Chronic Inflammation is the #1 Cause of Disease

Written By Dr. Jason Bergerhouse, D.C. 

Chronic Inflammation is the number 1 cause of all disease. According to Dr. Goel it is the “Spark that ignites all disease in the body, including cancer.” Dr. Ajay Goel is a Professor and Director of the Center of Tranlational Genomics and Oncology at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, Texas (Good Health, Lifestyles, Spring Issue, 2018). Within this article I read, Dr. Goel talks about epigenetics and how it plays a role in the cause of cancer. He describes epigenetics as “how our genes are expressed when exposed to certain stimuli.” With regards to cancer the body will turn on cancer promoting genes or tumor suppressing genes due to the environment, diet, and lifestyle habits that we continually expose our bodies too. Dr. Goel states, “through the science of epigenetics, people are starting to understand that less than 5% of cancers are actually hereditary. More than 95% of cancers are non-hereditary and can be influenced by your diet and lifestyle choices. This means that we can’t exactly blame our genes for the majority of cancer cases.”

So here are some Fundamentals when it comes to cancer prevention. A great Chiropractor named Dr. Charles Major said: “The CAUSE is the CURE.” Which means if you can seek out the cause you can remove it and cure yourself from the dis-ease. Cancer is merely a symptom of an even greater cause. I will briefly describe some fundamental principles that can help you to prevent cancer as well as other top disease killers. So much of what we need to do to prevent disease is involved with things that we need to stop doing or severely limit in our lives.

Preventing Disease and Fighting Inflammation!

Simple Carbs:

The things you do on a regular basis can play a significant role in you developing disease, including cancer. For example, what people do for breakfast actually promotes disease and sickness. Eating processed pastries for breakfast that have known carcinogenic preservatives is not a good idea. Go to any coffee shop and they will have on display dozens and dozens of pastries that are known to promote INFLAMMATION in the body. Anything that is loaded with processed ingredients and lots of sugar is going to promote inflammation; thus disease. Sugary cereals that are highly processed and loaded with artificial ingredients are only going to work to cause inflammation as well.

Most Simple Carbohydrate products that are highly processed are promoted as a “highly nutritious” breakfast, this couldn’t be further from the truth. I have seen kids pop tarts and Kellogg’s Special K bars promoted as a highly nutritious way to start your day off. This is just clever advertising as they have nothing to do with increasing health.

Eat Less:

First of all you do not have to eat something as soon as you wake up. Studies on intermittent fasting have proven to be hugely beneficial as far as decreasing inflammation and promoting health. One thing we do a lot of in this country is we eat WAY too much food. We overeat in this country. This is one of the chief reasons why we have an obesity epidemic in this country. I don’t have my first meal until about 9:00 am in the morning. When I wake up the only thing I have is a big tall glass of “highly” filtered water. After that, my first “meal” of the day is a green drink. I use fruit, greens, a healthy fat (almond butter, avocado), unsweetened almond milk, vegan protein, water and ice. I have been doing this for years and I feel great!

Caffeine Intake:

The other thing we do a lot of in this country which promotes disease is we “over-caffeinate.” In fact, we never needed all that caffeine until we “needed” it. We created the caffeine addiction that we have in the US. I have written extensively on this topic but I believe caffeine is one of the worst things American’s do to themselves on a regular basis. Caffeine is known to cause major joint issues because it causes dehydration. Dehydration will promote inflammation in the body. Along with being a diuretic it is also very acidic. The only way that the body can buffer the acid is to leech minerals out of the bones which equals more inflammation. Add sugar and syrups to coffee and you have the perfect cocktail for disease, sickness and an early death.

Sugar: 

Did I mention that sugar promotes an anaerobic environment? Anaerobic means, without air. Did you know that cancer thrives in an environment without oxygen? All grains covert to sugar within 4 seconds in the mouth. This is going to spike blood sugar levels and cause huge swings in energy levels. One minute you might feel good but 1 to 2 hours later you will notice a crash in energy. The average American consumes about 20 teaspoons of sugar per day. That’s about 66 pounds of sugar per person per year! That’s a heck of a lot of sugar to consume. Can you imagine the burden we as a country are placing on our pancreases? Is it any wonder why diabetes is a top disease killer!

Move More:  

The average American doesn’t move enough. Sitting has become the new smoking. Some studies show that the average American sits for up to 18 hours per day! That is a lot of sitting! Everyday American get in their cars to sit on their way to work, to sit at a desk, to then sit in a car to drive home, to sit on the couch and watch TV. These are the lives the majority of Americans are living day in and day out. All the sitting we do causes our metabolism to slow down which to some degree will cause weight gain. According to an article written on the American Cancer Society website states, “exercise may help to control weight, reduce sex hormones or insulin, and strengthen the immune system.” The article points out that moderate exercise (walking at 3 mph for 20 minutes) can lower estrogen and insulin levels, and may lower the risk of some types of cancer. https://www.cancer.org/latest-news/exercise-linked-with-lower-risk-of-13-types-of-cancer.html

I workout a minimum of 3 to 4 days per week. And, one of my main goals when I workout is to make sure I sweat. I finish off every workout in the sauna. Sweating helps to decrease toxins in the body as well as improve insulin sensitivity.

Drink More Water:

Drinking plenty of FILTERED water helps to flush your body of water soluble toxins via the kidneys. The kidneys also flush out toxins and waste products from the blood and urine. Your kidneys need plenty of water to function properly, otherwise toxins will build up in your body. I recommend using a very thorough filtration system. The water we use in our office undergoes a 13 step filtration process through an Ion Thrive Filtration Unit from Impax Health. For more information on the Ion Thrive System please Click Here.

Limit Exposure: 

I recommend limiting your exposure to toxins.

Here is a quick list: 

1. Use non-toxic cleaning products,
2. Use BPA free plastic containers,
3. Park your car in the shade and use a windshield visor
4. Eat only organic grass fed meats
5. Limit the amount of fish you eat in your diet
6. Only buy organic produce
7. Limit your intake of boxed and package foods
8. Use Stainless Steel Cookware
9. Don’t use the Microwave
10. Limit Alcohol Intake

Stress Less:

There is really no way to not stress in life. Life is going to have it’s up and down moments. It’s how you deal with the stress that will determine how dramatically it effects your physiology. Practicing meditation or prayer can dramatically lower stress levels. Doing this ritualistically on a daily basis can be a great way to start your day off because it can help you to deal with daily stress. One thing I do daily is I meditate to specific meditation tracks every morning. I can’t tell you the difference that this has made in my life. During my meditation I reflect on scripture, say affirmations to myself, relax, and think of things that I’m grateful for. It’s amazing what meditation can do for your Mind-body-soul! Nevertheless, “destressing” your body will decrease stress hormones like cortisol, thus decreasing inflammation!

The Impact of Chronic Inflammation on Specific Conditions

Chronic inflammation is not a one-size-fits-all phenomenon; its effects are far-reaching and can manifest in various health conditions, including heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune disorders, and asthma. Understanding how inflammation contributes to these specific conditions is vital to finding ways to reduce inflammation and mitigate their impact.

Cardiovascular Disease

Chronic inflammation plays a significant role in the development and progression of heart disease. When arteries are damaged due to inflammation, it can lead to the buildup of plaques, which narrows the blood vessels and increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Reducing inflammation through lifestyle changes and anti-inflammatory foods can help lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation in the joints. The immune system mistakenly attacks healthy joint tissues, leading to pain, stiffness, and joint damage. Anti-inflammatory treatments are often manage symptoms and reduce inflammation in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis.

Autoimmune Disorders

Autoimmune diseases, such as lupus and multiple sclerosis, are characterized by an overactive immune response that leads to chronic inflammation and the immune system attacking the body’s own tissues. While there is no cure for autoimmune disorders, anti-inflammatory medications and lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms and reduce inflammation.

Asthma

Inflammatory processes in the airways play a pivotal role in asthma, a chronic respiratory condition. Acute inflammation of the airways can lead to bronchoconstriction, making it difficult to breathe. Anti-inflammatory medications, such as corticosteroids, are commonly used to reduce airway inflammation and manage asthma symptoms.

In each of these health conditions, chronic inflammation contributes to the disease’s progression and severity. Reducing inflammation is a key component of treatment and prevention. Lifestyle modifications, such as adopting an anti-inflammatory diet, regular exercise, stress management, and avoiding environmental toxins, can all help in reducing inflammation and improving the overall quality of life for individuals dealing with these chronic diseases.

These are just a few things that you can do to help prevent inflammation and reduce your risk of developing disease. I know that there is so much more I could have written about here but I will save it for another article. The main question we need to ask ourselves is: “what is as close to nature as possible?” When you consider a more natural approach to everything you do in life it can make all the difference in the world. It can make the difference between just surviving or THRIVING in life!

The Complexity of Chronic Inflammation and Its Impact on Health:

Chronic inflammation is a complex process that involves a cascade of events in the body’s inflammatory response. While it may be a contributing factor to various health conditions, the root cause of chronic inflammation can vary across individuals and diseases.

1. Kidney Disease: Chronic inflammation is increasingly recognized as a key player in the development and progression of kidney disease. Inflammation may damage the delicate tissues and organs of the kidneys, impairing their ability to filter waste products from the blood. This underscores the importance of addressing inflammation as part of kidney disease management.

2. Fatty Liver Disease: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely linked to chronic inflammation. Accumulation of fat in the liver can trigger an inflammatory response, leading to liver damage. Reducing inflammation through dietary changes and lifestyle modifications is crucial in managing NAFLD.

3. Metabolic Syndrome: Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that increase inflammation-related disease risk, including heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Components of metabolic syndrome, such as insulin resistance and abdominal obesity, are intimately tied to inflammation. Targeting inflammation through improved diet and exercise can help mitigate these risk factors.

4. Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis fall under the umbrella of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Chronic inflammation of the digestive tract characterizes these conditions. Treatment often focuses on managing inflammation to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications.

5. Alzheimer’s Disease: Emerging research suggests that inflammation may play a significant role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Chronic inflammation in the brain can contribute to cognitive decline and neurodegeneration. Understanding this connection may open new avenues for Alzheimer’s treatment and prevention.

6. Thyroid Disease: Inflammation isn’t limited to specific organs; it can affect various systems, including the thyroid. Chronic stress and inflammation may contribute to thyroid dysfunction. Managing inflammation can be crucial for individuals with thyroid conditions.

7. The Role of Functional Medicine: Functional medicine approaches health and disease by addressing the underlying causes rather than merely treating symptoms. This approach recognizes the major root cause of many chronic diseases: chronic inflammation. Functional medicine practitioners work with patients to identify and address the factors contributing to inflammation.

8. The Importance of Testing: Understanding inflammation’s impact on health often begins with diagnostic tests. These tests can measure specific markers of inflammation, providing valuable insights into an individual’s state of inflammation and the potential risk of inflammation-related diseases.

In conclusion, while inflammation is a natural and essential response in the body’s defense mechanisms, chronic inflammation can lead to various chronic health conditions. The relationship between inflammation and disease is intricate, involving numerous factors and mechanisms. Recognizing the role of inflammation and its complexity is essential for improving human health.

Frequently Asked Questions About Inflammation

What Is the Primary Cause of Inflammation in the Body?

The cause of inflammation can vary, but it often arises as a response to injury, infection, or exposure to harmful substances. Chronic inflammation in the etiology of disease across different diseases, such as heart disease, is influenced by factors like oxidative stress and dietary habits. Inflammatory diseases, chronic infections, and certain foods that cause inflammation can also contribute to ongoing inflammation.

What Are the Dangers of Chronic Inflammation?

Chronic inflammation is associated with a range of health problems. It can lead to chronic kidney disease, increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases like heart disease, and contribute to the development of inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. Inflammation also plays a role in the etiology of cancer, affecting inflammation and immune regulation.

How Can I Help Reduce Inflammation Naturally?

There are several natural approaches to help reduce inflammation. Consuming a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, including those with omega-3 fatty acids, can be beneficial. Regular exercise, stress management, and avoiding highly inflammatory foods can also help. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may provide relief, but consult a healthcare professional before using them regularly.

When Does Inflammation Become Chronic, and Why Is That a Concern?

Inflammation becomes chronic when it persists over an extended period. Long-term inflammation, even at low levels, can contribute to various health issues, including mental and physical health problems. It is essential to address chronic inflammatory diseases promptly, as they can continue and exacerbate if left untreated.

Where Can I Learn More About Inflammation and Its Impact on Health?

For in-depth information on inflammation and its effects on different diseases, consider exploring resources from reputable institutions like Harvard Medical School. Understanding inflammation’s relevance for health is essential for recognizing its role as the root cause of major chronic diseases. Healthcare professionals can provide guidance and offer tests for inflammation if needed.