Abundant living with John Arts Abundant Health

It’s difficult to think of any chronic disease that isn’t either caused or worsened by inflammation.  So let’s look more closely at the inflammatory process and how diet and supplements can help create normal inflammatory balance. The purpose of inflammation is to help restore tissue affected by infection, trauma or disease.

Think of this like a playground see-saw. On one end we have forces that cause inflammation; on the other is forces that reduce it. When this delicate balance goes wrong it can lead to chronic inflammation that will worsen existing problems and cause new problems.

All inflammation comes directly or indirectly from our immune system. Our white blood cells govern inflammation. This process is directly related to diet and in particular fats and a vast arrange of biologically active antioxidants.

The chemistry of all this is very complex but there are some simple facts. Fats in our diet have huge influence over inflammation. Omega 6 oils and some animal fats tend to push our bodies towards inflammation. Omega 3 and some other plant oils tend to have anti-inflammatory benefits.

Two of the most biologically active anti-inflammatory compounds are curcumin from turmeric, and oligomeric proanthocyanidins – known as OPC – from grape seed extract. These firstly help block an unwanted inflammatory response then help produce anti-inflammatory effect on inflamed tissue. Combining these two potent extracts can calm stressed tissue and bring much-wanted relief.

Recently, I spoke with someone who’d been affected by long-term inflammation in his spine. Adding high doses of curcumin and OPC resulted in his back being much more comfortable. As a bonus his swollen fingers are much better. Feel free to contact me if you have questions.

John Arts (B.Soc.Sci, Dip Tch, Adv.Dip.Nut.Med) is a nutritional medicine practitioner and founder of Abundant Health Ltd. For questions or advice contact John on 0800 423559 or email: john@abundant.co.nz Join his newsletter at: www.abundant.co.nz