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01-08-2018

Put an end to chronic inflammation

Inflammation Inflammation – whether unseen or painful – has always been at the root of a variety of incapacitating ‘diseases of civilisation’, such as cardiovascular disease, arthritis and intestinal inflammation … Even though it is the body’s first line of defence and should not be completely eradicated, scientists now recognise it as an important element requiring careful control; it is - along with oxidation and glycation - the third fundamental mechanism of ageing.

The aim of anti-inflammatory supplements is not just to reduce pain where present, but also – and especially - to provide an alternative to non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) which are known to cause side-effects in the stomach and kidneys.

Which parts of the body are most targeted by inflammation?

Among the organs and functions most affected by inflammation are:

The joints with effects ranging from straightforward and specific pain, to inflammatory processes brought on by intense physical activity, through to rheumatoid arthritis. To counter such joint inflammation, there are a number of nutrients and plants that can be combined for enhanced synergistic effect
    - MSMwhich reduces expression of the cytokines associated with cartilage degeneration.
    - Curcuma and Eklonia cavawhich inhibit COX and LOX enzymes.
    - Tart Cherryextracts which inhibit COX-1 and -2, normalise CRP and significantly lower IL-6.
    - Andrographis which prevents NF-kappa B activity and thus naturally reduces joint pain and redness.
    - Shiitake, especially its AHCC content, which has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect on rheumatoid arthritis in particular.
    - Reishi which combats inflammatory cytokines.
    - Quercetin which at a daily dose of 750mg can work in just two or three days.
    - Cyplexinol and beta-sitosterol which act by inhibiting IL-1 and IL-6.
    - And in addition, systemic enzymes which complement these substances.
The heart and blood vessels, particularly the arteries Taking palmitoleic acid,Tart cherry and especially Krill oil has been shown to be of benefit following a heart attack or simply in preventing cardiovascular problems linked to chronic inflammation.

The brain
    - The ginsenosides in ginseng have an anti-inflammatory effect in the brain and may even reduce cell death from chronic inflammation which is often associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
    - Pterostilbene which may improve cognitive function.
    - Luteolin which reduces excess levels of IL-1 and IL-6 in the brain and thus improves cognitive function.
The intestines particularly chronic inflammation of the intestinal mucosa seen in irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn’s disease.
- Boswellia (blocks 5-LOX), zinc (modulates COX-2) and curcuma (inhibits COX and LOX) are the key supplements to take, along with a probiotic containing lactobacillus and bifidobacteria which also have an anti-inflammatory effect in the gut.

The lungs
specifically for asthma and allergies, a number of supplements should be considered:
    - Quercetin, rutin and luteolin which suppress allergen-induced inflammatory responses by inhibiting 5-LOX.
    - b>Astragaloside IV and trans-resveratrol can also be taken alongside these supplements.
And if required, ursolic acid derived from the loquat tree inhibits human leukocyte elastase (HLE) and thus reduces pulmonary inflammation in serious viral infections (H1N1, SARS).

The prostate and urinary tract Here, quercetin would be the supplement to take as it relieves prostatitis and chronic inflammation of the urinary tract.

Ear, nose and throat Serrapeptase is the substance of choice for ENT inflammation as it inhibits the release of inflammatory mediators in this part of the body.

What are the key elements involved in inflammatory reactions and which supplements counteract them?

NF-kappa B This protein plays a fundamental role in controlling the expression of genes encoding pro-inflammatory cytokines. It is NF-kappa B that regulates the mechanisms linked to inflammation.
Andrographis inhibits its activity and thus naturally reduces production of cytokines (interleukins, TNF-alpha) and PGE-2. It is highly effective against joint pain.
Quercetin similarly inhibits this pathway; levels are also reduced by AC-11 and S-acetyl-glutathione.


Inflammatory cytokines There are three principal cytokines in this small protein group:
    - TNF-alpha (Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha), a marker of inflammation.
    - Interleukin IL-1.
    - Interleukin IL-6.
Cytokines are associated with degeneration of cartilage. MSM reduces their expression. Cyplexinol, by inhibiting IL-1 and IL-6, is also good for joint pain.
Trans-resveratrol inhibits the release of cytokines particularly in obstructive pulmonary disease.
Zinc modifies cytokine secretion, especially in the intestines.
Luteolin suppresses excess levels of IL-6 and IL-1b cytokines in the brain.
And in general, L-ergothioneine has a beneficial effect on interleukins and S-acetyl-glutathione reduces TNF-alpha.

C-reactive Protein (CRP)
This is a physiological marker of inflammatory processes. It is rapidly produced in response to IL-6. Measuring levels in plasma allows diagnosis of the inflammatory state.
Palmitoleic acid acts against C-reactive protein, Krill oil reduces it by around 30%, and similar effects are obtained with Andrographis and Tart Cherry extracts.

Eicosanoids (prostaglandins PGE-2, leukotrienes) Eicosanoids are produced from arachidonic acid by key enzymes called cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX) :
    - COX-1 is involved in the formation of prostaglandins and thromboxane A2 which promotes arterial thrombosis.
    - COX-2 is directly involved in chronic inflammation.
    - 5-LOX generates leukotrienes – molecules involved in a number of inflammatory diseases. They cause inflammation by accelerating free radical damage, breakdown of calcium and auto-immune reactions. They may also be involved in ischaemia, atherosclerosis and allergic processes…
o counteract them, focus on:
    - Curcuma, gingerols and shogaols from ginger which inhibit COX-1 and -2 as well as 5-LOX.
    - Quercetin, rutin and luteolin which suppress allergen-induced inflammatory responses by inhibiting 5-LOX. Boswellia has the same effect.
    - Tart Cherry extracts which inhibit COX-1 and -2 as well as IL-6.
    - Ursolic acid and Ecklonia cava as they both block COX-2 and 5-LOX.
    - Zinc for its modulating effect on COX-2, and lastly trans-resveratrol which inhibits eicosanoids in general.
Order the nutrients mentioned in this article
5-Loxin®

Patented extract of Boswellia serrata and powerful inhibitor of the enzyme 5-lipo-oxygenase (5-LOX)

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Natural E 400

400 IU Alpha Tocopherol (natural Vitamin E) 

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InflaRelief Formula

A holistic approach to problems of inflammation

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OptiMSM®

Muco-polysaccharide precursor (chondroitin, glucosamine, hyaluronic acid)

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Krill Oil

A superior, more bioavailable form of omega-3, with increased effects

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Ginseng 30%

Without doubt Chinese medicine’s no. 1 plant

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Paractin®

ENT protection - natural anti-inflammatory.

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Probio Forte

Probiotic mix; 8 billion microorganisms per capsule. In gastroresistant DR Caps™ for optimum efficacy

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Astragaloside IV 98%

Exceptional advance in anti-aging !

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Serrapeptase

Double dose : 60,000 IU of serratia peptidase per capsule. Now in gastroresistant DR caps™

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Palmitoleic Acid

A purified form of omega-7 to help combat type II diabetes, atherosclerosis and metabolic syndrome.

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Super Curcuma

New patented curcuma extract, 29 times more bioavailable!

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Super Quercetin

A pure source, optimal concentration and a wider range of properties

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Luteolin

Brain health, longevity and anti-inflammatory properties

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Super Boswellia

The essential painkiller for improving joint flexibility and comfort

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Tart Cherry Extract

Powerful, natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory

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Zinc L-Carnosine

Patented zinc-carnosine complex, protects the stomach from numerous irritants

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Further reading
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Magnesium has until now been mainly known as an essential mineral for nervous system balance, cardiovascular regulation, muscle function and bone health. Now it seems...
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The liver: the hepatoprotective effects of curcumin
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