Abby's

Volume 3 Issue 5

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In response to circulating interleukin-6, the liver will release acute phase reaction products, such as C-reactive protein and fibrinogen. In response to these proinflammatory biochemicals, white blood cells will secrete oxidants and free radicals to kill germs, and enzymes to dissolve dead and dying cells. Unfortunately these oxidants and enzymes may harm healthy cells. The white cells may also burrow into tissues, such as artery linings, where they may cause unintended damage to the body's own tissues. Eventually, other factors will turn off the inflammatory response as germs are disposed of and tissues begin to heal. If the inflammation response takes on a life of its own, becoming self-perpetuating, chronic inflammation develops. Chronic, "silent" inflammation is believed to be intimately involved in the development of obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer's and other dementias. Chronic Inflammation and The Modern World In a healthy person the inflammation response is tightly controlled. It is only activated when there is a need for it—a germ invasion, a wound, tissue injury (such as a sunburn), a broken bone, etc. Unfortunately, scientists have discovered that a host of factors all too common in the modern, developed world tend to promote out-of-control, chronic inflammation. Overweight/obesity (by some estimates over half of all Americans are overweight or obese), insulin resistance, sleep deprivation, hypokinesia (too little physical work/ movement), mega-stress, aging, and improper diet are just some of the all-too-common promoters of chronic inflammation. The Inflammatory American Diet The typical American diet almost looks as if it were designed to promote chronic inflammation. The processed-food American diet is rich in trans fatty acids, produced when vegetable oils are hydrogenated. Margarines, salad dressings, chips and baked goods such as cookies and crackers are just some of the dietary sources of trans fatty acids. Research has shown these abnormal fatty acids to be inflammation promoters. Any oils labeled "partially hydrogenated" tend to be rich sources of trans fatty acids. A diet rich in rapidly digested sugars/starches (high glycemic), especially when consumed by those overweight and/or insulin resistant (and such a diet promotes overweight/insulin resistance), promotes inflammation. The typical American diet is rich in carbohydrates, with roughly two-thirds of the average American's carbohydrates coming from inflammation- promoting high-glycemic foods, such as bread, soft drinks/sodas, cakes, cookies, quick breads, doughnuts, sugars/syrups/jams, potatoes, cereal and pasta. Of Our Times: Abby's Magazine - September/October 2015 | Page 27 America's Inflammation Epidemic

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