“THE BETTER HEALTH FOR A BETTER YOU GUIDE”
All natural healing is guaranteed with patience and understanding. Having a better understanding of your condition can pave the path to lifelong success in controlling it for good.
Knowledge of your disorder, and all the contributing factors in your life having led up to your very current ailment(s), can make for a better understanding of the necessary approach and commitment to resolving it. Inflammatory diseases are not an overnight occurrence. Some of you may be approaching natural healing as your first form of treatment, while many of you have suffered for years upon years, and the prescription drugs are no longer helping you. We may not be the answer to a quick fix, while for most we are, and are in no way attempting to “band-aid” your symptoms like many modern-day prescription drugs. Instead of treating your symptoms, we will show you how to repair the problem that is causing your symptoms in the first place.
INFLAMMATION: WHEN A GOOD THING GOES BAD
Inflammation is a natural, thriving mechanism of the immune system. Acute inflammatory response is a way to fire at and ward off disease and infection, as well as to fuel cellular regeneration. We all require a healthy measure of inflammation in order to survive. What happens when the body feels as though it is constantly under an attack of some sort? What if the inflammatory response persists and you are plagued with an incessant slow burning fire inside of you? This is precisely when a good thing, goes bad. The body is amazingly resilient, but relies solely upon communication between the major systems within the body (the endocrine, digestive, respiratory/cardiovascular, and the central nervous system) in order to function and heal properly. When chronic inflammation is present, these systems can no longer communicate, and disease is virtually inevitable. Which system in the body is affected most can determine the type of disease that will befall you personally. In any event, inflammation is often linked as an underlying cause leading to several serious conditions from Asthma to Arthritis and many others in between, even as far-reaching as Obesity and Alzheimer’s.
Causes of chronic inflammation:
[1] Stress
[2] Environmental Toxins
[3] Low grade viral, fungal, and bacterial infections
[4] Chronic, low-grade food sensitivities
[5] Digestive bacteria imbalances
[6] Diet and Lifestyle
Symptoms of chronic inflammation:
[7] Visible aging signs
[8] Fatigue & Irritability
[9] Chronic body aches and pains
[10] Joint pain and stiffness
[11] Frequent infections & Slow Healing
[12] Bronchitis
[13] Dry eyes & Blurry Vision
[14] Indigestion/Acid Reflux
[15] Skin conditions (acne, psoriasis, etc.)
[16] Weight changes/Obesity
[17] Urinary tract infections
[18] Candidiasis
Inflammatory-related Conditions:
[19] Gout/Arthritis (all forms)
[20] Hypertension
[21] Asthma
[22] Stones
[23] Digestive Disorders (Colitis, IBS, etc.)
[24] Diabetes
[25] Heart Disease
[26] Cancer
EXAMPLES OF INTERNAL INFLAMMATION AND ITS PATH OF DESTRUCTION:
1) Gout/Arthritis/Osteoarthritis/Rheumatory/Lupus/Fibromyalgia/Undiagnosed Joint & Muscle Pain- Inflammatory cells called cytokines lead to the production of enzymes that attack the tissues and break down cartilage in joints.
2) Diabetes- Inflammatory chemicals release TNF which make cells resistant to insulin.
3) Heart Disease/Stroke/Atherosclerosis- Inflammation causes artery clogging
4) Accelerated Aging- Inflammation causes wrinkles
5) Skin Disorders/Allergies- Inflammation that releases chemicals causing imbalances and healthy bacteria destruction. Results show in both internal and external reactions and heightened sensitivities on many levels.
6) IBS/Colitis/Crohn’s- Inflammatory cells are found in abundance in either or both the large and small intestines producing results that could determine your symptoms and in turn your diagnosis.
7) Asthma & COPD- Both driven by inflammation of the lungs and airways. Asthma is typically the result of allergies (again still inflammation) and often referred to as a "rash" in the lungs. COPD is the result of long term inflammation that has caused destruction actually plugging the airways.
8) Alzheimer’s- Chronic inflammation revs up the transportation of a protein known as amyloid beta protein into the brain leading to neurological damage.
9) Cancer- a multi-faceted link driving cancer initiation and promotion as a result of increased production of pro-inflammatory mediators that mediate tumor cell proliferation, transformation, metastasis, survival, invasion, angiogenesis, chemo-resistance and radio-resistance. These molecules are activated by a number of environmental and lifestyle-related factors, which together are thought to drive as much as 90% of all cancers.
Some people are genetically predisposed to certain conditions. However, one must take into account that their environmental surroundings, diet, and lifestyle typically mimic their predecessors. While this may heighten the chances of inheriting a similar fate, it does not dictate its inevitability. You have quite a bit to do with what happens inside your body, and we plan on providing you with some important tools for better health.
IMPORTANT TIPS REGARDING INFLAMMATION:
1) Eating too much causes inflammation-
We know that overeating promotes the inflammatory response and suppresses the immune system. Tests performed by the National Institute on Aging revealed that when animals were fed 50 percent fewer calories per day, their immune response improved, the amount of inflammatory cytokines in circulation was reduced, thymus size was maintained and inflammation-fighting T-cell function improved. This study looked at higher and lower calorie consumption; it did not distinguish among the types of calories consumed. Heavy, red-meat-based diets or lots of sugar-laden foods would definitely have a negative impact on immune function and promote inflammation, whereas calories in the form of fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds would improve immunity. No matter what the food
choices, moderation is the key in terms of both total daily quantity and amounts consumed at one time. Generally, five or six small meals (of the right foods) throughout the day are considered to be healthier than consuming fewer large ones. [4]
2) Fat cells increase inflammation-
It is known that even an extra 20 pounds can create an abundance of inflammation in the human body and lower overall immunity. Weight management is an important aspect of maintaining a balanced immune system and controlling inflammation. With over 50 percent of North Americans overweight, and an additional 15 percent or more classed as obese, public health care planners expect to see a tremendous increase in inflammatory diseases. Fat cells act like immune cells and secrete inflammatory factors (histamines and cytokines), especially during weight gain. The more fat cells you have, the more potential there is for inflammation. Weight gain also puts tremendous pressure on joints. For every ten pounds of weight gained, 40 pounds or more of additional pressure is put on hips and knees, compressing cartilage and collagen, grinding down bones, promoting damage and inflammatory response. [4]
3) With that said……Don’t fear the fats and up the Omega 3s-
For years, dieting gurus recommended cutting out fat from the diet. The upshot? People got bigger and also got sicker. The reasoning? Turns out saturated fats and fatty acids – and particularly Omega-3 essential fatty acids – contain powerful anti-inflammatory properties. [1] Include low mercury fish selections (about 7-10oz/week) and/or raw nuts and seeds, such as walnuts, ground flaxseed, grapeseed and pumpkin and sesame seeds. Include healthy saturated fats from real butter, coconut oil, tropical palm oil, olive oil (not cooked), ghee, avocados, eggs, and meat in moderation. Avoid processed fats/trans-fats and hydrogenated/vegetable oils. Fish oils tend to vary greatly in quality assurance.
When considering a supplement in addition to the diet, we recommend Pure Antarctic Neptune Krill Oil.
4) Spice up your life-
Think herbs and spices are only good for adding a little flavor to your food? Turns out many of them also contain high levels of antioxidants and other beneficial compounds that can reduce inflammation and dull pain. One spice frequently touted for its anti-inflammatory properties is capsaicin, which is a naturally occurring ingredient in chili peppers, as well as rosemary, which has rosmarinic acid and ginger which has vanillin and zingerone. Other good sources include basil, bay leaves, cumin, coriander, dill, fennel, garlic, hyssop, oregano, pepper, sage, and thyme as well as goji, graviola, green tea extract, spirulina and white willowbark, which contain salicylic acid, one of the active ingredients in aspirin. [1]
5) Get some sleep!!
Having a few restless nights can exacerbate any underlying symptoms of inflammation. To ensure adequate sleep, experts recommend snoozing for between six and 12 hours nightly, with sleep requirements varying based on age, activity level, overall health and other factors. [1] Are you plagued with insomnia? Be sure to talk to your physician about non-drug options, as well as trying to figure out the cause. Often times, insomnia can be treated with some lifestyle changes, cognitive-behavior
therapy, and exercise. Pills are not the only way to beat insomnia, and should be avoided at all costs. Get to the underlying cause, don't just treat the symptom!
6) Manage healthy glucose levels. Avoid substitute sugars-
One should aim to stay under 25 g of total fructose per day. This can add up quickly with processed foods! Bread, pastry, pasta = sugar. In addition to helping pack on the pounds, simple carbohydrates also rev up inflammation by causing surges in blood sugar that promote a chemical reaction in cells called glycosylation, or the browning effect. To avoid such surges, stick to complex carbohydrates with a low glycemic index such as apples, asparagus, beans, broccoli, blackberries, blueberries, cabbage, cantaloupe, citrus fruits, green beans, leafy greens, pears, raspberries, spinach and strawberries. [1] READ your food labels and steer clear of processed/boxed foods as much as possible. Often time, high- fructose corn syrup is the top ingredient. AVOID!! Avoid substitute sugars such as aspartame, sucrolose/splenda, saccharin, Acesulfame-K. Each is full of undesirable side effects and cancer-causing agents. Should you feel the need to sweeten any of your fresh foods, consider a natural sweetener such as Stevia. Reference the following fructose chart in order to remain below 25 g/day:
1) Stress management is essential-
Stress is a lurid offender to the body. Stress raises the body's acidity and kills off strains of good bacteria required to protect you. Stress causes the body to release inflammatory markers into the bloodstream. Stress can be a key factor in disease growth as it flourishes in these types of environments. Do not overlook the importance for researching natural and successful ways of dealing with stress! EFT Tapping, deep breathing, massage, acupuncture, exercise, and more are proven ways to reduce the danger of anxiety and stress in your life. [5]
• Food allergies?
Another food source you need to steer clear of? For some people, this might mean wheat, eggs, gluten, dairy, soy, or some forms of nuts. To determine whether you have sensitivity to a particular food, try eliminating it for at least two weeks and see if symptoms such as lethargy, headaches or bloating subside. REDUCE GRAIN INTAKE! Any reduction in grain products has benefits beyond the anti- inflammatory properties. [1]
• Vitamin Needs-
While adding a multivitamin can help stave off inflammation, the key here is to find a high-quality supplement with the types of nutrients you need. [1] Certain vitamins, in particular, may help control inflammatory processes in the body and would include Folic Acid, B6, and Vitamins A, E, and C. However, we do not recommend you take Vitamin C in high pill form dosages, particularly if you suffer with joint pain. Vitamin C, in pill form, has been known to fire up the joints by over storing iron in the body. Increased C intake should come mainly from indulging in the foods which contain higher levels
(chili peppers, bell peppers, parsley, thyme, guava, dark leafy greens, kiwi, oranges, clementine, broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, papayas, strawberries).[2] Niacin, in certain forms, can also have the same negative effect, firing up the joints. Niacin, in the form of niacinamide, appears to have significant anti-inflammatory properties. This form of vitamin B3 has been shown to reduce inflammation in the joints of people who suffer from osteoarthritis.[3]
• Probiotic power-
They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, but turns out that’s also the same route to reduced inflammation! In the gut, beneficial bacteria is a naturally occurring phenomenon, but antibiotic use, stress, and poor diet can all upset this delicate balance, resulting in an infiltration of undesirable bacteria that can lead to inflammation. [1] Probiotics have been shown in studies to
stimulate the immune system, help to digest dairy products by manufacturing the enzyme lactase, have
powerful anti-carcinogenic qualities helpful against certain cancers and tumor growths, help to lower the bad cholesterol, aids to synthesize the B vitamins, promote regularity and overall digestive tract functions, help to recycle estrogen for women, counteract the negative effects of antibiotic use, and create their own natural antibiotics used by the body to fight illness, infection, yeast, and any other disease causing pathogens that threaten their territory. [6]
• Daily Water Needs-
Divide your weight in half. This is how many ounces of water you need each day, consumed at a slow but steady pace from rise to fall. If you weigh 180lbs, divide by 2 = 90oz of water daily. Drinking water should come from a pure source, preferably filtered for purity and filters replaced according to manufactured suggestions. Optimal drinking water pH is 7.0
ADDITIONAL IMPORTANT NOTES AND TIPS-
1) A recent study revealed the citrate found in citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruit), which is accompanied by a potassium ion, can aid to flush the oxalates from the kidneys that had been accumulating overnight. Those that suffer with inflammatory conditions tend to be predisposed to an increased risk of stone development. For this reason, we recommend you consume a small-sized orange or grapefruit with your first morning pill. Alternatively, one could squeeze fresh lemon/lime into pure water and consume upon rising.
2) Eat to live, don’t live to eat.
3) Fresh Vegetables and some fruits (preferably organic) should be a large part of your daily diet
4) Trying to avoid high temperature cooking methods as much as possible (microwave, grilling, broiling, frying-anything cooked in any oil other than pure coconut or butter/ghee) and choosing more slow indirect heat (crock pot, rotisserie, steaming, low heat baking, roasting, boiling/simmering) can make a difference in the acidity level of your food. High direct heat can chemically alter our food, making it more acidic, and can strip away most of the nutrients.
5) Sour dairy and fermented foods are important to include daily as a good source of friendly bacteria to
the body. Organic, full-fat cottage cheese, kefir, sour cream, and plain yogurt can be incorporated. The commercially fruited yogurts are packed with sugar, so choosing plain and adding fresh fruit, honey or stevia for sweetening, is recommended. HOME fermented foods (not shelf stable pasteurized versions) such as sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, olives, and pickles can be very easy to make and great for your health.