Inflammation is the body's normal response to protect tissues from infection, injury, or disease. The inflammatory response is a complex process that includes the activation of monocytes, granulocytes, and lymphocytes and the release and activation of inflammatory mediators, the complement system, and humoral mediators.
The Inflammatory Process
The inflammatory process begins with a stimulus that causes the release of prostaglandins from cells. Stimuli such as lipopolysaccharides (membrane component of bacteria) can induce inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) which acts by producing prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). In turn, PGE2 acts inside the cell to produce various types and quantities of cytokines, which are pro-inflammatory molecules. They complete the process by bringing active leukocytes to the injury site. These cells kill any infective or injurious agent, removing cellular debris from damaged tissue.
Usually inflammation is a lifesaver that enables our bodies to keep off various disease-causing bacteria, viruses and parasites. In acute situations, the process subsides quickly and healing begins.
Why Does Inflammation Continue?
In some cases, the inflammatory process may persist and become chronic, also known as low-grade inflammation. Sometimes the problem is a genetic predisposition. Other factors like smoking, high fat diet, or high blood pressure keep the process going.
When inflammation becomes chronic, usually unaware and unnoticeable, it can seriously damage viable host tissue. Studies have shown that low-grade inflammation may be a root cause of a wide range of progressive diseases.
How Does Chronic Inflammation Contribute To Disease Development?
Supported by extensive research and clinical evidence, chronic inflammation promotes disease development and progression by:
- Impairing endothelial function and vascular lining
- Increasing platelet activation and clotting
- Depleting intrinsic antioxidants
- Generating free radicals and amplifying oxidative stress
- Delaying wound healing and tissue regeneration
- Promoting cell aging and premature cell death
- Suppressing or amplifying immune responses
Diseases Linked With Chronic Inflammation
Chronic inflammation promotes progression of atherosclerosis and destabilizes fatty plaque in coronary and carotid arteries, leading to heart attack and stroke. Chronic inflammation also destroys nerve cells in the brains of Alzheimer's victims and facilitates the development and progression of cancer. It has been widely accepted that chronic inflammation may be the engine that drives many of the most feared illnesses of middle and old age (Diagram).
Chronic Inflammation-related Progressive & Degenerative Diseases
AIS: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
CKD: Chronic Kidney Disease
IBD: Inflammatory Bowel Disease
COPD: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
RA: Rheumatoid Arthritis
CIDP: Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy
CICTD: Chronic Inflammatory Connective Tissue Diseases
DDD: Degenerative Disc Disease
Treating Chronic Inflammation And Inflammation-related Conditions
For decades, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been used to treat chronic inflammation and inflammation-associated conditions.
High doses of NSAIDs reduce inflammation by inhibiting the activity of cyclooxygenease-1 (COX-1) and COX-2. Inhibition of COX-1, the enzyme that protects the stomach lining, causes stomach ulcers in 25% of NSAIDs users. Each year, half a million Americans develop complications from NSAIDs, with an estimated 100,000 patients requiring hospitalization and more than 16,000 resulting in deaths.
The newer NSAIDs, selective COX-2 inhibitors, have showed little progress in reducing gastrointestinal adverse drug reactions. Moreover, society was dramatically shaken by the withdrawal from the marketplace of multibillion-dollar COX-2 inhibitor Vioxx due to increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Since then, the FDA has required strong warning labels on all NSAIDs.
Alternative Anti-inflammatory Products - FlameEz™
Because oxidative stress causes inflammation, antioxidants have been advertised as anti-inflammatory agents. Even though studies suggest that antioxidant supplements might carry health benefits, large clinical trials did not detect any significant benefits. In fact, one of the concerns raised was of excess supplementation that could prove harmful.
In this scenario, the American Heart Association issued the following statement: “Antioxidant supplements have no effect on cardiovascular risk. There is no good reason, at this point, to spend your money on antioxidant supplements.”
The age old Ayurveda and Chinese medicine have, in the meantime offered a safer and longer lasting solution to controlling inflammation. Many botanical medicinal herbs used in Ayurvedic medicine and traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years, have anti-inflammatory properties. They are the core ingredients in FlameEz™ products. Using validated natural ingredients in a proprietary combination, FlameEz™ remedies are set to deliver optimum levels of performance in safety and potency.
FlameEz™ Benefits
- Support relief of systemic inflammation, a major aging factor and a primary contributor to a wide range of chronic diseases;*
- Promote balanced immune response, the critical defense system against infection, disease, or other unwanted biological invasion;*
- Help restore the balance of endogenous antioxidants, the most effective disease-fighting and anti-aging molecules in the body.*
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Please click on individual FlameEz™ products to learn more and to select the one best suited for your health needs.
Chronic inflammation is the root cause of several serious health conditions. Take action now and keep inflammation under control before it takes a toll on your health.
Click Here for scientific literature and references. Sign up for our monthly Newsletter for news and tips on fighting inflammation and staying healthy.
Important: What you read here is not a substitute for a medical diagnosis or treatment. Please contact your physician to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
