Inflammation
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The communication network of the immune system is regulated by chemical messengers called cytokines. The immune system uses cytokines to create balance. There are cytokines that speed up the immune system and there are some that some suppress it. An imbalance involves an overproduction of pro-inflammatory over anti-inflammatory cytokines which contributes to the classical signs of inflammation that include heat production, redness, pain and swelling. Macrophages use arachidonic acid, free radicals and other substances as chemical weapons when launching an inflammatory attack.

Inflammatory conditions

ARTHRITIS
In rheumatoid arthritis, as with certain auto immune conditions, the immune system mistakenly attack bone coverings as if they were invaders.

AUTO IMMUNE THYROID DISEASE
This occurs when there is immune system destruction or stimulation of the thyroid.

CRONE’S DISEASE
Inflammation of the intestinal tract cause by a pro-inflammatory cytokine called tumor necrosis factor (TNF). TNF is the same chemical responsible in arthritis attacks.

PSORIASIS
This is an auto-immune disease that effects the skin and occasionally the eyes, nails and joints.

DIABETES, TYPE I
Your immune system mistakenly attacks the pancreas in juvenile diabetes and causes a cease in the production of insulin.

SCLERODERMA
This autoimmune disease causes thickening of the skin and blood vessels.

DIABETES, TYPE II
There is a relationship between an inflamed endothelium and diabetes. The endothelium is a thin layer of skin that lines our heart and blood vessels. An imbalance of eicosanoids may cause endothelial cells to become inflamed and insulin’s message will have a hard time getting through.

INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASES
Inflammatory bowel disease is a consequence of the immune system attacking the gut and causes inflammation of the intestines.

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
During M.S., the myelin fatty substance that insulates your nerve cells is attacked by immune system components, like TNF’s and IgG’s. The immune system attack causes inflammation and strips the coating off nerve cells. Without their insulation, nerves will short out.

SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS
This is when the immune system attacks and damages several cells including the brain, kidney and lungs.

HEART DISEASE
Inflammation of the artery walls promotes plaque buildup. Cholesterol is no longer seen as the enemy because it only comes second to the initial inflammation.

Heart Disease and inflammation

Cholesterol is no longer considered the cause of heart disease and inflammation ha been being implicated. Arterial walls become inflamed, or swollen, leaving an ideal surface for small, dense cholesterol molecules to plant themselves. The American heart association has come to terms with cholesterol and removed their restriction on the number of egg yolks one should consume. But still, much time will pass until this becomes a general understanding within the public. Until then, food products will continue to be sold as “cholesterol free”, which gives a subliminal message to society implying there is something wrong with cholesterol. Cholesterol is a natural component of our body and has many important functions. Cholesterol serves as the raw material for hormones like estrogen and testosterone, and it regulates cell membrane fluidity by stabilizing cell membranes.