Bromelain

What is Inflammation? • Inflammation is the body’s attempt to protect itself. It does that by removing harmful substances such as damaged cells, irritants, or pathogens like a bacteria/virus, after which the healing process begins. • However, too much inflammation can happen when the immune system mistakenly initiates a response even if there is no threat present. This is linked to conditions such as asthma, heart disease, cancer, and auto-immune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and ulcerative colitis. • This is especially the case with the CHRONIC inflammation. Factors that Cause Chronic Inflammation: 1) Eating fast foods (oxidized fats) & sugar 2) Overweight / Obesity 3) Poor diet (lack of nutrients) 4) Diabetes, or high insulin levels 5) Sedentary lifestyle 6) Smoking 7) Long-term infections 8) Gum disease 9) Stress What is Leaky Gut Syndrome? • About 70% of the body's immune system is found in the digestive tract! • The lining of the intestine has a barrier that normally allows only properly digested fats, proteins, and starches to pass through the intestine, and enter the bloodstream. • When the intestinal lining becomes damaged, larger substances can pass through to the bloodstream, such as disease-causing bacteria, undigested food particles, and toxins. • This can cause the immune system to become alarmed and hypersensitive. • Symptoms of leaky gut include: fatigue, food sensitivities, gas/bloating/cramps, recurrent colds/flu, joint pain, skin rashes, and an autoimmune reaction such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, and Lupus. Treatment of Leaky Gut: This involves healing the intestinal lining by removing the obstacles that are damaging it, and reducing inflammation. This includes: • Treating intestinal infections, • Removing environmental contaminants, • Quit Smoking, • Avoiding excess alcohol and unnecessary medications such as too much pain-killers, • Eliminating food sensitivities (such as gluten, soy, corn, dairy, nightshades) • Avoid: Soda, High fructose corn syrup, MSG, hydrogenated oils, processed foods - rich in preservatives, artificial colorings/sweeteners. Lab Test Recommendations for Arthritis Conditions: • CBC, RF, ANA • Baseline SED Rate • Highly Sensitive CRP (Target range is less than 1.0) • Vitamin D (Goal: Around 50-60) • Fasting Serum Insulin (Goal: Less than 10) – Too much Insulin promotes inflammation! • Other: Cortisol (Saliva) Foods that Heal: • Glutamine: an amino acid, contained in cabbage. It has the ability to: – Strengthen the digestive tract and can heal ulcers and leaky gut! – Use Cabbage juice or fermented cabbage (Sauerkraut) • Juicing with kale, spinach, celery, carrots, apples, cucumber, parsley, cilantro • Eat organic whole foods as much as possible • Eat 6-8 servings of vegetables / day. Add ginger and turmeric. • Eat a low glycemic diet. visit www.glycemicindex.com and http://www.mendosa.com/gilists.htm Lifestyle: Exercise, Sleep, & Stress Management: • Ensure proper balance of rest & physical activity. • Sleep is critical to improve fitness and stamina • Exercise can decrease fibromyalgia pain by 75% • Reduce Stress: 75% - 90% of all medical visits are in some way related to stress • Recognize stress, and prevent exposure to stressors as much as possible. • But most importantly balance your lifestyle to reduce the impact of stress on the whole body • This includes relaxation techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing, meditation, yoga, nature walks, as well as access to community resources and having support systems. Dietary Supplements: • While safe and effective, always consult with your physician or a naturopathic doctor before taking dietary supplements as there may be adverse interactions, especially if you are taking certain medications. It is always best to take supplements devised for your individual needs. • Consider Turmeric, Boswellia, Bromelain, Ginger, Essential fatty acids such as fish oil. http://www.harmonyhealingclinic.com/ Dr. Lena Kian (408) 730-0700

• published: 17 Feb 2015
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