More info on C-reactive protein, inflammation and AF

Remember, this all relates to inflamed or irritated heart cells and a connection to afib.


Don and Mike F. Here’s more info on inflammation, elevated CRP levels and suggestions for lowering.

In addition to the natural supplements known to reduce inflammation such as ginger, bromelain and tumeric (curcurmin), also keep in mind that Omega 3 essential fatty acids are excellent controllers of inflammation. Hans covers the properties and benefits of Omega 3’s under Fish Oils in his book on page 98. Omega 3’s are very important for many reasons. Be sure to select one that has been tested to rule out heavy metal and PCB contamination.

Also, there is a product produced by Thorne Research called Phytoprofen – targeted at reducing inflammation. It contains plant extracts – Bromelain (pineapple), Boswellia serrata (Frankincense), Curcuma longa (Tumeric), Picororhiza kurroa, and Ginger root. Willner Labs (800 –633-1106)sells Phytoprophen for about $11 for 60 capsules – dose is 2 capsules daily. Bargain – all that in one capsule. I’ve been using it for several months. Will be tested again for CRP levels. There is Ginger/Peppermint Tea from Alvita – caffeine free – Vitamin Shoppe carries it 24 bags for $3.16.

This is a long post explaining a source of inflammation which shows up as a marker for heart disease by elevated levels of C-reactive protein. Try to read to the end because it is relevant not only to CRP elevation but also to triggers for afib – food, alcohol, etc.

Jeffrey S. Bland, PhD, founder and CEO of HealthComm International and nutrition researcher, points out in his book, Genetic Nutritioneering, that inflammation results from reactions of the intestinal tract to toxins, allergens and bacterial debris and results in conditions such as arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and leaky gut.

He says ….(quotes and paraphrasing) “It is now known that the intestines are not merely a digesting organ involved only in the breakdown of food and the processing of nutrients. The intestinal tract is also an immune system organ, the site of nearly two-thirds of the body’s defense system. Gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT), specialized tissue that surrounds the digestive system, is the source of much of the body’s immune system function.

Activation of the immune system in the intestinal tract by stimulators such as toxic bacteria cause altered genetic expression and increased production of messenger substances that travel in the blood, signaling inflammation.

While inflammatory response to trauma is a good thing, infection sustained over a long period becomes a chronic problem and organs sustain damage. The result is chronic pain, swelling, immune dysfunction and the feeling of being sick…chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, chronic Candida infection, middle ear infections in children, chronic tonsillitis and the symptoms of arthritic joint pain may be the effects of chronic immune system activation that started in the gut and triggered the inflammatory process.

Nitric oxide (NO) is one substance produced as a consequence to this alarm reaction.
NO, a very small molecule produced by all cells of the body, has only recently been identified as a messenger molecule. It communicates a message of inflammation or immune activation between cells. With repeated exposure to the offending toxin, NO production may increase and damage the intestinal lumen (of the gut) leading to leaky gut syndrome.

(My comment: Leaky gut is the reason people develop food allergies or sensitivities which could be the triggering mechanism for afibbers in some cases.)

Researchers believe leaky gut syndrome is nearly epidemic among individuals who have chronic inflammation and pain. This plays a role in 70% of people with chronic fatigue, eight out of ten aspirin or ibuprofen users, and most alcoholics. Even foods considered “good” can initiate this inflammatory response. Individuals who carry specific genotypes may be more responsive to lectin-containing food families that activate the inflammatory process. Tests are available to determine leaky gut syndrome.

Organisms that cause chronic infection alter gene expression of the host individual and trigger the production of the inflammatory marker – cytokines. Laboratory analysis of individuals who have chronic infection reveal elevated levels of these markers in their blood, including elevations of C-reactive protein and serum amyloid A protein, two well-known indicators of chronic inflammation…proteins that increase the risk of damage to the heart and subsequent heart disease.

Research has shown people taking aspirin on a regular basis had much lower C-reactive protein and much lower risk of heart disease.” (end quotes and paraphrasing)

However, before you rush to get on the aspirin band wagon, go to my recent post on the risk daily aspirin and its implication in blindness from macular degeneration.

It would be my suggestion to use the other natural food-derived supplements known to reduce inflammation.

If you made it to the bottom congratulations! I hope this information is helpful to those who have elevated CRP levels.

Jackie


Source: Genetic Nutritioneering- Jeffrey S. Bland, PhD, Keats Publishing, 1999

Bravo jackie to remind us of the importance of a healthy gut .

I 'm 100% certain that leaky gut has to do with that hyper sensitivity that some of us experience with food . I'm certain that it is one important cause amongs other of Afib .

Pierre