Inflammation is a tool the body uses to combat injury and infection. Examples of short term inflammation include swollen thumb, runny nose, blisters, or a scratchy throat. Longstanding or chronic inflammation is associated with numerous health conditions such as ulcers, allergies, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome, cancer, stroke, heart disease and atherosclerosis. In his 2004 book, "The Inflammation Cure," Dr. William Joel Meggs writes, "Long term health depends on keeping pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory forces in balance."
Low-Density Lipoproteins
Low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, is commonly termed the "bad" cholesterol. LDL, along with the amino acid homocysteine and the fatty acid triglyceride, are important contributing factors in unhealthy plaque formations known as atherosclerosis. Foods that promote inflammation elevate the blood levels of these substances.
Atherosclerosis
Low-density lipoproteins appear in the blood as tiny spheres. When LDL levels are elevated a large number of these spheres enter the walls of the arteries and oxidize, or decay. Immune cells attack and consume the decayed LDL particles. These immune cells become bloated and combine in the arterial wall to form a yellowish, fatty streak. As more immune cells attack oxidized LDL particles, the fatty streak accumulates, causing the arterial walls to harden and protruding into the artery's pathway. The dangerous increase in these passageway blocking plaques is called atherosclerosis.
Saturated Fat
Dr. Richard Fleming writes, in his 2004 book entitled "Stop Inflammation Now," that "Inflammation is the root cause of heart attacks and strokes." LDLs are found in foods that contain saturated fats, or hard fats. These foods include butter, pork and domesticated beef. Reducing or eliminating these pro-inflammatory foods will reduce inflammation and lower LDL levels.
Prevention
Nutritional strategies and exercise are your best weapons against inflammation, elevated LDL levels and atherosclerosis. You should begin by decreasing your intake of saturated fats, processed foods and processed sugars. Replace them with antioxidant rich fruits and vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acid rich foods like salmon, halibut, sardines, flaxseed, walnuts and pumpkin seeds. Decrease your overall caloric intake and use fresh fruits as your in-between meal snacks and desserts instead of low nutrient, high calorie, high fat junk foods. Correctly perform several types of exercises you enjoy on a consistent basis to lower your body weight and reduce your LDL and inflammation levels.
Dietary Strategies
Dr. Fleming writes, "The typical American diet is the cause of inflammatory heart disease, just as appropriate dietary change is the cure." The connection between nutrition, inflammation and low-density lipoproteins is highly significant to your health. Employ proven dietary modifications and constant moderate exercise as a catalyst to lower your inflammation and LDL levels and live a healthier life.
References
- "Stop Inflammation Now"; Richard M. Fleming MD; 2004
- "The Inflammation Cure"; William Joel Meggs MD; 2004
