Unleashing Inflammation and A Cytokine Storm

When a respiratory virus infects the lungs, every cough or sneeze may release air-borne droplets containing infective viruses. Once a person is infected, they can display symptoms ranging from a mild flu-like disease to a severe case of infection. Typical symptoms reported are fever, a dry cough, muscle pain, fatigue and in severe cases, difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath.
To destroy the virus, the immune system recruits immune inflammatory cells to help the body fight the infection. These inflammatory cells flood an area to attack and destroy the pathogens. If the body is successful in controlling the infection, and if it is in balance, the inflammatory responses are down-regulated (decreased) and the natural healing process starts.

If, however, the immune system cannot eliminate the infection, the inflammatory response is upregulated and too much inflammation occurs, causing damage to healthy lung tissue.

Once lung damage has occurred, it becomes a prime environment for bacteria and other pathogens to multiply, often resulting in pneumonia. Infected patients may develop bi-lateral pneumonia (i.e., in both lungs) as has occurred in the current epidemic. At this point, if available, patients may be put on ventilators to assist in breathing.

Death may occur if the lungs, flooded with fluids and other cellular debris, are unable to take up oxygen. Sometimes, even if the person survives, the excessive inflammatory response may result in scaring and stiffening of lungs and permanent lung damage.

In addition to lung specific reactions, uncontrolled, “run-away” inflammation, can result in a “cytokine storm” or a condition called cytokine release syndrome. [Cytokines are immune messengers.] This phenomenon is the result of the immune system going “rogue” and releasing cascades of inflammatory immune cells and proteins (cytokines). The onslaught of inflammation may overwhelm the body, leading to blood pressure drop, weakened lung blood vessels, the inability of oxygen to get to the organs, organ failure and even death.

Such a “storm” can be triggered by a significant viral or bacterial infection or other health issues. During the early 2000’s, cytokine storm syndrome often resulted in the deaths of many individuals infected with SARs. It is likely that cytokine storms play a major role in the deaths of individuals, both younger and old, during the current epidemic.

Summary

Certain conditions may induce the release of massive amounts of inflammatory cells and their cytokines resulting in significant levels of uncontrollable inflammation.

https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2020/04/how-does-coronavirus-kill-clinicians-trace-ferocious-rampage-through-body-brain-toes

https://mmbr.asm.org/content/76/1/16

https://jitc.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40425-018-0343-9

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1808997/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3294426/

Defending Yourself Against Viruses

| Posted by in Inflammation | Viruses - (0 Comments)

We are in the midst of a pandemic–but the virus’ genetic sequences suggest this novel pathogen is related to the SARS and MERS coronaviruses of years past.

At that time we continued to receive anecdotal reports of the differences it made in the quality of life of individuals taking hyperimmune egg. We are hearing similar reports today.

Symptoms may be minimal or severe, and include cough, fever and persistent pain or pressure in the chest, and shortness of breath. When individuals are severely ill and/or have medical issues, their infection may result in death.

This virus is highly contagious and spreading like “wildfire”. Uncertainty about the incubation period, (one asymptomatic individual in isolation tested positive after a 38-day incubation period) is particularly relevant since the longer incubation period complicates matters even more. Additionally, the WHO is concerned about a number of cases without any clear epidemiological link.

A balanced immune response is the only way your body defends itself against infections. Even if you do become infected, your body is more likely to able resolve the infection more completely if the immune system is functioning optimally.

By taking some of the steps below, the body’s ability to defend itself and balance immune function will hopefully make a difference.

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Exercise and Inflammation

The function of hundreds of genes and numerous biological pathways are affected by being physically active. Too many individuals, especially health practitioners, fail to appreciate the dominant role exercise plays in maintaining the body’s immune homeostasis, its balance. Being physically active decreases the risk of chronic inflammatory conditions such as diabetes, depression, atherosclerosis, and certain cancers.

CYTOKINE PRODUCTION

Fat cells (adipose tissue) produce pro-inflammatory cytokines, immune messages that increase the levels of inflammation in the body–inflammation which contributes to chronic disease. Upon contraction, muscles release anti-inflammatory cytokines that help the body counteract inflammation. Muscle-generated anti-inflammatory cytokines help the body balance its levels of inflammation. Consistent physical activity also helps increase immune responses to pathogens such as viruses, bacteria and mold. Even modest amount of physical activity changes the ratios of cytokines to healthful numbers.

In formerly sedentary people, 10 months of moderate walking resulted in a 16%-32% decrease in various inflammatory proteins. In another study, using resistance bands resulted in increases in the anti-inflammatory cytokine, IL-10, along with an increase in cognitive functioning. Even light activity (2–4 hours of walking-type activity/week) has been associated with better inflammatory balance.

“BRAIN-IMMUNE-GUT” AXIS

There is a “brain-immune-gut” axis. It can be a vicious cycle during which stress increases inflammation and inflammation results in more stress. Being stressed affects not only one’s emotional well-being but also hormonal, nervous and digestive status.

The microbiome, the community of organisms found on and in the body greatly influences our health. Significant crosstalk between the microbiome and the immune system results in each system affecting the other in both function and composition. Physical activity modifies the gut microbiome which in turn affects muscle, immune and brain function.
The release of anti-inflammatory immune factors not only decreases inflammation throughout the body, but it also promotes the release of brain and gut biochemicals such as dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin, biochemicals that involved in mood and gut regulation.

Unhealthy Older Individuals

Poor aging is the result of cumulative effects of imbalances of inflammation. These individuals exhibit high levels of inflammatory cytokines which contribute to problems such as muscle weakness, neurological problems including Alzheimer’s Disease. Elderly people that remain physically active, have reduced levels of inflammation and a better quality of life with fewer chronic conditions than individuals that are not active.

Summary:

Regular physical activity suppresses inflammation by increasing the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines and inhibiting inflammation.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26978184 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5467003/ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/risks-of-physical-inactivity http://eir-isei.de/2019/eir-2019-084-article.pdf https://www.amjmed.com/article/S0002-9343(06)00782-0/fulltext https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/depression-and-exercise/art-20046495 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3320801/ https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/exercise-is-an-all-natural-treatment-to-fight-depression
https://journals.lww.com/acsm-essr/Fulltext/2019/04000/Exercise_and_the_Gut_Microbiome__A_Review_of_the.4.aspx
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2803113/ https://drhellengreenblatt.info/archives/1571

anti-inflammatory, brain function, brain immune gut axis, cytokine, exercise, immune homeostasis, immune system, inflammation, joints, muscle, physical activity

Eczema-Itchy, Painful Skin

“Eczema” is worldwide the most common of chronic (long-lasting) inflammatory skin diseases. Also called atopic dermatitis [“itis” means inflammation], it is a condition of red, inflamed, burning, itchy patches of skin. In severe cases, people experience blistering, bloody and peeling skin and raw, excruciating pain.

In the United States alone, over 30 million people have been diagnosed with dermatitis, with almost twice as many children having the condition as adults. As with most immune disorders, more females have the condition than males, and hospitalization due to flare-ups of the conditions or associated infections is associated with an 8-year reduction in lifespan.

Individuals with dermatitis are frequently embarrassed when they have an outbreak, and the itching “drives them crazy”. They have tried every approach including medications, acupuncture, herbals, creams, ointments, and different detergents. Having dermatitis leads to at least 40% of individuals turning down an educational opportunity or job.

Caregivers especially report feeling frustrated, helpless, sad and guilty when dermatitis occurs in children, placing the entire family under both emotional and financial stress. There is no medical cure for eczema.

Atopic dermatitis is attributed to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Foods such as dairy, certain nuts, soy, wheat, and allergens such as dust mites, pets, pollens have all been implicated. Additionally there are more than 80,000 chemicals registered for use today in the USA. The bottom line is that researchers do not know what causes dermatitis.

What is known, is that atopic dermatitis is a sign that the immune system, via its inflammatory cells, is overreacting to some agent, and in the process of trying to protect itself, damages by-stander skin cells (autoinflammatory).

In moderate to severe atopic dermatitis, high numbers of inflammatory cells are found both in inflamed and unaffected skin, as well as in the blood. Long term, chronic inflammation leads to skin lesions, blisters and the other symptoms with which people with dermatitis suffer.

As Dr. Eric Simpson, a member of The American Academy of Dermatology has said, “We may not have a cure for atopic dermatitis just yet …[but] tackling inflammation is key.”

Suggestion:

There is no medical treatment for eczema however individuals that have been able to achieve immune balance, homeostasis, have found significant differences in their skin health.

Achieve balance by being physically active 4-6 days a week, consume a smart diet, maintain a healthy weight, do not smoke, or drink in excess. Do take walks outdoors and add a proven immune balancing supplement to your daily diet and see and feel the difference.

Contact Dr. Hellen– she is there for you. No fee is charged for the first 30 minutes of consultation. She may be contacted by using this form or calling: 302.265.3870 (ET-USA).

https://medlineplus.gov/eczema.html

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/14417.php

https://www.jacionline.org/article/S0091-6749(17)30205-1/pdf

http://www.jiaci.org/summary/vol28-issue6-num1694

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/science/it-could-take-centuries-for-epa-to-test-all-the-unregulated-chemicals-under-a-new-landmark-bill

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30576754

autoimmune, autoinflammatory, balance, cytokines, eczema, immune homeostasis, immune system, infection, inflammation, inflammatory responses, itchy, rash, scaly, skin

Tired of Visiting the Bathroom So Frequently?

| Posted by in Aging | Immune Homeostasis (Immune Balance) | Inflammation - (0 Comments)

It is estimated that over 33 million people in the United States are uncomfortable leaving their homes or meeting with friends because they have an overactive bladder that forces them to be close to a bathroom at all times.

People with an overactive bladder may urinate eight or more times in 24 hours and multiple times during the night. Sixty percent of elderly women and 30% of middle-aged men and women experience symptoms of an overactive bladder, urinary incontinence (leaking urine). Individuals often hesitate to share this problem with their physician.

An overactive bladder, sometimes called a “spastic bladder”, is the name given to a group of urinary symptoms. There are two types of urinary incontinence, although one can have both at once. They are urge and stress incontinence. Urge incontinence is the strong, sudden urge to urinate that cannot be ignored. When one does not get to the bathroom “in time” there may be an involuntary leakage of urine. Stress incontinence happens when people leak urine while sneezing, laughing or being physical.

When it is time to empty the bladder, a signal goes out to the brain which “tells” the muscles of the bladder to contract, pushing urine out and to empty the bladder. In people with overactive bladders, the muscles of the bladder start to contract involuntarily even when the volume of urine in the bladder is low. This involuntary contraction creates the urgent need to urinate.

Several conditions are associated with an overactive bladder. These include diabetes, certain medications, stroke, urinary tract infections, bladder stones, tumors and excessive consumption of alcohol or caffeine. In too many cases the cause is unknown; this is called an idiopathic overactive bladder condition.

Recent studies suggest that individuals with an overactive bladder have higher levels of inflammation. High levels of the inflammatory marker, C-reactive protein, and inflammatory cytokines are found in patients. When analyzing over 1800 men and 1800 women with overactive bladders, and adjusting for other conditions including smoking and alcohol consumption, the higher the C-reactive protein levels, the greater the odds of having urgent episodes and frequency. The clinicians concluded that there may be a role of inflammation in the development of this condition.

Summary.

An overactive bladder is a common condition affecting all ages and has a severe impact on quality of life. Keeping the body and bladder in homeostasis, in balance, may be an important key to reducing the sudden urge to urinate.

Contact Dr. Hellen, she is there for you. No fee is charged for the first 30 minutes of consultation. She may be contacted by using this form or calling: 302.265.3870 (ET-USA).

www.nafc.org/overactive-bladder

www.renalandurologynews.com/aua-2010-annual-meeting/overactive-bladder-linked-to-inflammation/article/171323/

www.tcs.org.tw/tcs_old/issue/Folder/3_1Suppl/09_IPFD_V3_Suppl_1_PP_17_19.pdf

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29192418

journals.viamedica.pl/ginekologia_polska/article/view/55086

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28953078

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19275692

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4754024/

www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnins.2018.00931/full

aging, anti-inflammatory, autoinflammatory, balance, bladder, C-reactive protein, cytokines, immune homeostasis, inflammatory responses, overactive, pro-inflammatory

Influenza– It is Not Over Yet

| Posted by in Infections | Inflammation - (0 Comments)

The Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, Georgia reports that estimated 6-7 million people have been, or are currently sick with viral flu during the current flu season. Half of these individuals saw a health practitioner for their illness but nevertheless approximately 69,00-84,000 people were hospitalized. Much of the illness and deaths from the flu are the result of bacterial infections that often accompany the disease (secondary infections) and excessive inflammation. Unfortunately, a total of 22 influenza-associated pediatric deaths have been reported during the 2018-2019 season to date.

CDC expects flu activity to continue for many more weeks or even months, and it continues to recommend flu vaccination and antiviral medications for high-risk groups such as children 5 years of age (but especially those younger than 2 years of age), older adults, pregnant women and residents of long-term facilities.

Not everyone experiences the same flu symptoms, but symptoms range from chills, severe cough, sudden and high fever, stuffy, runny nose, severe aches and pains, bad headache, extreme fatigue, vomiting and/or diarrhea. Some people go on to develop serious complications caused by viral infection of the nasal passages and throat and lungs.

The presence of virus and bacteria triggers a robust inflammatory response in the body’s attempt to rid the body of disease. Inflammation is the body’s primary weapon to destroying pathogens, but it is a double-edged sword since “uncontrolled” inflammation in response to the virus may result in significant lung damage, followed by death.

It has recently become apparent that during influenza infection, large numbers of inflammatory immune cells leave the lungs and travel to the small intestines. Here they interact with the microbiome (communities of organisms that occupy the gut) destroying the proper the balance of beneficial organisms and permitting the overgrowth of certain classes of bacteria.

These inflammatory cells may be trying to defend the body against pathogens, but instead they produce so much inflammation that the gut lining is injured by them. (Interestingly, in animal studies, antibiotic treatment of the bacteria in the gut reduces damage.)

Inflammation is the protective process by which the body removes harmful pathogens and substances and initiates healing. It is a tightly regulated process that involves molecular signals that start and maintain inflammation (pro-inflammatory) followed by signals that turn “off” the inflammatory process (anti-inflammatory signals). Imbalances of these immune factors results in damage to the tissues and organs.

A properly balanced immune response is essential for the body to combat viruses like influenza and the bacteria that too often are associated with the illness.

Taking the following steps towards helps the body defend itself successfully against infections:
Wash your hands frequently and keep them away from your nose and mouth (mucous membranes).
Stay hydrated to keep membranes moist and resistant to invasion.
Be physically active 2.5 hours/week.
Be smart—eat healthy, especially vegetables and fruits.
Try to get outdoors a few minutes a day.
Stop excessive alcohol consumption.
Cut down or quit smoking—your lungs are working hard enough trying to bring oxygen into the body.
Consume a proven immune support supplement to help your immune system balance.

Enhance your quality of life. Dr. Hellen can be contacted by using this form, at drhellen@drhellengreenblatt.info or call her at: 302.265.3870 (ET, USA).

www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/summary.htm
www.cdc.gov/flu/index.htm
www.washingtonpost.com/news/to-your-health/wp/2018/01/25/heres-what-you-should-know-about-the-flu-season-this-year/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.690664b3eb78
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27744631
jem.rupress.org/content/211/12/2397
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12890422
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30568659

balance, cytokines, Flu, immune homeostasis, immune system, inflammation, influenza

HIV-The Battle is Not Over

| Posted by in Boosting Immune Responses (Pro-Inflammatory) | Chronic Disease | Fatigue | Infections and Inflammatory Responses - (0 Comments)

HIV, or the human immunodeficiency virus is a virus that left untreated may lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or AIDS. Unlike some other viruses, even with treatment some people infected with HIV may never eliminate the virus.

In an animal model of HIV, within 24 hours of infection, the virus hitches a ride on immune cells and travels throughout the body. HIV has a special propensity for immune cells, especially T cells. T cells help the body fight infections by activating the production of antibodies (large molecules that neutralize pathogens) and triggers inflammation to kill pathogens or destroy cells containing microbes. Left untreated, HIV infection reduces the numbers of defensive immune cells in the body, leaving HIV infected people (HIV positive) highly vulnerable to infection with other foreign agents (opportunistic infections) and cancers.

DC (dendritic cell)- A type of immune cell that plays a primary role in infections with HIV.
They are important regulators of immune system responses to infection.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4033703/

From 80-90% of immune cells are found in the walls of the intestines and in the tissues surrounding the intestines. HIV tends to accumulate in these tissues and attack them. These inflammatory responses may weaken the gut barrier resulting in inflammatory digestive issues for HIV positive individuals.

“Inflammation and immune activation accelerate heart disease and stroke, and chronic HIV infection results in both,” says Robert T. Schooley, AIDS researcher and Professor of Medicine in the Infectious Diseases division at the University of California at San Francisco. In addition, this population is at increased risk for certain cancers, gastrointestinal, liver and kidney problems.

There are no cures for HIV, but with proper medical care, the numbers of virus infecting a person and their symptoms may be controlled. Proper medical treatment dramatically improves and prolongs lives. Anti-retroviral therapy (ART or ARV) is used to treat HIV infections.

When the “cocktail” of medications is taken as prescribed, viral loads (the number of viruses in the body) are decreased. These medications can reduce the numbers of HIV down to very low levels (called “undetectable”). However, in some individuals HIV can continue to infect immune cells. [Note: The CDC states that individuals with undetectable virus loads have no risk of sexually transmitting the virus.]

The body must be in immune balance, in immune homeostasis to protect the body from infection or fight infections. The immune system must produce the right ratio of inflammatory cytokines (pro-inflammatory) to anti-inflammatory cytokines. It needs enough inflammation to destroy the pathogen, or in this case HIV, but not so much that healthy tissues are damaged.

A recent study of people that have been treated over many years for HIV reports that HIV positive individuals are at a higher risk of getting diseases common to older individuals. Individuals that were infected in the early years with HIV are now in their 50s and 60s and develop inflammatory-related conditions at a significantly higher rate and lower age than uninfected people of the same age.

Summary:

The key to staying healthy is to remain in immune homeostasis, immune balance—this is true especially for people with chronic infections such as HIV.

Please contact Dr. Hellen if you wish to enhance your quality of life-don’t you deserve to do that? The first 30 minutes of discussion are gratis. Dr. Hellen may be contacted by using this form or calling: 302.265.3870 (ET-USA).

www.aidsinfonet.org/fact_sheets/view/484

www.cdc.gov/hiv/risk/art/index.html

www.catie.ca/en/treatmentupdate/treatmentupdate-223/inflammation-and-hiv/exploring-hiv-and-inflammation

www.biorxiv.org/content/early/2018/09/14/418012

www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0092867400806947

anti-inflammatory, antibodies, balance, chronic disease, cytokines, HIV/AIDS, immune homeostasis, immune system, infection, inflammatory responses, pro-inflammatory

Low Back Pain and the Role of Inflammation

Back pain is one of the most common health complaints among adults in the US. From 75-80% of individuals will suffer from lower back pain sometime in their lives.

Symptoms of back pain include shooting or stabbing pains in the back, limited mobility, and/or pain that radiates down the leg.

The majority of individuals experiencing back pain will become more comfortable within days or weeks without medical treatment. Some people however may experience chronic pain lasting 2-3 months or more. Nonetheless, all low back pain results in major economic and social repercussions for both sufferers and society.

DrHellen 2018 (c)

There is no known cause of the pain in approximately 90% of patients; it is what is termed “idiopathic”. However, sitting too long or doing a physical task incorrectly may trigger back problems. The lack of physical activity, excess weight, genetics and the physical demands of a job also contribute to lower back pain. Sedentary lifestyles are associated with 1.41 times greater risk of developing back pain. Individuals that are not physically active, are 1.23 times more likely to develop lower back pain.

Individuals with back pain frequently have the same anatomically “abnormalities” as people without back complaints. Patients with occupation-related back pain who had magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of their back were 8 times more likely to get surgery as those who had just x-rays. Since symptoms do not correlate with imaging testing, many practitioners will not recommend imaging testing within the first six weeks of pain (unless there is a strong suspicion of other underlying conditions)..

Inflammation in the body is tightly regulated, involving signals that initiate and maintain inflammation and others that turn inflammation off. Imbalances between the two, lead to unchecked inflammation.

Inflammation causes pain, and pain causes more inflammation. When the body hurts, inflammatory cytokines, immune molecules, are triggered that initiate the healing process. The release in the spinal cord of certain cytokines is associated with inflamed nerves and pain.

CRP (C-reactive protein) is a biological marker of inflammation. Individuals with the most severe lower back pain have nearly twice the amount of CRP levels as those with less pain.

Back surgery may relieve some causes of back pain, but it’s rarely necessary. Most back pain resolves on its own. There are a number of treatments that are used to reduce inflammation and pain: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), epidural steroid injections, topically applied creams or sprays, and for some, hot and cold packs.

One of the best approaches to relieving lower back pain is exercise, especially McKenzie exercises [find the exercise best for you on YouTube]. Individuals that do back exercises find significant relief and if practiced consistently will find that their backs will be strengthened and they will have less discomfort.

[As previous posts have suggested, backed by clinical trials, exercise increases naturally-occurring anti-inflammatory cytokines and can provide significant and faster relief to those suffering with lower back pain.]

Summary:

The key to healing is a balanced immune response. The body needs the right amount of inflammation to heal, but too much inflammation results in illness.

If you want to change how you feel, contact Dr. Hellen. No fee is charged for the first 30 minutes of consultation. Dr. Hellen may be contacted by using this form or calling: 302.265.3870 (ET-USA).

mayohealthhighlights.startribune.com/2017/09/22/low-back-pain-caused-by-spinal-degeneration-and-injury/

www.statista.com/topics/4333/back-pain-in-the-us/

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19407734

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4137474/

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29740548

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23270761

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5931150

back pain, balance, C-reactive protein, cytokines, exercise, immune system, inflammation, inflammatory responses, injuries

Lyme Disease and Inflammation

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Lyme disease is the fastest growing vector-borne, infectious disease in the United States with a 25 fold increase in the number of cases since surveillance of the disease began in 1982. World-wide, there are over 300 strains of these bacteria, many of which tolerate antibiotics and are able to evade immune cells.

Tick Borne Infections:
Lyme disease is associated with infected ticks and may be contacted after engaging in outdoor activities. The infected ticks bite through the skin of a person or animal, getting a blood meal and introducing the bacteria into the body. (Typically the tick has to be attached for 36 or more hours before the bacteria is passed to the host.) Symptoms may include: skin rash and painful inflammation of joints (particularly the knees) and be accompanied by flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, fatigue and chills.

Diagnostic Testing:
Diagnostic tests are only 29-40% accurate in the first three weeks after infection. Once the infection spreads to the nervous system and joints, accuracy increases. After treatment, even when test results are “negative”, live organisms may still be found in organs. Early treatment with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications are helpful, but if left untreated, joints, heart, brain, muscles and brain may become involved– sometimes months or years later.

Nervous System Involvement:
About 15 percent of patients with Lyme disease develop nervous system (spine, brain, etc.) inflammation. This event is accompanied by debilitating and painful muscle and joint symptoms and major neurologic changes such as facial nerve palsy, pain radiating along the back into the legs and feet, limb pain, sensory loss and/or muscle weakness.

Inflammation results in injuries to the brain and spinal cord and may result in severe headaches, fatigue, memory loss, learning disability, depression and cognitive problems.

Inflammatory immune factors are increased in the body, recruiting more inflammatory white blood cells into the brain and the spinal cord. The healthy immune cells that protect nerve cells are damaged or destroyed by the inflammation. No longer protected, nerve cells are damaged even more.

Lingering Symptoms:
A major issue with tick-borne infections is that even after treatment; up to 25% of individuals may have persistent painful joint inflammation and other symptoms lasting months or years.

There are two factors that may account for this:
a) Small numbers of bacteria remain which the immune system has not been able to successfully eliminate.
b)Once the infection is over, traces of long-lasting bacterial proteins are found within and around the joints. These proteins trigger inflammatory responses resulting in significant joint, muscle and nerve pain. It is the body’s immune response to these residual proteins, rather than a lingering infection that results in symptoms.

Summary:
As always, the key to an active quality of life is to help the body maintain immune balance– its homeostasis. Exercise (suggested: 2.5 hours a week), maintaining a healthy weight, eating smart, going outdoors for a few minutes a day, and taking an excellent immune support product will make all the difference in one’s health.

Achieving immune homeostasis will make a difference in your life. Contact me, DrHellen@DrHellenGreenblatt.info, use the form or give me a call at 302.265.3870 and let us talk.

http://www.ilads.org/lyme/lyme-quickfacts.php

http://www.cdc.gov/lyme/signs_symptoms/index.html

https://www.statnews.com/2017/06/28/early-lyme-tests/

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3474947/

www.hopkinsarthritis.org/arthritis-info/lyme-disease/

ajp.amjpathol.org/article/S0002-9440(15)00123-6/fulltext

news.yale.edu/2012/06/25/even-after-lyme-disease-gone-its-remains-may-perpetuate-inflammation

www.news-medical.net/news/20171214/Study-Living-Lyme-disease-bacteria-found-months-after-antibiotic-treatment.aspx

anti-inflammatory, arthritis, autoimmune, autoinflammatory, fatigue, immune homeostasis, immune system, infection, joint pain, joints, Lyme, nervous system, Tick-borne, Ticks

Widespread Influenza Infections Across the Country

| Posted by in Immune Homeostasis (Immune Balance) | Infections and Inflammatory Responses - (0 Comments)

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this flu season is an unusually severe outbreak with wide-spread instances of disease in 49 States with many schools being closed. The season started earlier than usual, which is never a good sign. CDC Deputy Director Anne Schuchat has said “This year’s influenza season is proving particularly difficult”. Hospitals do not have enough beds and the prevalence of the flu has led to shortages of anti-viral medications that if prescribed in the first 48 hours may shorten symptoms by a day or so.

This season’s primary virus strain is H3N2, a deadly type of influenza A that tends to result in more severe illness and higher numbers of hospitalizations and deaths than other strains. H3N2 is especially dangerous for the frail elderly and children, although people between the ages of 50 and 64 are being hospitalized at alarming rates, second only to the elderly. As of this post, almost 100 children have already died from the flu.

Since vaccination may lessen the severity of the illness and there are few other options, the CDC recommends people be vaccinated with the current flu vaccine, even though it may only be 30% -40% effective. [Antibiotics are useless against viruses since they only kill bacteria.]

Although some people view the flu as “merely” annoying and inconvenient, those suffering from influenza along with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), asthma, emphysema, diabetes and other pre-existing conditions are at a higher risk of hospitalization or death, especially if they contract a secondary bacterial infection.

The influenza virus is difficult for the body to protect itself from, because it is able to mutate rapidly and frequently. This forces the immune system to constantly change its tactics to combat the latest version of the flu.

Infection by influenza triggers an intense immune inflammatory response in the lungs in the body’s attempt to stop the virus from multiplying. The lungs’ immune cells release cytokines, small molecules that signal and recruit other cells into the lungs to increase or decrease their immune and inflammatory responses.

But such a response can be a double edged sword. Too much inflammation causes lung damage on top of the damage already caused by the virus and secondary bacterial infections such as pneumonia. Additionally, although rare, if the balance of cytokines is significantly upset, the normal level of inflammatory cytokines may become too high, resulting in a cytokine storm (or cytokine cascade) that can kill a previously healthy individual in hours.

A properly balanced immune system, one in homeostasis, is more fully prepared to defend us against invasion by foreign agents, and is ready to help us combat an infection if we get one.

Following the following steps will help keep your immune system functioning at optimum levels:

Eat healthful meals with an emphasis on whole grains and plenty of colorful vegetables and fruits.
Be physical active to help keep the immune system in balance; incorporate it into your daily life.
Get adequate amounts of rest and avoid fatigue.
Drink plenty of fluids to keep membranes moist and more resistant to invasion.
Wash your hands frequently and try to keep them away from your face.
Stop, or at least cut down, on your smoking—your lungs are struggling enough.
Consume a superior immune support supplement to help your immune system balance.

Dr. Hellen’s passion is helping people have a better quality of life. Contact her by using this form, drhellen@drhellengreenblatt.info, or calling at: 302.265.3870 (ET, USA).

www.cdc.gov/flu/index.htm
www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/summary.htm
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4711683
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24728596
www.businessinsider.com/baby-boomers-hospitalized-with-the-flu-what-is-imprinting-2018-1

anti-inflammatory, balance, cytokines, exercise, fatigue, Flu, immune system, infection, inflammation, inflammatory responses, influenza, pro-inflammatory, Smoking

Stress

From the time of the ancient Greeks, it has been clear that the mind-gut-body connection influences one’s health; however, only during the last century have we begun to understand why this is the case.

With new tools, scientists can show that there is cross-talk between the brain, the gut and the immune system. Immune molecules from white blood cells send messages to the brain and the gut and in turn, these organs signal back to the immune system, up-regulating (increase) or down-regulating (decrease) inflammation.

Chronic, long-term stress, affects immune cells by changing their gene activity. This prepares them to fight infection or trauma and increases inflammation. More immune cells are then enlisted for the fight, resulting in increased inflammation.

Inflammation is necessary for survival, but too much inflammation is linked to heart and autoimmune disease, diabetes, depression, and cancer. This is why it is essential to maintain the right balance of signals.

Stress responses are part of a vicious cycle in which stress triggers inflammation and inflammation triggers additional stress.

In stressed mice, there are four times the numbers of immune cells than found in non-stressed mice. Additionally in mice that are stressed 1100 genes are responsible for increasing (up-regulating) inflammation. These genes in non-stressed mice are not activated.

Similar outcomes are seen in humans under chronic stress. For weeks and months following natural disasters such as earthquakes and hurricanes, individuals, especially those who have suffered great personal loss, have imbalances of the immune system that affects them both physically and emotionally.

The immune system and its inflammatory responses are in exquisite balance (homeostasis). The body expands much of its energy maintaining its balance in a steady state. This may be the reason that people who are stressed out tend to be “tired a lot of the time”.

Let us say that your immune system consists of 30 billion cells and that 15 billion of these cells are in the attack mode with excessive inflammation (up-regulation). Let us propose that another 15 billion cells are trying to limit the inflammatory response (down-regulation).

A total of 30 billion cells expending a “trivial” amount of energy is a great deal of wasted energy. No wonder people become exhausted when they are not in homeostasis, balance.

CONCLUSION:

The key to reducing stress is to help the immune system return to homeostasis, to its natural balance.

To better manage stress: incorporate an immune support supplement into your daily diet, be physically active 2-2.5 hours/week, spend time outdoors, eat smart, stay within healthy weight limits and remember that you are only one person—be kind to yourself; give yourself a break.

Achieving immune homeostasis will make all the difference in the quality of your emotional and physical well-being.

Contact Dr. Hellen at: DrHellen@DrHellenGreenblatt.info, use the form or give her a call at 302.265.3870 (ET, USA) at no charge to you.

http://www.uppitysciencechick.com/glaser_stress_immune_dysfunction.pdf
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29064542
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27319971
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24608036
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22790082

anti-inflammatory, balance, cytokines, exercise, fatigue, genes, gut, immune homeostasis, immune system, inflammation, pro-inflammatory, stress

The Role of Inflammation in Enlarged Prostate

Repeatedly I am asked whether there is an association between inflammation and an enlarged prostrate.

Fifty percent of men by age 50, and 80% of men by age 80 have inflamed, enlarged prostrates, a condition medically known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). (The prostate is an organ that wraps around the urethra, the tube that carries urine to the outside. The primary function of the prostate is to produce sperm. Hyperplasia refers to the fact that the number of cells in the prostate increase, resulting in abnormal growth.)

As many men age, inflammation of the prostrate increases its size, enlarging it and putting pressure on the urethra. (Although the prostate is enlarged, it is not a cancerous or fatal condition.) Why this occurs is still under investigation, but it appears to be a result of a combination of genetics, hormones and immune reactions.

Men with prostate hyperplasia have lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) such as an urgent and frequent need to urinate (especially during the night), waiting longer than usual for the stream of urine to begin, straining to urinate, having a weak stream or dribble of urine, not being able to completely empty one’s bladder, or needing to urinate immediately and having an “accident”.

Obesity leads to greater over-all inflammation and puts overweight people at higher risk of having prostrate and urinary tract disorders. Obese men are 3.5 times more likely to have enlarged prostrates compared with men of healthier weights.

The more weight a man carries, the more inflamed he is, the higher the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes as well. The relationship of an enlarged prostrate to diabetes remains controversial. Diabetes has been associated with bladder problems and the ability to control urination.

Additionally, the higher the level of sugar in the blood, the more likelihood of urinary problems and enlarged prostrates, especially in men that do not take medications for their diabetes. However, since both diabetes and benign prostate hyperplasia are inflammatory in nature and are clinically similar it is not clear whether the two diseases are associated.

Inflammation is tightly controlled to keep it balanced, in homeostasis. We need enough inflammation for healing and for defending us from infections, but not so much inflammation that organs and tissues are damaged.

Being active, controlling one’s weight, going outdoors for a few minutes a day and using a proven immune balancing supplement will greatly affect the ability of the body to modulate inflammation.

For years I have helped people promote their overall quality of life. Feel free to contact me DrHellen@DrHellenGreenblatt.info, use the form, or give me a call at 302.265.3870 (ET) and let us talk. Let me help you help yourself, you deserve it.

www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/prostate-problems/prostate-enlargement-benign-prostatic-hyperplasia

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3735085/

www.andrologyaustralia.org/your-health/lower-urinary-tract-symptoms-luts-in-men/

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3221555/

www.hindawi.com/journals/au/2009/818965/

aging, anti-inflammatory, balance, benign hyperplasia, cardiovascular disease, chronic disease, diabetes, immune homeostasis, inflammation, inflammatory responses, Obesity, prostate, Smoking

Cancer, Inflammation and Fat

During a recent 5-day cancer conference in Washington, D.C. additional evidence was presented about the fact that inflammation produced by fat cells (adipose tissue) contributes to the growth and spread of tumors.

Dr. M.Kolonin of the University of Texas Health Science Center in Texas has been quoted as saying: “Obesity is the leading preventable cause of cancer in the U.S. Extra body fat not only increases one’s risk of developing cancer, it is also associated with poorer prognosis [outcomes]”… “Ten percent to fifteen percent of cancer deaths may be attributed to obesity”.

Exactly how body fat influences cancer development is still under investigation, but the key appears to be the inflammatory responses of the body to cancer cells and vice versa. Macrophages are one of the major classes of white blood cells responsible for starting the inflammatory response when the body is threatened by cancer cells, and reducing inflammation when the challenge is over.

Typically, the breast tissue of overweight and obese young women is more inflamed, and has more immune cells, such as macrophages compared to women of healthy weight. Also cancer in obese women is more difficult to treat than in women at healthier weight.

Metabolic syndrome is associated with a group of factors that puts one at greater risk of having heart disease,diabetes and stroke. If a person has three of the following factors, or are on medication for them, it is called having a metabolic syndrome. These factors are: excess stomach fat, high blood pressure and triglycerides. low levels of “good” cholesterol (HDL), and high blood sugar.

In one study of 100 women, half of the women with inflammation of their breasts and early-stage breast cancer also had metabolic syndrome.

Since obesity contributes to growth of tumors, investigators wondered whether weight loss might reverse the tendency to grow tumors. In mice, tumors grew more slowly in obese mice that had previously lost weight.

The body tightly regulates its inflammatory responses by balancing the amount of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory immune factors it produces. Fat cells naturally produce inflammatory molecules. High amounts of body fat encourages growth of cancer cells.`

Note:

Controlling one’s weight at healthy levels, being physically active for 2.5 hours/week, getting outside every day for a few minutes and using a superior immune-balancing supplement will go a long ways toward helping the body stay in immune balance, stay in immune homeostasis,

Dr.Hellen is available to help you enhance your quality of life to its maximum. She can be contacted by using this form, contacting her at: drhellen@drhellengreenblatt.info or feel free to call her at: 302.265.3870 (ET, USA).

https://meyercancer.weill.cornell.edu/how_obesity_fuels_cancer
www.the-scientist.com/?articles.view/articleNo/49051/title/Fat-s-Influence-on-Cancer/
www.springer.com/us/book/9781461468189
clincancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/early/2016/02/14/1078-0432.CCR-15-2239
www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/ms
journal.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fonc.2014.00175/full
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27617172

anti-inflammatory, balance, cancer, diabetes, immune homeostasis, inflammation, inflammatory responses, Obesity, pro-inflammatory, tumors

Lupus and the Inflammatory Process

What is the Role of Inflammation?
When the body is injured or recognizes the presence of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, molds, parasites or cancerous cells, its immune system is triggered to respond with inflammation to “burn” the threat out of the body.

Balance is Essential
Once the challenge has been met, a person in immune balance, homeostasis, will reduce the amount of inflammation that they are producing to “normal” levels. Uncontrolled, run-away inflammation leads to autoimmune diseases (against oneself) in which its own tissues and organs are attacked.

Lupus
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), lupus, is a complicated autoimmune condition affecting virtually every organ in the human body. Because of the wide-range of symptoms experienced, the disease is often difficult to diagnose. Common symptoms are extreme fatigue, swollen and/or painful joints, muscle pain, low-grade fever, thinning or loss of hair, butter-fly shaped rash across the nose and cheeks, chest pain when taking a deep breath, kidney and heart problems.

“Butterfly Rash” often associated with SLE
(emedicine.medscape.com)

Females make up 80-90% of people with lupus and despite treatment, many individuals will experience flares and remissions (symptoms come and go) their entire lives.

Lupus and Inflammation
The hallmark of lupus is over-activity of the immune system and inflammation. Imbalances of inflammatory immune factors, cytokines, are significantly higher in lupus patients compared to people without lupus. These immune molecules promote inflammation and damage tissues. High levels of these inflammatory factors are associated with the severity of disease but decrease as individuals are successfully treated.

Anti-malaria medications originally used to prevent or treat malaria has been used to treat lupus.It was not understood why these medicines were somewhat effective against SLE, but a recent study suggests that these medications inhibit inflammation.

Physical Activity
Every time a muscle contracts, it releases anti-inflammatory molecules that helps the body balance the amount of overall inflammation produced.

As would be predicted, weekly physical activity improves fatigue, depression and increases the quality of life of most individuals. Even moderate exercise, 3 days a week for 20 minutes, has been shown to make a major difference in the amount of energy and feelings of well-being experienced by lupus patients.

If You Have Lupus
Frequent physical activity, eating in a healthful manner and daily consumption of an excellent immune balancing supplement helps the body control inflammation and achieve immune homeostasis (immune balance).

Dr.Hellen is passionate about helping people enjoy life at its fullest. She may be contacted by using this form, contacting her at: drhellen@drhellengreenblatt.info or feel free to call her at: 302.265.3870 (ET, USA).

www.niams.nih.gov/health_info/lupus/lupus_ff.asp
www.hindawi.com/journals/bmri/2011/432595/
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3320801/
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28507328
www.hopkinslupus.org/lupus-treatment/lupus-medications/antimalarial-drugs/
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28521867
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28491039
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28477898
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28432856

anti-inflammatory, autoimmune, autoinflammatory, balance, chronic disease, cytokines, depression, exercise, immune homeostasis, immune system, inflammation, inflammatory responses, lupus, SLE

Suicides and Imbalances of the Immune System

| Posted by in Boosting Immune Responses (Pro-Inflammatory) | Depression | Immune Homeostasis (Immune Balance) | Inflammation - (0 Comments)

The second leading cause of death for people under the age of 44 years is suicide. Overall, it is the the tenth leading cause of death in the United States, with veterans comprising 22.2% of this statistic. Women are three times more likely to attempt suicide, but for every woman who takes her own life, four men will die from their attempt.

Although older adults make up only 12% of the population in the States, they account for 18% of all suicides. These fatal events in the elderly are probably under-reported by 40% with “silent suicides”, dehydration, “accidents”, medication over doses, etc. ending in death. Additionally, double suicides involving spouses or partners occur most frequently in this population. Since the elderly are the fastest growing segment of the population, these later-life deaths are predicted to result in suicide becoming a major public health issue in the too-near future.

Inflammation and Suicide

C-reactive protein (CRP) is associated with high levels of inflammation found in people with inflammatory disorders, burn and trauma victims, in obese individuals, in people with infections or with cardiovascular disease. People with suicidal thoughts (known as suicidal ideation) or attempts, also exhibit high levels of C-reactive protein compared to people without such behaviors.

Inflammatory factors are triggered during stress and are associated with depression.

When compared to patients being treated for psychiatric disorders who are not suicidal, individuals who have contemplated or attempted suicide have increased levels of inflammatory cytokines, immune cell molecules in their blood and/or brain.

The ratio of inflammatory molecules to anti-inflammatory molecules in the body either promotes inflammation or limits it. A healthy immune system constantly strives to maintain these factors in a delicate balance, in immune homeostasis.

Importance of Balancing Immune Factors

Imbalances in immune regulators are harmful and lead to disease. Taking the following steps should make a major difference in helping the body and mind return to homeostasis, to its natural, healthy balance:

Engage in physical activity at least 30 minutes a day 5 days/week.
Add one or more daily servings of a superior immune support supplement to your diet.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Eat a wide variety of colorful fruits and vegetables.
Spend some time outdoors.

For decades I have helped people enhance their quality of life. I can be contacted at: DrHellen@DrHellenGreenblatt.info, use this form or give me a call at 302.265.3870 (ET USA) and let us talk. Your first 30 minutes are on me! You’ve tried everyone and everything else, let me help you feel good again, you deserve it!

afsp.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/2016-National-Facts-Figures.pdf

www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1043466615300090

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28211584

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28135675

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27824355

www.biologicalpsychiatryjournal.com/article/S0006-3223(14)00794-X/fulltext

anti-inflammatory, autoinflammatory, balance, C-reactive protein, cytokines, depression, exercise, fatigue, immune homeostasis, inflammation, inflammatory responses, pro-inflammatory, suicide

Out with Inflammation = Out with Gout

An article in a recent trade publication opened with the following: “Charles couldn’t believe the intensity of the pain – and he had been shot during a tour in Iraq with the Marines. “I was lying in my sleeper and my big toe just went on fire. It was like nothing I had ever experienced. I thought I was going to pass out from the pain,” Charles explained. “My big toe was red, swollen and when I touched it, even a little, it hurt like hell”. Charles’ problem is that he suffers from gout.

Gout is a type of arthritis that seems to run in families and results from the presence of crystals that form in the body. For example, during digestion and metabolism, the body produces uric acid which is eliminated via urine. Any uric acid that the body cannot excrete accumulates in the blood. For reasons not understood, about 30% of people with high levels of uric acid in their blood form needle-like, sharp urate crystals that end up in their joints and/or other parts of the body.

Herbert Baraf, MD, Chevy Chase, MD, has a great analogy: “Imagine pouring packets of sugar into a glass of tea; can only hold so much in solution. And sooner or later, the sugar is going to start accumulating on the bottom of the glass.”

People with gout may go weeks or months without an attack, but when it flares up it can be excruciating and last for days. Over time, repeated attacks can eat into bone and cartilage, causing permanent damage to affected joints.

Inflammation

The presence of crystals triggers an intense inflammatory response and painful swelling the result of the body’s attempt to break down the crystals. Typically the crystals end up in joint cartilage, and for unknown reasons, especially the big toe.

In others, crystals settle in kidneys or the urinary tract, impairing their function or forming stones. White blood cells migrate into the joint spaces and fluids and the lubricating membranes that line the joints, the synovial membranes trying to eliminate the crystals. The immune cells attracted to the area release biological factors, cytokines and chemokines, into the surrounding area. This attracts more inflammatory cells with a result of redness, swelling and debilitating pain.

Certain immune factors are typically only in small amount in normal uninflamed joint fluids, but in individuals undergoing a gout attack (flare) the levels of the factors are significantly increased.

Since inflammation is associated with many diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular health, it is not surprising to find that patients with gout are at higher risk of these diseases when compared to the general population.

Summary:

Gout is caused by an overactive immune system using inflammation unsuccessfully to get rid of the crystals that are causing the discomfort.

Returning the immune system to balance, immune homeostasis, can result in a higher level of quality of life (QOL) for people with gout.

For years I have helped people promote joint, digestive, energy and overall health. Feel free to contact me DrHellen@DrHellenGreenblatt.info, use the form, or give me a call at 302.265.3870 (ET) and let us talk. Let me help you help yourself, it is time!

www.nature.com/icb/journal/v88/n1/full/icb200999a.html
fleetowner.com/driver-management-resource-center/truck-drivers-crosshairs-gout
www.nytimes.com/2013/04/27/booming/why-do-i-have-gout.html
rheumatology.oxfordjournals.org/content/44/9/1090.short
www.hopkinsarthritis.org/ask-the-expert/heredity-and-gout/
www.uptodate.com/contents/gout-beyond-the-basics
www.internationaljournalofcardiology.com/article/S0167-5273(15)30342-9/abstract?cc=y=
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28093417
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25332119
www.hindawi.com/journals/mi/2015/680853/

anti-inflammatory, arthritis, autoimmune, balance, cancer, chronic disease, diabetes, exercise, fat cells, gout, immune homeostasis, immune system, inflammation, inflammatory responses, joints, Obesity, pain, pro-inflammatory

Inflammation and Stress

Given all the current social, political and economic uncertainties, this year may be even more anxiety-producing and stressful than in the past. Past surveys have shown that 30-50% of people (and because of all of their responsibilities, especially women) experience heightened stresses.

STRESS AND INFLAMMATION

Stress alters immune responses affecting our ability to fight infection and heal after injury. Inflammation is a necessary part of the immune response and is stimulated when the body is injured or exposed to pathogens or mutated cancer cells.

Short term stress stimulates the immune system by preparing it for a “flight vs. fight” response, but over a longer period of time stress results in negative imbalances of the immune system and increased inflammation. This becomes even a larger problem for people who are already in poor health or struggling with disease.

Poorly regulated inflammation results in chronic diseases such as diabetes, arthritis, coronary heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and even cancers, so it is important that the body carefully regulate the amount of inflammation produced.

Inflammation is a two-way street. Stress causes inflammation and inflammation causes stress. And when daily activities increase stress, the amount of inflammation produced by the body increases as well.

There are biological markers in the blood that track differences in immune responses. The longer and greater the stress, the more likely the body is to switch from a healthy, controlled inflammatory response to one that affects its ability to fight disease and healing processes.

CONTROLLING INFLAMMATION AND STRESS

The net effect of an inflammatory response is determined by the body balancing its inflammatory and its resulting anti-inflammatory responses.

The four best ways to help the body balance are:

Be physically active for at least of 2.5 hours total per week.

Incorporate a daily immune balancing supplement into your diet.
Eat a smart, healthful diet.
Keep your weight under control.

Remember: The better you take care of your immune system, the better it will take care of you.

Graphic adapted from: Johanna Bendell, MD, with thanks.

www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress/art-20047544

www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2006/12/women-stress.aspx

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27859423

www.jci.org/articles/view/25102

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12480495

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24062448

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27862176

anti-inflammatory, autoimmune, chronic disease, depression, fatigue, immune homeostasis, immune system, inflammation, inflammatory responses, pro-inflammatory

Heart Attacks and Inflammation: Before and After

| Posted by in Heart Health | Immune Homeostasis (Immune Balance) | Inflammation | Stroke - (0 Comments)

Our heart is “simply” a large muscle that continuously pumps oxygen-rich blood throughout the body supplying cells, tissues and organs with life-giving oxygen and nutrients. The cells of the body release carbon dioxide and other gases as a by-product of producing energy. These gases are removed from the blood as it circulates through the lungs.

A heart attack results when blood is blocked from getting into the arteries that feed the heart. If not treated rapidly, parts of the heart muscle may die from lack of oxygen. After a heart attack, danger signals released by dying cells trigger inflammation which in turn attracts immune cells into the area to clear dead cells and tissue debris.

The high numbers of inflammatory immune cells stick to the plaque, increasing the risk for another heart attack. The body tries to heal itself by transforming the damaged heart muscle cells into scar tissue. Because scar tissue is hard and not flexible, a badly scarred heart cannot pump blood efficiently.

For any sort of healing, the body has to produce the right amount of inflammation. There has to be sufficient inflammation for the healing process, but not so much that excessive scarring occurs. Depending on how much scar tissue forms, congestive heart failure may result due to the inability of the heart to pump normally.

Our cells produce cholesterol which is essential for a wide range of biological functions. The body has to manufacture the right amount of cholesterol and which has to go to specific parts of the body. If too much cholesterol is produced over many years, cholesterol plaque builds up in the arteries resulting in atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is triggered by lifestyle issues that cause uncontrolled inflammation such as high blood pressure, smoking, poor dietary choices and excessive weight.

Plaque deposits narrow the passageways of arteries and block the flow of blood in vessels that feed the heart itself. The plaque may eventually harden, burst and release blood platelets that form clots in an attempt to stop the bleeding. The blood clots may cause even more blockages in the arteries, obstructing blood and oxygen flow and causing more heart damage. An artery to the heart which is blocked may result in a heart attack; a blocked artery in or leading to the brain results in a stroke.

What is a Heart Attack?

In Summary:

1) Acting fast at the first sign of heart attack symptoms can save lives and limit damage to the heart. Heart attack treatment works best when it’s given right after symptoms occur. If you think you, or someone else is having a heart attack, even if you’re not sure, call emergency services immediately.

2) Current therapies for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease do not target inflammatory cells. Maintaining the body in immune homeostasis, immune balance, may help the body support healthy heart and cardiovascular function.

www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/heartattack

www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Inflammation-and-Heart-Disease_UCM_432150_Article.jsp#.V7un7mf6vcs

www.pnas.org/content/113/29/8212

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27619160

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3375712

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27515051

stm.sciencemag.org/content/8/342/342ra80www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27542099

atherosclerosis, balance, cardiovascular, cholesterol, heart, immune homeostasis, immune system, inflammation, inflammatory responses, stroke

Good Nutrition is Not Enough. The Need for Balanced Inflammation.

| Posted by in Aging | Cancer | Chronic Disease | Immune Homeostasis (Immune Balance) - (0 Comments)

Last week I talked with a young local Asian-American business owner who shared with me that he was “a little fatigued and stressed out”. I suggested that if he took steps to getting his immune system in balance, that since our physical and emotional well-being is dependent on homeostasis, he would feel much better.

He basically replied that, “he spends half the year in Florida, has a lot of friends that are “into” nutrition, he exercises and that he didn’t need any more information, thank you”.

Nothing like a person with an open mind, but unfortunately too many people think in this narrow way. We all know individuals that eat nutritiously, exercise 5-7 days a week and watch their weight but they still do feel “off”. Their fingers, elbows or knees hurt, they can’t eat everything they would like, or they have other health issues despite their “great” life style.

Nutritional Recommendations:

The evidence is strong that due to the hundreds of phytonutrients, plant nutrients, in fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans, whole grains and olive oil, that plant-based foods are important for our health. A broad variety of these phytonutrients are suggested since they appear to affect a wide-spectrum of biological functions. The consumption of plant-based foods influences the health of cells, blood pressure, risk of certain cancers, immune, dental, urinary, liver and gut health.

An additional dietary recommendation is to consume fish or fish oil 2-3 times a week for their omega-3 fatty acids. This “good” fat has multiple uses in our body, but the body cannot produced these fats by itself; we need an outside source.

Studies involving hundreds of thousands of people suggest that omega-3s reduce the risk of fatal heart disease, improve the flexibility of blood vessels, lower blood pressure and reduce immune inflammation. [Note: It is controversial whether omega-3 supplements are as beneficial as eating fish; in fact, they may cause certain health issues.]

Role of the Immune System

When the body is threatened by pathogens or cancer cells, or has been injured, the body responds with short-term inflammatory responses, acute inflammation.

Immune cells flood the area to destroy invading foreign organisms or cancer cells, or to start the healing process after trauma. If the body cannot get rid itself of the infection, or if it over-responds with excessive levels of inflammation, the immune response may become chronic, or long-term.

Chronic inflammation is abnormal and damages previously healthy tissues and organs. This sort of unlimited inflammation results in autoimmune diseases, diseases in which the body’s immune system turns on the body. Conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, lupus, multiple sclerosis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, hepatitis and asthma can result from such run-away inflammatory responses.

Knowledgeable individuals know that nutrition plays only an initial role in staying healthy. Good nutrition is the foundation upon which to build health, but it is NOT ENOUGH; it is the immune system that governs one’s health and must be optimized.

The Importance of a Balanced Immune System

Immune balance, immune homeostasis, is tightly regulated by the body. It allows the organism to respond to infection, cancer cells and injury with the right amount of inflammation. Any imbalances, either too much stimulation, or too little, results in immune disorders and health issues.

The key to good health and healthy aging is keeping the immune system in balance.

Dr.Hellen’s major passion is helping people to enjoy life at its fullest. She may be contacted by using this form, at: drhellen@drhellengreenblatt.info or feel free to call: 302.265.3870 (ET, USA).

nutrition.ucdavis.edu/content/infosheets/fact-pro-phytochemical.pdf

www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/fish

www.harvardprostateknowledge.org/high-intake-of-omega-3-fats-linked-to-increased-prostate-cancer-risk

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17047219?dopt=Citation

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22893204

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22122770

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27357102

aging, anti-inflammatory, autoimmune, autoinflammatory, balance, chronic disease, Crohn's, cytokines, depression, diabetes, immune homeostasis, immune system, infection, inflammation, inflammatory responses, joint pain, pro-inflammatory

STROKE IS AN EMERGENCY- CALL 911

| Posted by in Immune Homeostasis (Immune Balance) | Inflammation | Stroke - (0 Comments)

Strokes are the third leading cause of death in the United States with a person dying every four minutes. Strokes happen at any age, but the risk of having one doubles each decade after the age of 55. Additionally 53% of stroke survivors may end up permanently disabled.

Active neurons, brain cells, require a constant flow of oxygen and nutrients which are supplied by blood vessels. A mere 60 second interruption of blood flow may result in the death of two million brain cells. Such events probably account for the significant number of disabilities experienced by stroke victims.

What Exactly is a Stroke?

87% of all strokes occur when blood flow is blocked by a blood clot in an artery in the brain. This type of “brain attack” is termed an ischemic stroke and if blood flow is not restored quickly enough may lead to significant damage or death of brain cells.

A second type of stroke, the hemorrhagic stroke, results from the rupture or leakage of weakened blood vessels in the brain. Blood spills into and around the brain triggering significant inflammatory and other immune responses as the body tries to “clean up” the blood. Even though only 15% of all strokes are hemorrhagic, they are responsible for about 40% of all stroke fatalities.

[Some individuals experience a quick, temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain, a “mini-stroke”. These transient [momentary] ischemic attacks, TIAs, result in no permanent injury to the brain, yet should serve as a warning of a possible future stroke.]

Identify a Stroke and Save a Life.

Identifying quickly whether a person is having a stroke can save their life or prevent them from a lifetime of disabilities. Stroke is largely treatable – but time matters. Every second counts in getting help. The faster people are treated, the more likely they are to recover without permanent disability.

The symptoms to look for make up the letters B_E_ F_A_S_T. *

BALANCE: Is the person experiencing a loss of balance?

EYES: Has the person lost full or partial vision in one or both eyes? Is their vision blurry or double?

FACE: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?

ARMS: Have the person raise both arms up — does one arm drift downward?

Are they experiencing weakness in one or both arms?

SPEECH: Is the person’s speech slurred or having difficulty finding words?

Can they repeat a simple phrase without sounding slurred or strange?

TIME: Time is of the essence! Getting help fast is key to preventing brain loss or death.

If they have any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately, even if the symptoms disappear. The faster a stroke victim gets to the hospital, the better the chance of a successful recovery without life-limiting or even fatal results.

(The American Heart Association advises the public to NOT take aspirin during a stroke, since ruptured blood vessels may bleed even more.)

Stroke and Inflammation

When stroke occurs, the nerve cells in the affected part of the brain die and immune cells rush into the area to clean up the dead cells.

This inflammatory response is essential to forming new nerve cells and for repair and healing, but uncontrolled inflammation can lead to further damage to the brain. As is always the case, immune homeostasis, the right balance of inflammatory responses, is needed for a rapid and complete recovery.

A Personal Note:

Through the years, many whom I have advised to balance their immunological responses, have recovered at a significant level after their stroke. Of course, their recoveries may have been coincidental to immune re-balancing, but it certainly is prudent to strive for immune homeostasis, immune balance, when healing.

Dr. Hellen is available at 302.265.3870 (EST, USA) for discussions as to the role of immune homeostasis for optimum health. There is no charge for the first 30 minutes of the consult. She may be contacted at: drhellen@drhellengreenblatt.info, or use the contact form.

Contact Dr. Hellen– she is there for you. No fee is charged for the first 30 minutes of consultation. She may be contacted by using this form or calling: 302.265.3870 (ET-USA).

Contact Dr. Hellen, she is there for you. No fee is charged for the first 30 minutes of consultation. She may be contacted by using this form or calling: 302.265.3870 (ET-USA).

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19275692

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4754024/

DC (dendritic cell)- A type of immune cell that plays a primary role in infections with HIV. They are important regulators of immune system responses to infection. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4033703/

Summary:

The key to staying healthy is to remain in immune homeostasis, immune balance—this is true especially for people with chronic infections such as HIV.

Please contact Dr. Hellen if you wish to enhance your quality of life-don’t you deserve to do that? The first 30 minutes of discussion are gratis. Dr. Hellen may be contacted by using this form or calling: 302.265.3870 (ET-USA).

DrHellen 2018 (c)

If you want to change how you feel, contact Dr. Hellen. No fee is charged for the first 30 minutes of consultation. Dr. Hellen may be contacted by using this form or calling: 302.265.3870 (ET-USA).

Dr. Hellen’s passion is helping people have a better quality of life. Contact her by using this form, drhellen@drhellengreenblatt.info, or calling at: 302.265.3870 (ET, USA).

Achieving immune homeostasis will make all the difference in the quality of your emotional and physical well-being.

Contact Dr. Hellen at: DrHellen@DrHellenGreenblatt.info, use the form or give her a call at 302.265.3870 (ET, USA) at no charge to you.

For years I have helped people promote their overall quality of life. Feel free to contact me DrHellen@DrHellenGreenblatt.info, use the form, or give me a call at 302.265.3870 (ET) and let us talk. Let me help you help yourself, you deserve it.

What is the Role of Inflammation? When the body is injured or recognizes the presence of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, molds, parasites or cancerous cells, its immune system is triggered to respond with inflammation to “burn” the threat out of the body.

“Butterfly Rash” often associated with SLE (emedicine.medscape.com)

If You Have Lupus Frequent physical activity, eating in a healthful manner and daily consumption of an excellent immune balancing supplement helps the body control inflammation and achieve immune homeostasis (immune balance).

Dr.Hellen is passionate about helping people enjoy life at its fullest. She may be contacted by using this form, contacting her at: drhellen@drhellengreenblatt.info or feel free to call her at: 302.265.3870 (ET, USA).

www.pnas.org/content/113/29/8212

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27619160

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3375712

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27515051

stm.sciencemag.org/content/8/342/342ra80www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27542099

(The American Heart Association advises the public to NOT take aspirin during a stroke, since ruptured blood vessels may bleed even more.)

* Thanks to nyp.org

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DC (dendritic cell)- A type of immune cell that plays a primary role in infections with HIV.
They are important regulators of immune system responses to infection.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4033703/

What is the Role of Inflammation?
When the body is injured or recognizes the presence of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, molds, parasites or cancerous cells, its immune system is triggered to respond with inflammation to “burn” the threat out of the body.

“Butterfly Rash” often associated with SLE
(emedicine.medscape.com)

If You Have Lupus
Frequent physical activity, eating in a healthful manner and daily consumption of an excellent immune balancing supplement helps the body control inflammation and achieve immune homeostasis (immune balance).