January 19, 2016 @ 5:57 PM

By Cliff Smith

Glenn Frey and The Eagles-Life In The Fast LaneWith the passing of yet another beloved rock star, Glenn Frey of The Eagles, we are reminded about the dangers of inflammation to the human body.  Also, we are reminded of inflammation triggers and ways to reduce inflammatory responses in the body.

"Glenn fought a courageous battle for the past several weeks but, sadly, succumbed to complications from rheumatoid arthritis, acute ulcerative colitis and pneumonia," according to  the band's official website.  Two of those problems, rheumatoid arthritis and acute ulcerative colitis, were directly related to inflammation.

Inflammation Dangers

Numerous reports serve as warnings about inflammation in the body.  “Chronic inflammation plays a significant role (as either a cause or effect) in many diseases, including type 2 diabetes, autoimmune diseases, such as Crohn’s disease, and the three top killers in the United States: heart disease, cancer and stroke. Emerging research is focusing on the link between inflammation and brain disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.” 

*Source: http://www.eatingwell.com/nutrition_health/nutrition_news_information/10_ways_to_reduce_inflammation


Another warning about inflammation dangers

“A substantial body of evidence supports the conclusion that chronic inflammation can predispose an individual to cancer, as demonstrated by the association between chronic inflammatory bowel diseases and the increased risk of colon carcinoma. Chronic inflammation is caused by a variety of factors, including bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections, chemical irritants, and non-digestible particles. The longer the inflammation persists, the higher the risk of associated carcinogenesis.” 

*Source: http://www.cancernetwork.com/review-article/chronic-inflammation-and-cancer#sthash.46MuP03m.dpuf


Inflammation Triggers:

  • Acid-Alkaline Foods Chart

    Acid foods and drinks  (Alkaline Foods and Acid Foods - What You Really Need to Know)
     
  • Lack of sleep
     
  • Stress
     
  • Lack of exercise
     
  • Omega-6 fats found in processed and fast foods (Omega 6 fats from vegetable oils like sunflower and corn are inflammatory triggers, while Omega-3 fats from fish oil and flaxseeds are healthy anti-inflammatory fats)
     
  • Trans fats from fried foods, packaged crackers, cookies, margarines and more
     
  • Partially hydrogenated oil containing trans fats
     
  • Saturated fats from meat, whole milk and butter

Anti-Inflammatory Solutions

Green Tea Drinks with AntioxidantsThe good news is that dietary enhancements, such as supplements concentrated with antioxidants, green tea with polyphenols, foods high in fiber, and soy protein, along with rest and exercise, can be powerful tools against inflammation.  Experts articulate that a diet rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals supplies the body with powerful anti-inflammatory nutrients.  Results show improvements in pain, morning stiffness, disease activity and physical function.  

  “Researchers from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Lubbock found that green tea can slow oxidation and the inflammation that may result from it. ‘AGreen Tea-Callifter 24 weeks, people who consumed 500 mg of green tea polyphenols daily—that’s about 4 to 6 cups of tea—halved their oxidative stress levels,’ says Leslie Shen, Ph.D., the study’s lead author. (The placebo group didn’t see a single change.)  

Researchers have also found that green tea significantly reduced the severity of arthritis by causing changes in various immune responses. They showed that an antioxidant in green tea blocks the production of molecules that cause joint damage. In May 2015, researchers reported in the International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases on the superior anti-inflammatory effect of green tea when compared with black tea.”

The Food and Drug Administration has indicated that consuming 25 grams of soy protein daily helps to reduce the risk of inflammation-driven cardiovascular disease.  Several other studies have reported that a high fiber diet helps to reduce inflammation.

*Source: http://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/arthritis-diet/anti-inflammatory/eat-to-beat-inflammation.php

Studies that put the spotlight on vegetarian or vegan diets to combat arthritis show Sunbars and Soy Proteinlong-lasting improvements in joint pain, morning stiffness and overall health.   Many experts suggest that a diet high in alkaline foods, like fruits and vegetables, yet lower in acid foods, can help maintain a healthy pH balance in the body while fighting inflammation (are you eating the right foods?  Take the free alkaline food test).


Inflammation can be deadly, but there are ways to keep it in check.  Just drinking green tea every day can cut your inflammatory responses in half.  Making some modest changes to your diet, getting more rest and living with less stress can be quick solutions for eliminating inflammation in the body.  Remember, the longer that inflammation persists, the greater the likelihood that chronic diseases can take hold.  Don’t wait until it is too late, take action now.