Inflammation is a natural body process. It is a natural body response to disease--in response to infection, allergens, and other bodily invaders. This can be a good thing because it can save us from things foreign to our bodies. But in can be a bad thing when it's a chronic response to chronic illness.
Celiac disease is a good example of this. Those diagnosed with this condition experience an inflammatory response to gluten, a component of wheat and some other cereal grains. The problem is, the antibodies produced also attack the lining of the small intestine. The resulting inflammatory damage causes reduced ability to absorb nutrients from food, causing diarrhea, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, neurological damage, etc. Rheumatoid arthritis is another condition in which antibodies to one's own tissue are produced, causing damage to body joints and internal organs as well.
Historically, anti-inflammatory medications have been tried to help halt the disease process. Some of these medications, such as prednisone and other steroids, have untoward effects if used over long periods of time. Modern thinking lends itself to how diet and nutrition can be used to thwart the inflammatory process. With that in mind, this week we will explore foods that exaggerate inflammation and others that help curb the inflammatory process.
Sources: EurekaAlert.org; Wikimedia
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| Swan Neck Deformity--Rheumatoid Arthritis |
Celiac disease is a good example of this. Those diagnosed with this condition experience an inflammatory response to gluten, a component of wheat and some other cereal grains. The problem is, the antibodies produced also attack the lining of the small intestine. The resulting inflammatory damage causes reduced ability to absorb nutrients from food, causing diarrhea, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, neurological damage, etc. Rheumatoid arthritis is another condition in which antibodies to one's own tissue are produced, causing damage to body joints and internal organs as well.
Historically, anti-inflammatory medications have been tried to help halt the disease process. Some of these medications, such as prednisone and other steroids, have untoward effects if used over long periods of time. Modern thinking lends itself to how diet and nutrition can be used to thwart the inflammatory process. With that in mind, this week we will explore foods that exaggerate inflammation and others that help curb the inflammatory process.
Sources: EurekaAlert.org; Wikimedia
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