Inflammation Health Support
A key to aging well!
Maintaining a healthy inflammatory response is necessary to stay healthy.
Get help finding the right nutrition to help inhibit inflammatory factors and support whole-body health.
What is Inflammation?
Inflammation lies at the heart of almost all diseases associated with aging.
Acute, short-term inflammation in response to an injury or infection is important in healing and protecting the body. But when that inflammation does not resolve and becomes long-term and chronic it has serious consequences. These slow-burning internal fires damage tissues and underlie cancers, vascular disorders, dementias, and accelerated aging.
Inflammation is partially regulated through the eicosanoid pathway. Factor such as poor diet, age, elevated blood sugar levels, and oxidative stress tip the balance of this pathway from anti-inflammatory to pro-inflammatory. The body uses two particular fats to “turn on” and “turn off” inflammation:
- Omega-6 fats are known for their pro-inflammatory properties. Consuming too much omega-6 fat can contribute to uncontrolled systemic inflammation.
- Omega-3 fats-rich fish oil can however rebalance the eicosanoid pathway and safely bring the overall state of inflammation into balance.
Curcumin Elite™ Turmeric Extract
This is a highly efficient curcumin formula that can:
- Inhibit inflammatory factors to promote joint health & organ health
- Offer 45 times more bioavailable free curcuminoids*
- Deliver 270 times better absorption of total curcuminoids*
- Promote cardiovascular health
- Support brain health, immune system & liver health
Curcumin Elite™ Turmeric Extract offers active ingredients that can provide powerful antioxidants to protect the cells.
The multiple health benefits of curcumin supplementation is enhanced by a much higher bioavailability and absorption rates *than standard.
Omega-3 DHA/EPA
Fish oil: Resolving inflammation
The omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA, especially from fish oil, can not only stop inflammation in its tracks, they can actively treat the inflammation already present, triggering the active resolution of inflammation.
Supplementation with omega-3 has proven successful at reducing markers of inflammation and improving outcomes for several inflammatory diseases.
Turmeric Curcumin
Inhibiting pro-inflammatory reactions
Curcumin can inhibit key inflammatory factors such as the molecule NF-kappaB, the "activation switch" for the body's pro-inflammatory responses.
Bioavailable curcumin has been shown to improve the condition of inflammatory diseases, including psoriasis, irritable bowel syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory eye disease.
GLA (Gamma-Linolenic Acid)
Suppressing inflammatory factors
Omega-6 fats are known for their pro-inflammatory properties, but that doesn't apply to all of them!
The omega-6 fat GLA is an anti-inflammatory compound found in tiny amounts in some leafy greens and nuts.
It has shown remarkable results in suppressing chronic inflammatory reactions.
Boswellia Extract
Fighting inflammation by blocking 5-LOX
Studies have shown that extracts of Boswellia serrata significantly improved arthritis patients’ pain and function while suppressing causative agents involved in chronic inflammation.
Boswellia operates differently compared to typical anti-inflammatory agents by fighting lipoxygenase (LOX) enzymes, which are powerful contributors to inflammation and disease.
Bromelain Extract
An effective anti-inflammatory enzyme
The pineapple stem is rich in Bromelain and renowned for its ability to inhibit inflammation and provide joint comfort.
However, eating pineapple can't provide such benefits, supplements with optimal absorption would be needed.
These anti-inflammatory effects are linked to reduced COX-2 activity and decreased prostaglandin synthesis.
Black Cumin Seed Oil
Modulating the balance of the inflammatory response
The components of the antioxidant Black Cumin Seed Oil (Nigella Sativa) have unique properties that restore optimal inflammatory balance to the immune system's components.
Through this mechanism, Black cumin seed oil has the potential to reduce, and even reverse, chronic diseases such as arthritis, allergies, asthma, colitis, and cardiovascular disease.
Tea Polyphenols
Anti-inflammatory effects of green and black tea
The polyphenols EGCG and Theaflavin can suppress the “master switch” of inflammation, NF-kappaB. EGCG can also inhibit the production and release of histamine, a key mediator of inflammatory responses.
Studies of tea consumption showed that >2 cups of tea/day (black or green) was associated with a nearly 20% reduction in CRP compared to non-tea drinkers.
Vitamin D
Deficiency may promote inflammation
Several studies suggest deficiency of Vitamin D may promote inflammation. Vitamin D deficiencies are more common among patients with inflammatory disorders than in healthy individuals.
These inflammatory-related diseases include rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, and diabetes.
Vitamin E
The powerful antioxidant
The Gamma-Tocopherol form of vitamin E demonstrates strong anti-inflammatory effects compared to the alpha-tocopherol form. It can inhibit certain inflammatory cytokines and much more.
However, research shows the combination of both tocopherols in supplementation is superior to either alone on biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation.
Inflammation
Nutrients for an Anti-Inflammatory Diet
The following nutrients and supplements offer a broad range of anti-inflammatory benefits.
They are contributing to reduced chronic inflammation and supporting overall health:
- PRMs (specialized pro-resolving mediators) are derived from EPA and DHA, the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil, marine oils and from the omega-6 fats found in certain vegetable oils. These PRMs support the body's resolution of inflammation.
- Fish Oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids that lower inflammation markers like TNF-α, CRP, and IL-6.
- Curcumin is a component of turmeric that modulates several pathways involved in inflammatory processes. It can inhibit key inflammatory factors such as the molecule NF-kappaB, the "activation switch" for the body's pro-inflammatory responses. Read more about curcumin here.
- Magnesium is associated with lower levels of inflammatory markers such as hs-CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α. In fact. Magnesium has been rated as the most anti-inflammatory dietary factor in the Dietary Inflammatory Index, which rated 42 common dietary constituents on their ability to reduce CRP levels based on human and animal experimental and observation data.
- GLA (Gamma-Linolenic Acid) is an omega-6 fat that has shown remarkable results in suppressing chronic inflammatory reactions.
- Tea polyphenols: The anti-inflammatory effects of green and black tea are well-documented. They are known to reduce CRP and support anti-inflammatory actions in the body.
- Sesame Lignans can help reduce inflammation and may also reduce levels of certain pro-inflammatory factors.
- Bromelain is a protease from pineapple stems. It's used to reduce inflammation and support joint health.
- Boswellia (Boswellia serrata) is known to fight inflammation by inhibiting the 5-LOX pathway.
- Resveratrol and Pterostilbene can help inhibit a variety of pro-inflammatory compounds (cyclooxygenase, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, NF-κB) in cell culture.
- Carotenoids are naturally occurring pigments in plants known for their anti-inflammatory properties. In a study participants with the lowest blood levels of α- and β-carotene, lutein/zeaxanthin, or total carotenoids were more likely to experience increases in IL-6 over two years.
- Vitamin D appears to exert anti-inflammatory activity by the suppression of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins, and inhibition of the inflammatory mediator NF-κB. Moreover, several studies suggest vitamin D deficiency may promote inflammation.
- Vitamin E's gamma-tocopherol demonstrates strong anti-inflammatory effects compared to the alpha-tocopherol form. It can inhibit certain inflammatory cytokines and more. Gamma-tocopherol appears to complement the anti-inflammatory action of alpha-tocopherol.
- Zinc and Selenium contain antioxidant proteins that can reduce reactive oxygen species (free radicals), which indirectly inhibits NF-κB activity and prevents the production of several inflammatory enzymes and cytokines. Zinc can also inhibit NF-κB more directly.
- N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) acts as a precursor to antioxidants and helps reduce inflammation. Activation of the NF-κB pathway plays a central role in the activation of inflammatory cytokine genes, and NAC can help inhibit NF-κB in cell culture, lowering expression of cytokines such as IL-6 and IL-8.
- Black Cumin Seed Oil (Nigella sativa) has been shown to have a range of health benefits including anti-inflammatory properties.
- Carnosine is an antioxidant that can also modulate inflammatory processes.
- Benfotiamine is a synthetic derivative of Thiamine, which can help reduce inflammatory responses.
- Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is involved in energy production and has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Pyrroloquinoline Quinone (PQQ) is an antioxidant that may improve immune and inflammatory responses.
- Ginger contains gingerols that reduce inflammation and support immune function by inhibiting inflammatory mediators and pathways such as NF-kB(5-10).
- Turmeric contains Curcumin and turmerones that provide potent anti-inflammatory effects and have also demonstrated anticancer properties. Read more about curcumin here.
- Anthocyanins are a class of polyphenols, and extensive research confirms that the most powerful antioxidant berries are those that contain anthocyanins. Among many benefits, they may inhibit inflammatory gene expression and reduce inflammation.
- Sulforaphane can reduce harmful chronic inflammation by inhibiting NF-kB, a cellular complex that drives the production of pro-inflammatory compounds. Broccoli is a source of a nutrient called sulforaphane.
- Vitamin K is a multifunctional vitamin that apart from building stronger bones also may reduce inflammation and help prevent diabetes, lower body fat, and promote brain health.
- Gynostemma Pentaphyllum (G. Pentaphyllum) is among other beneficial against inflammation. Its effects are due, at least in part, to its ability to activate a critical enzyme called adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Being overweight has a significant effect on AMPK activation and chronic inflammation; it suppresses AMPK activation, leading to abdominal fat deposits which, in turn, activate systemic inflammation. At the same time, inflammation itself suppresses AMPK activation, creating a vicious circle.
- Pomegranate and its extracts contain many free-radical quenchers and anti-inflammatory nutrients that can shield against a wide range of chronic age-related cardiovascular risks.
- Hesperidin is a flavonoid, and digestion of it produces a compound called hesperetin along with other metabolites. These compounds are powerful free radical scavengers and have demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity.
- Garlic has been valued for centuries for its many beneficial abilities, among others stimulating immunity and lowering inflammatory activity.
High levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) in the blood can indicate the presence of inflammation. Learn more about CRP here and find references.
The Dangers of Inflammation
Chronic inflammation is a major contributor to almost every age-related disease and is a key cause of the aging process itself.
Early inflammation in response to an injury or infection is important in healing and protecting the body. But when that inflammation continues and becomes chronic or unresolved, it drives the progression of numerous disorders, including:
- Heart disease
- Cancer
- Type II diabetes
- Alzheimer's
- Parkinson's
- Osteoporosis
- Arthritis
Many of these conditions are considered age-associated diseases. Because of the role unresolved inflammation plays, the term "inflammaging" is sometimes used to describe the hand-in-hand relationship between inflammation and accelerated aging.
Many nutrients exert anti-inflammatory effects, which are extremely beneficial. But to truly counter inflammaging and restore health, the inflammation also needs to be resolved.
A Remedy for Inflammation is Pro-Resolving Mediators!
What are PRMs and SPMs and what do they do?
Resolution stops the inflammation at the source and helps return inflamed tissues to their healthy, normal condition. How to do that?
This is where pro-resolving mediators (PRMs) come into the picture. Different from anti-inflammatories, PRMs are special signals in the body. They don’t just reduce inflammation, they actively work to resolve it and help the tissues return to their normal, healthy state.
PRMs are a family of naturally occurring lipid mediators, fatty-acid-derived compounds, sometimes also called specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs).
These PRMs resolve inflammation by removing dead and dying cells and debris left over from inflammation, restoring a healthy balance of pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators, and renewing tissues by initiating healing and regeneration.
Aging is associated with dysfunctional PRM pathways, which in turn have been implicated in several age-related disorders. Higher PRM levels appear to be protective against these age-linked diseases.
PRMs are derived from EPA and DHA, the Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil, and from the omega-6 fats found in certain vegetable oils.
Moreover, combining PRMs with a powerful anti-inflammatory like bioavailable Curcumin targets inflammation in multiple ways and have shown result of pain reduction.
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