Ways To Treat Nerve Inflammation

Today's post from health.yahoo.net (see link below) belongs firmly in the alternative and supplementary sphere of inflammation treatment. Neuropathy involves inflammation of the nerves and nerve pathways and is often regarded as an inflammatory disease, so it is possible that some of the ideas shown here may interest you. If you also have a co morbidity such as HIV, these tips may be useful anyway. Probiotics for instance, are gaining in popularity among neuropathy patients and the gut is often seen as the 'third nervous system' after the spine and brain because of the number of nerves directly linked to the digestive system. However, it is always advised to discuss any major changes in diet with your doctor or specialist and to do your own research into whatever you plan to try.

4 Ways to Tame Inflammation
By Dr. Maoshing Ni Aug 02, 2013



Inflammation: doesn’t it just sound painful? Even so, a large percentage of Americans are afflicted with some form of it. Whether you ache from arthritis, suffer from digestive disorders, or are nursing a cut on your finger, inflammation is the culprit. To discover more about how you may be able to prevent inflammation, read the following tips.

What is Inflammation?

There are two kinds of inflammation, acute and chronic. If you stub your toe, most likely it will become red and swollen. This is known as acute inflammation, an immediate response to harmful stimuli. Heat, swelling, redness, and pain are all typical signs of acute inflammation. These symptoms are the body’s attempt to heal itself. While we can’t always control our external environment (and that toe-stubbing door!), we do have better reign over chronic inflammation. With chronic or progressive inflammation, the body is constantly in a stressful fight-or-flight mode. Eventually, this leads to a shift in the types of cells present. As a result, the body becomes susceptible to developing metabolic disorders and chronic diseases like IBD, diabetes, or cancer. The good news is that our dietary and lifestyle habits greatly influence our chances to develop or prevent certain chronic diseases.

1. Get Cultured!

You might be familiar with the term “probiotics” with its increasing popularity in nutritional science. Probiotics are live bacteria or cultures that have been shown to benefit our health. Since gut bacteria are very much involved in regulation and development of immunity, probiotics may play a role in Irritable Bowel Disease. The immune system is responsible for inflammation, so to tame the flame, it is best to ensure that we maintain a healthy gut. Research shows that probiotics may prevent the lining of the gut to become “leaky,” or prone to absorb toxins that cause chronic inflammation. Probiotics may also help to reduce symptoms of IBS. While there are many different strains of bacteria, generally speaking it is a good idea to make sure that your diet is rich in these healthy cultures. Choose unsweetened and organic versions whenever possible.

Powerful Probiotics: While you are probably familiar with Greek yogurt, you may not be aware that kefir is also an excellent source of these healthy bacteria. Kefir is a fermented milk drink that contains beneficial lactic acid bacteria. While Greek yogurt has a rich, thick, and creamy consistency, kefir is a bit more tart and liquid-like. Whether you prefer one or both, adding them to your meals or snacks may boost your immunity, in turn reducing your susceptibility to chronic inflammation.

No dairy please: If dairy doesn’t sit right with you, other foods rich in probiotics include: fermented cabbage like kimchi, miso soup, kombucha tea, and pickled foods.

2. Tame Your Sweet Tooth

While certain types of carbohydrates are necessary to provide our bodies with fuel and important nutrients, processed and refined versions found in added sugars, high fructose corn syrup, commercially-produced sweets and baked goods canincrease inflammation. Too much fructose can also cause elevated triglycerides so while fruit is healthy, eating bowlfuls isn’t recommended. Why is sugar a common culprit for inflammation? Sugar causes spikes in blood sugar and elevated insulin. Chronically elevated insulin levels and blood sugar can increase the risk for developing diabetes. Those with diabetes have an increased risk for vascular inflammation like neuropathy or nephropathy. The best diet includes small amounts of whole grains, starchy vegetables, and fruits in moderation. Choose whole fruits with limited pesticides whenever possible and if you crave a sweet drink, combine a mix of greens with fruit into a juice or delicious shake!

3. Bring on the Berries

Rich in fiber and antioxidant anthocyanins, berries have been shown to reduce the risk of diabetes and cognitive decline. Research also shows that berries benefit cardiovascular health and contain anticancer effects by inhibiting tumor growth and decreasing inflammation in the body. Berries are so versatile and can be enjoyed all year, whether fresh in season or frozen. Add a cup of berries to your favorite grain or cereal.

4. Try 2 Quick, Easy Anti-Inflammation Recipes

Anti-Inflammation Snack: Mix sliced strawberries, chopped mint, a dash of lemon juice, and slivered almonds for a yummy snack!

Green-Berry Blend Smoothie: Blend kale, blueberries, and strawberries with a cold glass of almond milk and a dash of vanilla extract for a delicious smoothie.

I hope that you will make all of these healthy and delicious foods a part of your diet!

You can find plenty of healthy, tasty, anti-inflammation recipes in Secrets of Longevity Cookbook, a great companion book to my Secrets of Longevity: Hundreds of Ways to Live to Be 100, which is now available on Kindle.

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May you live long, live strong, and live happy!

—Dr. Mao

This blog is meant to educate, but it should not be used as a substitute for personal medical advice. The reader should consult his or her physician or clinician for specific information concerning specific medical conditions. While all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all information presented is accurate, as research and development in the medical field is ongoing, it is possible that new findings may supersede some data presented.

http://health.yahoo.net/experts/drmao/4-ways-tame-inflammation