inflammation and the brain

[Guest guest]

In light of the interesting article in Nature, that is now on the newstands, I

found this article related to inflammation.

Inflammation may be associated with asthma, and arthritis as well as autism and

many other chronic conditions. Inflammation in the brain is a suspect in

several common conditions. The Nature article discusses inflammation in this

context of autism or other similar learning and behavior conditions. The

article below discusses the inflammatory process and some ways to address

inflammation.

Interestingly, inflammation may be associated with the interstitial cystitis

that 's son Mark was diagnosed with some years ago. , is this the

correct name for the condition?

Since I had to remove the Nature article, I wanted to supply something in its

place. But, the Nature article is currently on the newstands for those who wish

to purchase it.

:-)

Quenching the Fires of Inflammation

By Jack Challem

Copyright 2003 by Jack Challem, The Nutrition ReporterT

All rights reserved. This article originally appeared in Let's Live magazine.

Physicians have long recognized inflammation as the culprit in asthma,

arthritis, and many painful " -itis " diseases. But almost overnight, medicine has

been redefining inflammation as the root of most chronic diseases.

Amazing as it may sound, the latest findings point to chronic low-grade

inflammation as the underlying cause of coronary heart disease, Alzheimer's, and

some types of cancer. Even obesity and diabetes have powerful undercurrents of

inflammation.

This changing view of inflammation has grown largely out of a new respect for

C-reactive protein (CRP), a blood protein that both promotes and reflects

inflammation levels in the body. Using a new and particularly sensitive blood

test, known as high-sensitivity CRP, Ridker, M.D., of the Harvard Medical

School, has found that elevated levels of inflammation increase the risk of a

heart attack by four and one-half times. That strong association makes CRP a far

more accurate predictor of heart-attack risk than either cholesterol or

homocysteine.

The fact that high blood levels of CRP are found in a variety of serious and

chronic conditions points to what might best be called an " inflammation

syndrome. " For example, the inflammation in obesity and diabetes may

" metastasize " throughout the body, setting the stage for inflamed blood vessels

and an increased risk of heart disease.

A Normal Process Gone Awry

Inflammation is a normal part of the body's immune response to infection or

injury. Activated white blood cells secrete a variety of inflammation-promoting

compounds, including interleukin-6 (IL-6), CRP, free radicals, and

prostaglandins, to fight germs and to dispose of damaged cells. After the body

recovers, the immune system and its white blood cells should settle down.

But that doesn't always happen. Instead, low-grade inflammation will often

simmer for years, eventually turning serious or repeated injuries to knee

cartilage into osteoarthritis. Similarly, inflammation may quietly damage the

heart or brain cells.

CRP and IL-6 are highly specialized molecules called cytokines, which function

as chemical messengers between cells. Somewhat like a cellular Revere, they

help activate armies of white blood cells that, in chronic inflammation, can

turn against normal tissues. The big question is: what stimulates this

pro-inflammatory activity in the first place? Part of the answer lies in the

foods people eat.

A Diet that Sets the Stage for Inflammation

Your body makes two families of hormone-like compounds, called prostaglandins,

which either promote or reduce inflammation. The " parent " molecules of these

prostaglandins occur in dietary fats, also known as fatty acids.

The largely pro-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids are found in most cooking oils,

such as corn, safflower, peanut, and soybean oils. In contrast, the

anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish (particularly coldwater

species, such as salmon), flaxseed, and leafy green vegetables. The body

converts the fatty acids in these foods into more potent pro- and anti

inflammatory prostaglandins.

Saturated fats have little influence on inflammation, but trans fatty acids

(identified on labels as partially hydrogenated oils) interfere with the enzymes

needed to process fatty acids, particularly the omega-3 fatty acids. A

particular type of omega-6 fatty acid, gamma-linolenic acid, behaves more like

an anti-inflammatory omega-3 fat. And oleic acid, an omega-9 fatty acid in olive

oil, also has anti-inflammatory properties.

Your body's levels of all of these fatty acids reflect dietary intake.

Historically, diets contained relatively equal amounts of omega-6 and omega-3

fatty acids, providing a balance between the body's pro- and anti-inflammatory

activities. But in highly processed foods - think fast foods and packaged

convenience foods - the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids has increased to

roughly 15:1 to 30:1. The result primes people for chronic inflammation, while

greatly reducing the body's ability to turn off inflammation.

And surprisingly, carbohydrates can be just as problematic as some fats.

According to research by Simin Liu, M.D., Ph.D., of the Harvard Medical School,

a diet high in refined carbohydrates and high-glycemic foods (which rapidly

raise blood sugar levels) also seems to increase inflammation. In a recent

study, Liu found that women eating large amounts of potatoes, breakfast cereals,

white bread, muffins, and white rice had elevated CRP levels, indicating high

levels of inflammation and an increased risk of heart disease. Overweight women

who ate these foods had the highest and most dangerous CRP levels.

An Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Changing some of the foods you regularly eat will boost your body's levels of

anti-inflammatory compounds. That can reduce the pain of rheumatoid arthritis

and other " -itis " diseases and lower your long-term risk of many other chronic

diseases.

Eat more fish. Coldwater fish, such as salmon, mackerel, and herring, contain

large amounts of two potent omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and

docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Research by Bruce Caterson, Ph.D., of Cardiff

University, Wales, has found that omega-3 fish oils inhibited " aggrecanases, " a

family of enzymes that breaks down cartilage. The fish oils also block the

activity of several inflammation-promoting compounds, including tumor necrosis

factor alpha (TNFa), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2).

Cook with healthier oils. Olive-oil, macadamia nut oil, and cold-pressed canola

oil are rich in oleic acid, an omega-9 fatty acid. Studies have shown that olive

oil reduces the activity of " adhesion molecules, " which promote inflammation and

may play a major role in reducing symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Avoid all

other cooking oils and margarine, which can be high in omega-6 fatty acids and

trans fatty acids. Use only salad dressings made with olive oil.

Eat more vegetables. Nonstarchy and low-starch vegetables, such as broccoli,

cauliflower, green beans, and salad greens, contain several anti-inflammatory

nutrients. First, their antioxidants help neutralize free radicals, which

promote inflammation. Second, greens are rich in alpha-linolenic acid, the basic

building block of omega-3 fatty acids. Thirds, greens also contain small amounts

of GLA, which enhances the anti-inflammatory effect of omega-3 fatty acids.

Cut back on refined carbs. Sugars, refined grains (white bread, pasta), and

starchy vegetables (potatoes) raise insulin levels, which may in turn boost CRP

levels. At the very least, these high-calorie foods displace healthier

nutrient-dense choices, such as fish and vegetables. And all of the empty

calories in high-carb foods may contribute to excess weight, which also leads to

higher levels of pro-inflammatory CRP and IL-6.

Anti-Inflammatory Nutrients

Many studies have shown that dietary supplements can bolster the body's own

ability to control and reduce inflammation. Unlike aspirin, ibuprofen, or -2

inhibiting drugs, these supplements are exceptionally safe.

Fish oils. Fish oil supplements, rich in EPA and DHA, leapfrog the body's need

to convert alpha linolenic acid to EPA and DHA. That's important because trans

fatty acids, found in many processed foods, interfere with the enzymes involved

in making EPA and DHA.

Fish oil supplements can speed up the benefits of eating fish two or three times

weekly. They reduce levels of many inflammation-promoting compounds, including

prostaglandin E2 and CRP. In one study, ish researchers found that daily

fish oil capsules led to less pain and less need for anti-inflammatory drugs.

Dosage: 3 grams of fish oils daily. Flaxseed oil capsules may be used by

vegetarians.

GLA. Although gamma-linolenic acid, or GLA, is technically an omega-6 fatty

acid, it is part of the body's normal system of checks and balances to control

excessive inflammation. GLA boosts levels of prostglandin E1, which reduces

inflammation caused by prostaglandin E2.

Zurier, M.D., of the University of Massachusetts, Worcester, conducted

two studies using GLA to treat patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Both 1.4 and

2.8 grams of GLA daily, lead to significant reductions in symptoms.

Dosage: 1.4 grams to several grams daily. GLA supplements are derived from

evening primrose, borage, or black currant oils. The amount of GLA is more

important than the source, so read the fine print on the label.

Vitamin E. Several clinical studies have found that natural vitamin E can lower

CRP levels by an impressive 30 to 50 percent and IL-6 levels by 50 percent. This

effect may account for the vitamin's well-known heart benefits. The

anti-inflammatory benefits of vitamin E were also noted in two clinical trials

that found the vitamin of benefit in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Dosage: 400 IU daily, but a clearer anti-inflammatory effect may be achieved at

800 or 1,200 IU daily.

Vitamin C, glucosamine, and chondroitin. These three supplement are commonly

used to reduce the pain of osteoarthritis and to rebuild articular (joint)

cartilage. But they - along with methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) - may have far

broader tissue-rebuilding benefits. Vitamin C is required for the formation of

collagen, one of the most basic proteins in the body. Meanwhile, glucosamine,

chondroitin, and MSM provide rich sources of sulfur, a mineral that helps hold

tissues together.

Dosage: 500-1,000 mg of vitamin C and 1,000 mg each of glucosamine, chondroitin,

and MSM daily.

Flavonoids. Thousands of antioxidant flavonoids have been identified in plants,

and probably all have some anti-inflammatory properties - and are likely a big

part of the reason why vegetables are good for health. Several specific

flavonoids may be helpful in reducing inflammation, specifically quercetin,

Pycnogenol®, and grape-seed extract.

Dosage: 300-500 mg of quercetin daily or 150-300 mg of Pycnogenol or grape-seed

extract daily.

Botanicals. All herbs are rich in flavonoids, which likely accounts for their

anti-inflammatory properties. Boswellia, cat's claw, devil's claw, green tea

extracts are particularly potent anti inflammatory herbs. Because of its mild

taste, green tea has the advantage of being consumed as a beverage.

Dosage: Herbal potencies can vary depending on their form, such as

capsule/tablet or tincture. Follow either label directions of advice from a

naturopathic physicians or herbalist.

REFERENCES

Ridker PM, Hennekens CH, Buring JE, et al. C-reactive protein and other markers

of inflammation in the prediction of cardiovascular disease in women. New

England Journal of Medicine, 2000;342:836-843.

Liu S, Manson JE, Buring HE, et al. Relation between a diet with a high glycemic

load and plasma concentrations of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in

middle-aged women. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2002;75:492-498.

Curtis CL, CE, Flannery CR, et al. n-3 fatty acids specifically modulate

catabolic factors involved in articular cartilage degradation. Journal of

Biological Chemistry, 2000;275:721 724.

Yaqoob P, Knapper JA, Webb DH, et al. Effect of olive oil on immune function in

middle-aged men. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 1998;67:129-35.

Linos A, Kaklamani VG, Kaklamani E, et al. Dietary factors in relation to

rheumatoid arthritis: a role for olive oil and cooked vegetables. American

Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 1999;70:1077-1082.

Lau CS, Morley KD, Belch JJF. Effects of fish oil supplementation on

non-steroidal anti inflammatory drug requirement in patients with mild

rheumatoid arthritis - a double-blind placebo controlled study. British Journal

of Rheumatology, 1993;32:982-989.

Leventhal LL, Boyce EG, Zurier RB. Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with

gammalinolenic acid. ls of Internal Medicine, 1993;9:867-873.

Zurier RB, Rossetti RG, son EW, et al. Gamma-linolenic acid treatment of

rheumatoid arthritis. A randomized, placebo-controlled study. Arthritis &

Rheumatism, 1996;11:1808 1817.

Upritchard JE, Sutherland WHF, Mann JI. Effect of supplementation with tomato

juice, vitamin E, and vitamin C on LDL oxidation and products of inflammatory

activity in type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care, 2000, 23:733-738.

Devaraj S, Jialal I. Alpha tocopherol supplementation decreases serum C-reactive

protein and monocyte interleukin-6 levels in normal volunteers and type 2

diabetic patients. Free Radical Biology & Medicine, 2000; 29:790-792.

Edmonds SE, Yinyard PG, Guo R, et al. Putative analgesic activity of repeated

oral doses of vitamin E in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Results of a

prospective placebo controlled double blind trial. ls of the Rheumatic

Diseases, 1997;56:649-655.

Helmy M, Shohayeb M, Helmy MH, et al. Antioxidants as adjuvant therapy in

rheumatoid disease - a preliminary study. Arzneimittel-Forschung/Drug Research,

2001;51:293-298.

The information provided by Jack Challem is strictly educational and not

intended as medical advice. For diagnosis and treatment, consult your physician.

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copyright © 2003 Jack Challem - updated 01/19/03

for more information contact jack@...

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