Inflammation is a word that is seen and heard on tv, on the radio, in the doctor’s office, and at the drug store. Many believe that the fountain of youth can be found by stopping or slowing inflammation. Inflammation is the body’s natural defense and can be quite beneficial such as when the immune system fights infection, but it is when this process is increased beyond controls that it begins to damage the body. The word inflammation actually means to “ignite” in Latin, and many compare inflammation to a fire in the body.
There are several disorders and disease states that are considered inflammatory. Acute conditions caused by inflammation include: appendicitis, tonsillitis, bronchitis, and sinusitis. Chronic conditions include arthritis, hepatitis (liver disease), asthma, cancer, heart disease and obesity.
Researchers have pin-pointed an enzyme in the inflammatory pathway as a key intersection for treatment. Cycloo-oxygenase 2, commonly referred to as COX-2, which converts arachidonic acid (an Omega-6 fatty acid) to Prostaglandin H2 (PGH2).
Prostaglandins have several roles in the body in addition to regulating inflammation, including:
- Promoting the collection or disbursement of platelets
- Constriction or dilation of smooth muscle tissue
- Regulating calcium movement
- Hormone regulation
- Cell growth
- Fever production and temperature regulation
- Inhibition of stomach acid secretion in the stomach
It is important to note that there is another COX enzyme, COX-1, which also has several roles including platelet aggregation (clot formation).
The most common medicinal treatments for inflammation are steroids and NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug), which typically target COX-2 and are referred to as COX-2 inhibitors. COX-2 is also an inducible enzyme which tends to be more concentrated and up-regulated in inflamed tissues and tumors. COX-1 is inhibited by NSAIDs, hence the use of aspirin to prevent heart attacks.
There are also a variety of foods and phytonutrients that have been shown to naturally inhibit COX-2 and “put out this fire” in the body.
There are several types of edible mushrooms and many have been studied for their medicinal purposes. Researchers have shown that Maitake mushrooms support the immune system by activated natural killer cells and interleukin-1 and in preliminary research they have been shown to prevent metastasis of tumors. These mushrooms may also have a role in reducing blood pressure and improving high cholesterol (dyslipidemia). Dried maitake mushroom powder can be used safely in doses up to 2 grams per day for up to 28 weeks, or about 1 month.
Flavonoids
Flavonoids are a type of phytochemical (plant-based chemical) that are known for their antioxidant capacity. Resveratrol is a flavonoid found in the skin of red grapes typically known for its role in promoting heart health. Resveratrol is capable of binding with COX-2 to inhibit its action. Most of this research is in relation to cancer. It is important to note that resveratrol can negatively impact hormone-sensitive conditions including cancers, endometriosis and uterine fibroids.
Fish oil (DHA and EPA)
Many have heard that fatty fish and their oils are important for heart health. This is primarily due to the anti-inflammatory action of these omega-3 fats in these oils, which are commonly known as EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). These omega-3 fatty acids decrease COX-2 activity along with other inflammatory cytokines, including Interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). These fatty acids also help to reduce inflammation by decrease the synthesis of arachidonic acid, which we saw above is the initiator of the inflammatory cascade.
There is growing research on the importance of the ratio of omega-3 fats to omega-6 fats throughout the body and it appears that as the intake of omega 3’s increases the prevalence of the more pro-inflammatory omega-6’s decreases. Not only do omega-3’s increase in number but they also are found in the membranes of more cells throughout the body, which can enhance this anti-inflammatory action.
Typically, we recommend 1-2 grams of EPA and DHA per day. But, individuals can take 3-4 grams daily, if necessary.
Curcumin
Curcumin is the edible portion of turmeric. Turmeric is a rhizome with a distinct orange color and is typically used in middle-eastern cooking, including curries. The active components and those responsible for the anti-inflammatory action are curcuminoids. Again, the fight against inflammation occurs by inhibiting COX-2 and modifying other pro-inflammatory pathways throughout the body by decreasing the activity of prostaglandins, leukotrienes and other cytokines. Turmeric extract is commonly taken in the dose of 500mg 2-4 times per day for osteo- and rheumatoid arthritis.
We also know that by decreasing the pro-inflammatory foods in our daily meal plans can help to reduce inflammation in the body. This includes sources of saturated and trans fats (high fat beef and pork, fried foods, poultry skin, stick butter or stick margarine, hydrogenated and vegetable oils).
If you are looking to put out the fire in your body, look no further than your kitchen cabinets and consider food first.
If you are interested in trying a new dietary supplement, be sure to consult a health professional such as your primary care provider or dietitian before doing so.
Written by: Cassie Vanderwall, MS RD CD CDE CPT