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By Dr C.S. Foo
When the flu bug strikes, or when the tonsils balloon up, the body fights back. The resultant acute inflammation is a host defence response to a peril.
In chronic inflammation, the smoldering fire simmers a pot full of silent diseases, stewing to perfection within us. The presence of underlying inflammation indicates that there is a constant threat and the body is merely reacting to it. The assortment of slow cooking maladies are largely brought on by ourselves through bad lifestyle habits, poor food choices, living in a toxic environment, and the worst factor, NEGLECT!
Inflammation is linked to almost every chronic disease that one can think of, including:
- heart disease
- cancer, obesity
- diabetes
- hypertension
- atherosclerosis
- asthma, arthritis
- multiple sclerosis
- Alzheimer's dementia
- ulcerative colitis
- and many more...
Disease is none other than a body in revolt, and in most instances, the aggravation can be reversed by adopting an anti-inflammatory lifestyle.
Just like combustion of various materials can cause a fire, inflammation involves many pathways. Dietary factors are closely linked to the metabolism of fats. The human body cannot manufacture, but needs, certain essential fatty acids for optimum health, namely omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids in the ideal ratio of 4:1.
Unfortunately, we consume too much of the omega 6s and insufficient omega 3s. Excess of the former is pro-inflammatory. The reason for this is the presence of an intermediary troublemaker called arachidonic acid, which in surplus, channels the formation of inflammatory agents known as prostaglandin (E2), and thromboxane and leukotriene (B4).
Red meat, dairy products, eggs yolk, peanut oil, sunflower oil, and corn oil are sources of arachidonic acid.
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