Grenz’s Bookshelf: A Key Takeaway From The Inflammation Syndrome

The book The Inflammation Syndrome is written by Jack Challem.  Challem is the author of successful books like Syndrome X and is the publisher and editor of The Nutrition Reporter newsletter.  More information can be found on him at www.jackchallem.com.
In the beginning of his book inflammation is described.  It can be good when we have a cut and the body needs to protect itself from infection.  However, chronic inflammation breaks down the body and makes it more susceptible to disease[1].  Examples can range from elevated CRP causing coronary heart disease to inflammatory disorders like allergies, arthritis, IBS, etc.[1]  Chapter 2 discussed inflammatory triggers which include:

1. Age-Related Wear and Tear (Biological Age):  An example of this is a person who consumes a low intake of antioxidants.  Their chronological age might be 35 but they may look 45 (Biological age).
2. Physical Injuries:  Often injuries don’t heal right over time and this can increase inflammation. 
3. Infections:  A journal article form Circulation found that repeated infections greatly increase the risk of dying from coronary artery disease.
4. Environmental Stress:  People who are exposed to cold or hot air have increased inflammation because of increased free radicals in the body.
5. Allergies and Food Sensitivities:  Food allergies can raise IgG levels and cause increased levels of inflammation.
6. Dietary Imbalances and Deficiencies:  If people don’t take enough antioxidants or are low on omega-3 fatty acids their body has higher levels of inflammation.
7. Leaky Gut Syndrome:  Research has found that people who have an imbalance of gut bacteria Can be solved by taking Pro-Biotics) can be predisposed to gain weight.
8. Prediabetes, Diabetes and Being Overweight:  Two key points here.  First, sugar and refined grains elevates sugar and insulin causing CRP (An inflammatory marker) to increase.  Second, fat cells increase Interlukin-6 and CRP (Inflammatory markers).  More fat on the body more inflammation in the body!

All of the points above are form Chapter 2:  Your Inflammation Triggers.  There are numerous key takeaways from this great book that will be discussed in future posts as well as quotes and points that will be tweeted.
 
References:
1.    Challem, J.  2008.  The Inflammation Syndrome.  Hoboken, NJ:  Wiley.