Scientists couldn't believe it at first, but now they've been forced to admit:

#1. Inflammation causes hardening of the arteries. It makes cholesterol

stick to your artery walls in thick deposits called plaque, and then...

#2. Inflammation causes heart attacks! It tears off pieces of artery

plaque and sends them hurtling toward your heart, or worse...

#3. Inflammation causes strokes when those chunks of plaque reach your

brain and...#4. Inflammation may even cause 9

out of 10 cases of high blood pressure!

The Burden of Common Preventable Chronic

Diseases 70% to 90% of deaths from chronic illnesses in the U.S. are believed to be caused by poor nutrition, sedentary living, and tobacco use.

In addition to hypertension, manifestations of the lifestyle syndrome include the metabolic syndrome, obesity, dyslipidemia, CVD, cancer, osteoarthritis, depression, sexual dysfunction, and type 2 diabetes mellitus.6

“According to a case-controlled study of 52 countries (INTER-HEART), optimization of 9

easily measured and potentially modifiable risk factors could result in a 90 percent reduction in risk of an initial acute myocardial infarction. The effect of these risk factors is consistent in men and women across different geographic regions by ethnic group, which makes study applicable worldwide.These 9 risk factors included Cigarette smoking,Abnormal blood lipid levels,Hypertension,Diabetes, Abdominal obesity,a Lack of physical activity,Low daily fruit and vegetable consumption,Alcohol over consumptionand STRESS.”

Rosamond W, Flegal K, Furie K, et al. Heart disease and stroke statistics – 2008 update: a report from the American Heart Association Statistics Committee and Stroke Statistics Subcommittee. Circulation 2008 Jan 29;117(4):e25-146.

All nine of the risk factors have 1 common denominator: INFLAMMATION!!!

Researchers indicate systemic inflammation promotes insulin

resistance leading to

Metabolic Syndrome. “Evidence at present favors chronic inflammation as a trigger for chronic insulin

insensitivity, rather than the reverse situation.”

Grimble RF. Inflammatory status and insulin resistance. Currr Opin Clin NutrMetab Care 2002;5(5):551-9.

From: AHA / NHLBI Scientific Statement

“Diagnosis and Management of the Metabolic Syndrome” An American Heart Association /

National Heart, Lung, Blood Institute Scientific Statement

Circulation 2005;112:000-000 @www.circulationaha.org

The NCEP (National Cholesterol Education Program) ATP (Adult Rx Panel) III proposed a simple set of diagnostic criteria:

Waist circumference Triglycerides HDL-Cholesterol Blood pressure Fasting glucose level

Abnormalities in any 3 of these 5 measures constitutes a diagnosis of metabolic syndrome.

From: AHA / NHLBI Scientific Statement

“Diagnosis and Management of the Metabolic Syndrome” An American Heart Association /

National Heart, Lung, Blood Institute Scientific Statement

Metabolic Syndrome confers:

A 2-fold increase in relative risk for ASCVD events. A 5-fold increase in risk for developing DM-II in

individuals without established diabetes.

“This finding implies that the metabolic syndrome imparts a relatively high long-term risk for both ASCVD and diabetes.”

Circulation 2005;112:000-000 @www.circulationaha.org

Belly Fat causes Excess Estrogen in Men!!!Abdominal Fat increases risk of: Stroke, Cancer, CVDCorrelation between Estradiol and InflammationHow Excess Estrogen Levels Occur in Aging MenIn males, the main biologically active estrogen is estradiol. The primary source of estradiol in men is from the conversion (aromatization) of testosterone. As men age, the production of androgens from the adrenals and gonads is decreased. The aromatization of testosterone to estradiol is often maintained, but due to a variety of factors, more testosterone is aromatized in fatty tissues, causing a further imbalance of the ratio of testosterone to estrogen, i.e. too much estradiol and not enough testosterone. The result is a deficiency of beneficial testosterone and an excess amount of estradiol.34As men age, the amount of testosterone produced in the testes diminishes greatly. Yet estradiol levels remain persistently high. The reason for this is increasing aromatase activity along with age-associated fat mass, especially in the belly.5 Estradiol levels correlate significantly to body fat mass and more specifically to subcutaneous abdominal fat. The epidemic of abdominal obesity observed in aging men is associated with a constellation of degenerative disorders, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.9,35-38Subcutaneous abdominal fat acts as a secretory gland, often producing and emitting excessive levels of estradiol into an aging man’s blood.39 One’s waist circumference is a highly accurate prognostic measurement of future disease risk, with excess estradiol secretion being at least one of the deadly mechanisms associated with the difficult-to-resolve problem of having too much abdominal fat.5,40Symptoms of excess estrogen in aging men include the development of breasts, having too much abdominal weight, feeling tired, suffering loss of muscle mass, and having emotional disturbances. Many of these symptoms correspond to testosterone deficiency as well.41Double the Stroke RiskStroke is the third leading cause of death and the leading cause of age-related disability. Abnormal blood clotting in the cerebral blood vessels is the most common cause of stroke. Excess estrogen promotes abnormal blood clots.1In a study published just last year, blood levels of estradiol (a potent estrogen) were measured in a group of 2,197 men aged 71 to 93 years of age. Adjustment for age, hypertension, diabetes, adiposity, cholesterol, atrial fibrillation, and other characteristics were made. During the course of follow-up, men with the highest blood levels of estradiol had a 2.2-fold greater risk of stroke compared with those whose estradiol levels were lower

The epidemic of abdominal obesity observed in aging men is associated with a constellation of degenerative disorders, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

Protecting Against Toxic Estrogen Metabolites

It is not just excess estradiol that poses health risks. Specific estrogen metabolites may also initiate and promote hormone-related cancers. Daily consumption of cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts),54-59 along with isoflavone-rich soy foods60-64 converts these dangerous estrogen metabolites (such as 16-alpha-hydroxyestrone) to safe ones (2-hydroxyestrone) that may protect against prostate cancer.

For those who don’t eat these cancer-protective foods on a daily basis, low-cost supplements can supply the most active constituents of cruciferous vegetables (such as indole-3-carbinol and sulphoraphane)65-70 and soy (genistein and daidzein).

One’s waist circumference is a highly accurate prognostic measurement of future disease risk, with excess estradiol secretion being at least one of the deadly mechanisms associated with the difficult-to-resolve problem of having too much abdominal fat

A normal body mass index(BMI) does not necessarily mean the absence of Metabolic Syndrome. A person of normal weight can still

suffer from the effects of Metabolic Syndrome. 11.1 percent to 21.3 percent of individuals with a BMI 23.0 to 26.9

have metabolic syndrome.

Pro-inflammatoryHigh Omega 6:3 Ratio

Anti-inflammatory

Balanced omega 6:3 ratio

Researchers followed 208 apparently healthy, non-obese subjects for four to 11

years after baseline measurements of insulin resistance. The purpose was to correlate insulin resistance at baseline to the development of various clinical events including hypertension, coronary heart disease, stroke, cancer and type 2 diabetes.7 The subjects were divided into tertiles (groups divided by3) of insulin resistance at baseline: the most insulin-resistant tertile, intermediate insulin resistance, and no insulin resistance. During the follow-up period, 40 clinical events occurred among 37 subjects, including 12 hypertension, three hypertension and type 2 diabetes, nine cancer, seven coronary heart disease, four stroke, and two type 2 diabetes. Twenty-eight of the 40 diseases occurred in 25 individuals who were part of the most insulin-resistant tertile. Facchini FS, Hua N, Abbasi F, Reaven GM. Insulin resistance as a predictor of age-related disease. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2001;86:3574-8.

No diseases developed in the subjects with normal insulin sensitivity, which was (according to the authors) “seems to be truly remarkable.”

“Grains and bread contain excessive amounts of pro-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids, gluten (to which many are sensitive)

and lectins that inflame the gut and promote systemic disease. They are deficient in such key nutrients as vitamins C, A, B12 and beta-carotene.1 The pH of grains is

acidic. Lowering body pH can promote

inflammation, pain and osteoporosis.”

David Seaman, author of Clinical Nutrition for Pain, Inflammation, and Tissue Healing.

“We are genetically accustomed to a 1:1 ratio of omega-6 (n6) to omega-3 (n3) fatty acids. Under 4:1 is an acceptable ratio, however, as the ratio increases, so does inflammation.

The average American's ratio range is from 10:1 to 30:1, reflecting an extreme aberration that creates a pro-

inflammatory state, which is thought to promote pain; inflammation; cancer; heart disease; Alzheimer's disease;

inflammatory gut disease; depression; osteoporosis; and most of the other chronic diseases from which we suffer”

David Seaman, author of Clinical Nutrition for Pain, Inflammation, and Tissue Healing.

“Consider oatmeal, a very common breakfast food, for example. In one quarter of a cup of rolled oats, we are treated

to .44 mg of linoleic acid (n6) and .02 mg of linolenic acid (n3), which reflects a 21:1 ratio of n6 to n3.3 White bread provides a 21:1 ratio, while whole wheat contains a 27:1

ratio.3 Potato chips boast a 60:1 ratio, and corn chips provide a 12:1 ratio”

David Seaman, author of Clinical Nutrition for Pain, Inflammation, and Tissue Healing.

“Vegetables such as kale; broccoli; cauliflower; spinach; collard and mustard greens; arugala; Swiss chard; and chicory are excellent sources. The spring green mix, also called field

greens, California greens or Mesclun greens, is a great source. These make an excellent salad and should replace iceberg lettuce. Most fresh fish is rich in n-3s, as is wild game. Today, people can even buy n-3-rich eggs, such as Eggland's Best, found in most supermarkets. Health food

stores typically carry the Country Hen or Gold Circle Farms brands. Flaxseed can be sprinkled on salads and fruits, and

flaxseed oil can be used in salad dressings.” David Seaman, author of Clinical Nutrition for Pain, Inflammation, and Tissue Healing.

“Broccoli Provides an Impressive 1:3 Ratio of N6 to N3, and Kale Offers a

1:1.3 Ratio, While Most Lettuces Give a 1:2 Ratio.3 Fish Ranges From 1:1 to 1:7

The ratio of n6 to n3 in fruits generally ranges from 2:1 to 1:1. For example, blueberries are noted for their heavy concentration of bioflavonoids; they produce a 4:3 ratio of n6:n3. Cherries are also rich in flavonoids and provide a 1:1 ratio. The banana, one of the more commonly eaten fruits, possesses a 2:1 ratio”

David Seaman, author of Clinical Nutrition for Pain, Inflammation, and Tissue Healing.

Most degenerative diseases are caused by chronic inflammation, so our

supplemental approach should be supportive of reducing inflammation.

Nicklas BJ, You T, Pahor M. Behavioral treatments for chronic systemic inflammation: effects of

dietary weight loss and exercise training. Can Med Assoc J 2005;172:1199-1209.

Omega-3 Supplements “At This Point, It Should Be Clear That We Gorge Ourselves

With N6 Fatty Acids and Create a Pro-inflammatory State That Drives Inflammation, Pain and Chronic Disease.

Regretfully, It Is Nearly Impossible to Ensure a Proper Ratio of N6:n3 If You Plan to Do Anything but Shop and Prepare Meals. I Strongly Suggest That You Immediately Begin a Lifelong Supplementation Program Involving N3 Fatty Acids, Particularly eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and

docosahexanoic Acid (DHA). We Find These in Fresh Fish and Wild Game to Varying Degrees. However, They Are

Most Commonly Associated With Fish, So EPA and DHA Supplements Are Typically Referred to As Fish Oil.”

David Seaman, author of Clinical Nutrition for Pain, Inflammation, and Tissue Healing.

•EPA-DHA 720 provides 720 mg of omega-3 essential fatty acids from cold water fish per softgel—eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)—to help deliver greater support in fewer softgels.Supplies high levels of EPA and DHA, which have been shown to support healthy function in body systems including cardiovascular, immune, gastrointestinal, and musculoskeletal. Omega-3 fatty acids such as EPA and DHA are vital for healthy nervous system function. Features a unique antioxidant blend of vitamin E, ascorbyl palmitate, and rosemary to stabilize the oil for maximum freshness.

Kaprex provides a safer option for effective joint relief. This proprietary combination of selected plant components influences kinase signaling and the formation of certain substances that are associated with minor pain. Clinical testing suggests that Kaprex may offer a high degree of predicted cardiovascular, gastric, renal, and liver safety. Provides effective joint relief that is worry-free. Modulates prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production at specific target cells.

Features SKRMs in the form of THIAA to modulate kinase activity in favor of good health. The ingredient synergy of Tetrase™, oleanolic acid, and rosemary provide efficacy at a low dose for a maximum cost-effectiveness. Developed through the ExpresSyn™ Process, which combines cell proteomic research, safety evaluations, human ex vivo research, and clinical testing for maximum safety and effectiveness. EACH SOFTGEL SUPPLIES:A proprietary blend of:  350 mg

Tetrase™, (Tetrahydro-iso-alpha acids complex†, from hops) (Humulus lupulus L.), Oleanolic Acid (from olive leaf extract, Olea europaea), Rosemary Leaf Extract (Rosmarinus officinalis)

Inflavonoid is expertly formulated to provide relief from minor pain and support healthy muscle tissue. It is the perfect choice for patients whose muscles are impacted by physical stressors, poor posture, and even inactivity. Supports healthy eicosanoid synthesis such as prostaglandins, thromboxanes, and leukotrienes that can affect muscle and connective tissue. Provides Ayurvedic herbs traditionally used to support healthy muscle tissue. Provides lemon bioflavonoids and vitamin C, which help to protect connective tissues from damaging free radicals.

UltraInflamX® Plus 360° is a medical food formulated to provide specialized nutritional support—including reduced iso-alpha acids (RIAA, from hops), L-glutamine, and easily digestible rice protein—for patients experiencing inflammation and pain associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.                      Features selective kinase response modulators (SKRMs) in the form of RIAA, which has been shown to beneficially influence the function of enzymes involved in inflammatory processes.                      RIAA has demonstrated potent antioxidant activity and research suggests that it may help improve overall redox status through influencing inflammation signaling molecules such as NF-κB, COX-2, and PGE2

                     Includes ginger and rosemary, which may help support healthy eicosanoid and cytokine metabolism                      Provides turmeric extract, which has been shown in research to inhibit the activities of a wide variety of enzymes, cytokines, eicosanoids, and reactive species implicated in pain and inflammation                      Supplies a low-allergenic potential protein base in the form of rice protein concentrate

 

 

HOW TO AGE RAPIDLY OR NOT!by Pauline N. Harding, MD, who is residency trained in Internal Medicine, Board

Certified in Family Practice, and licensed as a Nutrition Counselor. She is an instructor in the Department of Family Practice at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago. She has been on the speakers' forum for the Rush

Presbyterian St. Luke's Medical Center Conference for Body-Mind Healing and the Wilson Foundation Conference on

Ethics for High School Science Teachers, and she has acted as panel discussant for the American Psychological

Association. Dr. Harding is Medical Director at Prairie Trail Family Medicine in Winfield, Illinois. Her medical practice

embraces a potpourri of natural healing techniques, especially as they apply to problems associated with

environmental sensitivity and other allergies, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, colitis, sleep disturbances, and menopause.

. . . the "chin forward" posture also invites rapid aging,

especially of cognitive functions.

The inflammatory propensity survey  

Please check any of the boxes that may apply to you.   I have or had been diagnosed with any of the following: arthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, sinusitis, allergies, acne, asthma, digestive conditions, flu symptoms, dysmenorrhea, endometriosis, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, cancer, heart disease, osteoporosis, hypertension, depression, the insulin resistance syndrome (pre-diabetes), or diabetes. I seem to wake up with lots of joint stiffness. I take anti-inflammatory meds at least once per week. I regularly eat cheese in more than condiment size portions. I have an unhealthy BMI or I need to lose weight I have a waiste to hip ratio of greater 1:1 I have neck or back pain and or stiffness I feel mentally drained most days of the week and have feelings of depression. I feel older that what I should for my age. I am chronically tired. I consume breads and cereals daily I consume refined sugar and or baked goods several times per week I consume fried foods and other foods that may have trans fats I consume commercially salad dressings and or mayonnaise as well as foods cooked with vegetable oils like corn and safflower I consume processed daily products. I consume meats and other animal products that are grain fed. I find it hard to exercise regularly. My skin seems to be dry and lacks resiliency I have allergy symptoms and seem to be prone to seasonal changes I am a smoker.

If you have checked any of the boxes above, there is a strong likelihood that you have at lease a mild if not a significant inflammatory condition.

•Inflammation, Heart Disease and Stroke: The Role of C-Reactive Protein

How does inflammation relate to heart disease and stroke risk?“Inflammation” is the process by which the body responds to injury or an infection. Laboratory evidence and findings from clinical and population studies suggest that inflammation is important in atherosclerosis (ath”er-o-skleh-RO’sis). This is the process in which fatty deposits build up in the inner lining of arteries.C-reactive protein (CRP) is one of the acute phase proteins that increase during systemic inflammation. It’s been suggested that testing CRP levels in the blood may be an additional way to assess cardiovascular disease risk. A more sensitive CRP test, called a highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) assay, is available to determine heart disease risk. The American Heart Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published a joint scientific statement in 2003 on the use of inflammatory markers in clinical and public health practice. This statement was developed after systematically reviewing the evidence of association between inflammatory markers (mainly CRP) and coronary heart disease and stroke.What’s the role of CRP in predicting recurrent cardiovascular and stroke events?A growing number of studies have examined whether hs-CRP can predict recurrent cardiovascular disease, stroke and death in different settings. High levels of hs-CRP consistently predict recurrent coronary events in patients with unstable angina and acute myocardial infarction (heart attack). Higher hs-CRP levels also are associated with lower survival rates in these patients. Many studies have suggested that after adjusting for other prognostic factors, hs-CRP is useful as a risk predictor.Studies also suggest that higher levels of hs-CRP may increase the risk that an artery will reclose after it’s been opened by balloon angioplasty. High levels of hs-CRP in the blood also seem to predict prognosis and recurrent events in patients with stroke or peripheral arterial disease.What’s the role of hs-CRP in predicting new cardiovascular events?Scientific studies have found that the higher the hs-CRP levels, the higher the risk of having a heart attack. In fact, the risk for heart attack in people in the upper third of hs-CRP levels has been determined to be twice that of those whose hs-CRP level is in the lower third. These prospective studies include men, women and the elderly. Studies have also found an association between sudden cardiac death, peripheral arterial disease and hs-CRP. However not all of the established cardiovascular risk factors were controlled for when the association was examined. The true independent association between hs-CRP and new cardiovascular events hasn’t yet been established.What causes low-grade inflammation?The major injurious factors that promote atherogenesis — cigarette smoking, hypertension, atherogenic lipoproteins, and hyperglycemia — are well established. These risk factors give rise to a variety of noxious stimuli that cause the release of chemicals and the activation of cells involved in the inflammatory process. These events are thought to contribute not only to the formation of plaque but may also contribute to its disruption resulting in the formation of a blood clot. Thus, virtually every step in atherogenesis is believed to involve substances involved in the inflammatory response and cells that are characteristic of inflammation.In addition, there is also research that indicates an infection — possibly one caused by a bacteria or a virus — might contribute to or even cause atherosclerosis. The infectious bacteria, Chlamydia pneumoniae (klah-MID'e-ah nu-MO'ne-i), has been shown to have a significant association to atherosclerotic plaque. The herpes simplex virus has also been proposed as an initial inflammatory infectious agent in atherosclerosis.The notion that chronic infection can lead to unsuspected disease isn't foreign to most doctors. For example, bacterial infection with Helicobacter pylori is now known to be the major cause of stomach ulcers. The treatment for this condition now routinely includes antibiotic therapy.  Should I have my CRP level measured?If a person’s cardiovascular risk score — judged by global risk assessment — is low (the possibility of developing cardiovascular disease is less than 10 percent in 10 years), no test is immediately warranted. If the risk score is in the intermediate range (10–20 percent in 10 years), such a test can help predict a cardiovascular or stroke event and help direct further evaluation and therapy. However, the benefits of such therapy based on this strategy remain uncertain. A person with a high risk score (greater than 20 percent in 10 years) or established heart disease or stroke should be treated intensively regardless of hs-CRP levels.What is the normal range of hs-CRP level?If hs-CRP level is lower than 1.0 mg/L, a person has a low risk of developing cardiovascular disease.If hs-CRP is between 1.0 and 3.0 mg/L, a person has an average risk.If hs-CRP is higher than 3.0 mg/L, a person is at high risk.If, after repeated testing, patients have persistently unexplained, markedly elevated hs-CRP (greater than 10.0 mg/L), they should be evaluated to exclude noncardiovascular causes. Patients with autoimmune diseases or cancer, as well as other infectious diseases, may also have elevated CRP levels.

 

The American Heart Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published a joint scientific statement in 2003 on the use of inflammatory markers in clinical and public health practice.

“…researchers found that vitamin D deficiency is associated withincreased inflammation in otherwise healthy people. Increased inflammation inthe body can increase the risk of chronic inflammatory conditions, includingcoronary heart disease (CHD) and diabetes. Further, the researchers found thatinflammation was lowered by simple vitamin D” (supplementation)Vitamin D Lowers InflammationContributed by John Jacob Cannell, MD, executive director of The Vitamin D Council

Recommended Inflammatory Markers Indicating the Relative Risk of Chronic Degenerative diseases:

• hs CRP• Vitamin D3 levels• Insulin Resistance (2 hr)• Sed rate