preservatives, artificial food colourings.
EMPHASISE THESE FOODS:
Mackerel, salmon and other cold water fish
Fresh vegetables and certain fruit
Virgin olive oil and olives, flaxseed, flaxseed oil and avocados
Oatmeal, nuts, seeds and whole grain.
2) CLEANSE AND DETOXIFY THE BODY
It is important to look for and clear up any site of chronic infection in the body. Particular attention should be paid to the mouth (teeth and gums), the sinuses, the nails (fungal infections) and the skin. You may need the assistance of your medical practitioner for this.
Natural detoxification programmes using herbs, colonic irrigations, steams or saunas, massages and liquid fasts are very effective. These may be necessary at regular intervals.
3) TAKE ANTI-INFLAMMATORY SUPPLEMENTS
A programme of vitamin and mineral supplements is advised. I recommend a cellular nutrition plan. In addition, there are some specific anti-inflammatory supplements that will assist the body in correcting the imbalance that has produced the inflammation. These include:
Fish oil capsules (use a pure high-quality variety in high doses)
The antioxidants (vitamins ACE and selenium).
Herbs: nettle leaf extract, boswellia and curcumin.
DHEA.
4) LEARN TO MANAGE STRESS
Chronic stress, poorly managed produces certain chemical im-balances in the body that promote inflammatory responses. Learning to identify the stressors in ones life and developing effective stress management techniques are extremely important aspects of any programme for controlling inflam-mation. Develop an emotional and spiritual support system. Healthy relationships, prayer, meditation and other spiritual practices can greatly facilitate the healing process.
You may email Dr. Vendryes at vendryes@mac.com, visit him at www.anounceofprevention.org or listen to An Ounce of Prevention on POWER 106FM on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m.
