* INFLAMMATION
“There’s still some question as to whether inflammation
starts before or as a consequence of other underlying dis- ease processes in the body,” says Donna Arnett, PhD, MSPH, Dean of the College of Public Health at the University of Ken- tucky and Past President of the American Heart Association. For example, she says, “we know there is an inflamma-
tory process that is initiated at the outset of atherosclerosis (clogged arteries), but whether it’s the lipids in the artery walls that create inflammation, or if inflammation is what’s causing the atherosclerosis — we don’t know.”
Prevention With Healthy Habits There is much that researchers do know, however. And this knowledge can help people understand how to prevent inflammation and its associated conditions, says Dr. Arnett. “Chronic poor nutrition and obesity can stimulate inflammation,” she explains. “Weight gain can create a chronic level of inflammation and that may further accel- erate some other biological processes of aging, such as atherosclerosis.” Therefore, Dr. Arnett recommends losing weight if you
are overweight and having a healthy diet composed of whole foods such as whole grains, vegetables and health- ier fats from olive oil, nuts and seeds, along with limiting the amount of fried foods and those high in saturated fats. Eating yogurt and fermented foods, such as sauerkraut, also has been shown to reduce inflammation, says Dr. Arnett. “Our gut micro biomes determine how we process food,” she explains. “When you take probiotics, that shifts the micro biome to better process the food you eat. Diets that do not promote a healthy micro biome distribution can
22 | MATTERS OF HEALTH
lead to inflammation in your intestines. There is some evi- dence that you can develop a leaky gut, leading to chronic inflammation.” In addition to having a healthy diet, Dr. Arnett and other health experts recommend exercising about 150 minutes per week to prevent chronic illness.
“Smoking is also an insult that can lead to inflammation of the lung,” she says. “So stopping smoking should reduce that inflammatory process.” Dr. Arnett says that these steps will not only reduce the
risk of developing inflammation and its associated ill- nesses, it will go far in promoting good health overall. “Eighty percent of chronic disease can be prevented by these activities,” she says.
Gum Disease & Inflammation Though it may seem unrelated, another way to prevent inflammation is through good oral health, she says. Inflam- mation from oral health problems such as gum disease has been associated with other illnesses, such as cardiovascu- lar disease and diabetes. Having diabetes lowers the body’s ability to fight infec-
tion, putting the gums at risk. But research also shows that good periodontal care can improve blood glucose control. And endocarditis — an infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers and heart valves — can occur when bacteria in your mouth spread through your bloodstream and attach to the lining of the heart. “Maintaining good oral hygiene and preventing gum disease are important in preventing chronic inflammation,” Dr. Arnett says.
ISTOCK.COM
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44
