Inflammation
Fight inflammation—
and help ward off disease
There is growing concern about the debilitating impact of chronic inflammation—now thought to be the root cause of degenerative disorders like arthritis, obesity, heart disease and cancer. But what exactly is inflammation and why is it so devastating? Normally, inflammation is our body’s protection system.When we have an injury or exposure to a foreign microorganism, our body responds to the threat with inflammation and destroys the alien cells and then returns to normal. Chronic inflammation takes place when the inflammation doesn’t turn off, and instead of protecting our bodies, continues to attack. Scientists think chronic inflammation inside the body could play a role in the development of conditions like heart disease, diabetes, obesity, arthritis and cancer. Why inflammation matters
Over the years, doctors have learned that cancer often arises at sites of inflammation in the body. A study in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that women with higher white blood cell counts—a sign of inflammation— had a greater risk of developing cancer of the breast, colon, lung and uterine lining. Inflammation also goes hand-in-hand with heart disease, notes Franciscan Heart & Vascular Associates cardiologist William Bilnoski, MD. “Inflammation, essentially, is coronary artery disease,” he explains. “Cholesterol attaches to the walls of the arteries and causes an inflammatory response, which can then result in symptoms that are caused by blood vessel blockages.”
Tracking inflammation
One way to check for inflammation is with a blood test to gauge C-reactive protein, or CRP, a protein made by the liver. With inflammation, CRP levels rise. Doctors may order CRP tests to check if some inflammationrelated diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, are getting worse. People with high CRP William Bilnoski, levels also tend to do MD worse after heart attacks than those with more normal levels, notes Dr. Bilnoski. “I use the test only after I’ve done a thorough heart disease risk assessment,” he says. “It can help us determine how aggressively to treat heart disease, and may guide dietary and medication recommendations.” How can you reduce inflammation?
Some experts, including Family Medical Clinic physician Linh Vu, MD, think that what you eat can reduce inflammation in your body. “If inflammation is present, it’s important to balance a patient’s protein and salt intake,” says Dr.Vu. “In our practice, we work to educate the whole family on how to shop for and prepare foods. That means shopping from the perimeter of the store, instead of the aisles which
contain a lot of fatty, salty, snack-type foods like candy and chips.” Other foods to avoid because they might add to inflammation are: • red and processed meats • full-fat dairy products • white bread and white rice Get started now
“Obesity is linked to inflammation in both adults and adolescents, so it is important to get kids eating healthy early,” Dr.Vu says. He adds that shedding pounds helps reduce fluid retention in the body as well as inflammation. Likewise, it also reduces the overall risk for Linh Vu, MD cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Other strategies Dr.Vu recommends to reduce inflammation include exercising at least 30 minutes three times per week and not smoking. These smart moves also target other risk factors for disease, such as artery-clogging cholesterol, which raises heart risks.
Our health care experts have the answers you’re looking for. Call a Franciscan doctor at 888-825-3227 today!
“Obesity is linked to inflammation in both adults and adolescents, so it is important to get kids eating healthy early.” –Dr. Vu
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