Overcoming Chronic Inflammation II

We saw in the first blog on this topic that chronic inflammation has been proven to be responsible for many serious diseases, and it's important that you get rid of it as quickly as possible. Indeed, if left unchecked it can continue for months and even years, and the longer it is around the more damage it does. We also saw that the inflammatory response is suppose to shut off when the injury is healed, but in some cases the message is not received or understood, and this is what creates chronic inflammation.

Let's review the major causes of the problem. They are: our genes, polluted air and water, smoking, high cholesterol, the food we eat, and lack of exercise and proper sleep. To this list I'll add:

1. Obesity or overweight
2. Stress, anxiety and depression
3. Various bacteria and viruses
4. High sugar levels in the diet
5. Periodontal disease
6. Chronic infections of the kidney, bladder and so on.

Treatment:

One of the first things you should do to get rid of chronic inflammation is change your health habits (if they are bad). They include the following:

1.  Get the proper amount of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients.
2.  Eat a well-balanced diet with plenty of vegetables, fruit, whole grains and proper proteins.
3.  Maintain proper weight.
4.  Exercise regularly.
5.  Avoid stress.
6.  Get sufficient sleep.

In addition, the following are also helpful:

1.  Green tea
2.  Omega-3 fats  (fish is best source)
3.  Vitamin E
4.  Reversatrol
5.  Various spices such as turmeric (curcumin), ginger, garlic, and rosemary
6.  Bromelain

In particular, you should watch the fat (saturated and trans) in your diet.

What about medicines? You should, of course, do all of the above before you resort to medicines. But if the condition is particularly stubborn you may need them, and you'll have to talk to your doctor about them. The two major inflammation fighters are: NSAIDS (non steroid anti-inflammation drugs) and corticosteroids.

NSAIDS are the most common drugs used for inflammation. Some of the over-the-counter ones are: aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. For others you need a prescription. The most common corticosteroid is prednisone, which is quite dangerous at high dosage. Again you will have to check with your doctor for it.

Barry Parker  Ph. D. is the author of "Learn from Yesterday, Live for Today, Hope for Tomorrow," and "Feel Great. Feel Alive." His webpage is Barryparkerbooks.com