Inflammation is not a disease.
Inflammation is best described as a defense mechanism to
limit tissue damage. It can be caused by infection, injury
or immune conditions. In each case, the inflammation is the
result of your immune system responding to another event.
When such an event occurs, a special cell called a
neutrophil targets the damaged cells and releases a
proinflammatory cytokine ( a natural substance used by the
body for immune regulation ). This attracts more neutophil
and begins a cycle of communication between neutrophil and
macrophage ( a type of cell in your immune system that works
to protect against infection and from toxins ). These
signals are generated using structures composed of
glyconutrients. This cycle would apply to the inflammation
of the cells in a vein, the thyroid, intestine, liver, a
muscle, the scalp, or any other collection of cells that are
given a name.
When we take a drug or an herbal to "stop inflammation," we
are really interrupting the natural process where the body
is sending out signals to other helper cells to say "Hey,
come deal with this." We are also interrupting the natural
process where the body is sending signals to us saying "take
it easy, we have something that needs care." Certainly
inflammation can be a discomfort and an annoyance but the
importance of inflammation as part of the immune response
cannot be overstated.
After the immune cells have cleared out the source of the
inflammation, additional immune cells begin a clean up
process and engulf dead neutrophils and other cellular
debris. If the process is successful, the body will return
to normal levels of cells and mediators.
Inflammation is affected by diet in that certain nutrients
play a role in the normal inflammation process. Various
glyconutrients are used to construction glycoforms for
signaling in the body and antioxidants bind to free radicals
which may either be the source, or by product of, the
damage.
In summary, inflammation is a normal cellular process. Your
body induced inflammation in response to something else.
While the process can lead to discomfort, it should be
understood that medications and herbs which mask the
inflammation by interfering with it may also be interfering
with the underlying immune response. Work with your doctor
to manage your symptoms in the short term but then also
factor in diet and lifestyle changes to help support the
natural processes of the body. Every cell in your body has
the natural ability to restore, protect and defend itself.
Don't just turn them off for good. Studies have shown that
concentrations of glyconutrients can have a very beneficial
effect on inflammation. While the processes are still being
studied, non-toxic glyconutrient supplements have been
available to the public for over 10 years.
About the Author
Dave Saunders is a certified nutritional educator, wellness
coach and author. He is also the host of a weekly, nation-wide
telephone lecture on health and nutrition. For additional
information, please visit www.glycoboy.com or email Dave at
dave@glycoboy.com