Inflammation isn't always a bad thing.
When the body is facing infection--or invasion by bacteria, viruses, fungi and other microbial enemies--our white blood cells and chemicals rush to protect us.
About.com explains the process:
"A sequence of complicated, interrelated events work to defend the body, ultimately bringing plasma proteins phagocytes (white blood cells that engulf and consume foreign material and debris) to the injured area for the purpose of initiating tissue repair."
As in any war, there is collateral damage, in the form of redness, heat and swelling. The Cleveland Clinic site notes that inflammation can also take the form of flu-like symptoms: fever, chills, fatigue, headaches, appetite loss, muscle stiffness, etc.
These temporary reactions are normal. Uncomfortable, but normal. Think a sore throat, a jammed finger, hives or a rash.
Too much of a good thing
Sometimes, however, the immune system gets confused, believing it is in danger when there is no threat. It triggers inflammation that is inappropriate and that, when chronic, can cause tissue destruction.
This is the case with chronic conditions like allergies and asthma as well arthritis in its many forms.
Here is a list of just some of the autoimmune diseases and conditions spurred by inflammation, as compiled on the Women to Women website: acid reflux/heartburn, acne, allergies and sensitivities, Alzheimer's disease, asthma, atherosclerosis, bronchitis, cancer, carditis, celiac disease, chronic pain, Crohn's disease, cirrhosis, colitis, dementia, dermatitis, diabetes, dry eyes, edema, emphysema, eczema, fibromyalgia, gastroenteritis, gingivitis, heart disease, hepatitis, high blood pressure, insulin resistance, interstitial cystitis, joint pain/arthritis/rheumatoid arthritis, metabolic syndrome, myositis, nephritis, obesity, osteopenia, osteoporosis, Parkinson's disease, periodontal disease, polyarteritis, polychondritis, polychondritis, psoriasis, scleroderma, sinusitis, Sjogren's syndrome, spastic colon, systemic candidiasis, tendonitis, UTI's and vaginitis.
What's more, many studies are beginning to point to a link between inflammation and mood disorders. Reducing inflammation can reduce depression, asserts Robert J. Hedaya, M.D. on Psychology Today's Health Matters blog.
The Integrative Psychiatry website takes this line of thinking further:
"Extensive research has shown that brain inflammation is connected to virtually all types of mental illness. Mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, as well as more serious conditions like autism, dementia, and even schizophrenia, have all been linked to inflammation of the brain."
Cooling down
You're getting the idea: Inflammation is a culprit in nearly every disorder imaginable.
If you feel inflammation is compromising your health, the first step is to consult a medical practitioner. There are also ways you can complement your doctor's advice that can have an amazing effect on your well-being.
The following are some suggestions from Integrative Psychiatry:
1. Exercise for 20-30 minutes at least three times a week, as "exercise stimulates your body's anti-inflammatory abilities and keeps your blood circulating at the optimum level."
2. Encourage immune system balance by getting plenty of rest and implementing daily stress-management techniques such as deep-breathing exercises.
3. Eat a diet that is high in Omega-3 fatty acids. You may need to take an Omega-3 supplement to ensure you're getting enough. (Good sources of Omega-3 include avacados, nuts [especially walnuts, cashews and almonds], salmon, sardines packed in water or olive oil, herring, Omega-3 fortified eggs, hemp seed and flaxseed.)
4. To turn down the heat on inflammation, eat a high-alkaline diet. This includes plenty of green, leafy vegetables and cruciferous vegetables from the cabbage family.
5. Bone up on vegetable protein by eating more tofu, edamame, soynuts and soymilk.
6. Drink pomegranate juice and green tea for their antioxidant effects.
The Xango connectionAnd then there was Xango.
Studies have shown that drinking juice from the mangosteen fruit (the primary ingredient in Xango) can markedly reduce inflammation.
For time untold, the people of Southeast Asia have used various parts of the purple mangosteen plant as a medicine. With the help of Xango, juice from the mangosteen fruit is achieving global prominence for its ability to foster health and well-being.
The fruit's secret is its high concentration of xanthones, phytonutrients with significant antioxidant properties. Among these is the anti-inflammatory gamma-mangostin. (Omega-mangostin carries antioxidant punch, making the mangosteen a double-threat to illness and imbalance!)
On a personal note, I have been drinking Xango juice daily for some time and have noticed an improvement in all of my inflammation-related conditions, as well as a boost in energy. Bottom line: Xango juice and other mangosteen-based products have got the goods to douse the fire within.
I suggest combining the mangosteen superfruit with a nutrient-packed diet and regular exercise. Here's to a world without inflammation!
For more information about the benefits of Xango, and the financial benefits of Xango distribution, contact Cynthia Podlaski at http://www.mymangosteen.com/thepodlaskis
*Cynthia Podlaski is not a physician. She is a Xango distributor who loves to share health and nutrition tips, and spread the word about mangosteen.
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