Overcoming the Cytokine Inflammademic

Written by Paul Bernitt, DHH Director of Wellness Services

You Deserve a Better Life

Medical experts around the globe agree that chronic inflammation is one of the greatest health risks to humanity. Let’s face it, we live in a high-stress, inflamed world. We’re exposed to highly-processed foods and drinks, chemicals, pathogens and isolation, which can lead to obesity, lack of movement, insomnia and chronic infections. It’s important to understand what chronic inflammation is and recognize its signs, so we can nurture and nourish our body, emotions and spirit and experience greater wellness. We will also reduce the incidence of lifestyle-related conditions that chronic inflammation can cause.

How Inflammation Works

Specific cells of the immune system secrete proteins known as cytokines to fight off and remove harmful foreign invaders such as pathogens, germs, fungi and viruses, as well as abnormal cells, infection and chemicals. Cytokines are communicating molecules that stimulate and coordinate immunity, inflammation and the process through which the body manufactures blood cells. Over time, uncontrolled chronic inflammation in the body, triggered by a prolonged immune response, can lead to pain in muscles, limited range of motion, limited mobility and other serious health issues such as asthma, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and Alzheimer’s.

Approach Inflammation Naturally

Simple lifestyle improvements consisting of a whole food diet, daily exercise and stretching, taking time to nurture your emotions, drinking pure water and getting enough restorative sleep, have been shown to improve inflammation. Nopalea, containing cactus fruit juice, has been shown to naturally decrease inflammatory markers in the body such as C-reactive protein, which is an indicator of both local and body-wide inflammatory states. With more than than 13 million bottles sold, thousands of people just like you have experienced the powerful antioxidants of Nopalea which support detoxification, healthy inflammation and whole-body wellness. Study results also found consumption of Nopalea improved mobility, flexibility and range-of-motion in the neck, back and joints and less reliance on pain medication.

Am I at Risk of Chronic Inflammation?

Luckily, you can measure the level of inflammation in your body. There is a simple laboratory test called a C-Reactive Protein (CRP) test, which is an indicator of the level of inflammation in the body.

C-Reactive Protein (CRP) ranges are listed below.
Lowest risk” range is less than 1.0 mg/L
Average risk is 1.0 to 3.0 mg/L
High Risk is greater than 3.0 mg/L

In addition to a CRP blood test, take a moment to take the TriVita Inflammation Quiz in the latest edition of the TriVita catalog to learn if you are at increased risk for chronic inflammation.

I Take Inflammation Seriously (ITIS)

The next time you hear a medical condition ending in “itis” think of this acronym; “I Take Inflammation Seriously!” Notice how arthritis and thyroiditis end with “itis”, which means inflamed. All diseases that end with “itis” such as bronchitis, sinusitis, rhinitis, gastritis, colitis, pancreatitis, dermatitis and so on, means there is an inflammatory condition triggered by an inflammatory cytokine response. These inflammatory diseases, left unchecked or unresolved over time, can overwhelm the immune response and trigger a cytokine storm leading to more serious chronic illnesses. Take action now to make the best lifestyle choices to create the best life with less pain, more mobility and flexibility and less reliance on pain medication.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7312944/
Furman, David, et al. “Chronic inflammation in the etiology of disease across the life span.” Nature medicine 25.12 (2019): 1822-1832.
Harvard Medical School Guide, “Understanding Inflammation” – 978-1-61401-168-2