Atherosclerosis
is the most common pathological process leading to cardiovascular
(heart and blood vessel) disease with most atherosclerotic lesion
development (plaque build up) confined to regions of arterial
curvature (bends) and branch points, which are exposed to disturbed
blood flow.(1)
Although
the atherosclerotic process is not fully understood, atherosclerosis
is initiated by an inflammatory process in the blood vessel wall.
This inflammatory process also accounts for the high incidence of
plaque build up at bend points in the blood vessels which will suffer
the most "rubbing" by particles in your bloodstream. This
can be attributed to the fact that the body's natural response to
inflammation or irritation is to add a protective layer to the
inflamed and irritated area. This protective layer for the arteries
would be the plaquing that develops. Continued rubbing and
inflammation is accompanied by ongoing plaque build up and the
arteries narrow and become less flexible decreasing the blood supply
to all the areas of the body served by these narrowed and hardened
arteries.(2) This results in the increased risk of stroke and heart
attack.
It
is now clear that inflammation plays a key role in atherogenesis. As
a matter of historical fact, signs of inflammation and
atherosclerotic plaques have been observed for centuries and also
constituted the basis for a fierce controversy in the 19th century
between the prominent Austrian pathologist Carl von Rokitansky and
his German counterpart, Rudolf Virchow. While Rokitansky attributed a
secondary role to these inflammatory arterial changes, Virchow
considered them to be of primary importance. Modern researchers had
the unique opportunity to address this controversy by investigating
atherosclerotic specimens from autopsies performed by Carl von
Rokitansky almost 200 years ago. Twelve atherosclerotic arteries
originally collected between the years 1827 to 1885 were selected
from the Collectio Rokitansky of the Federal Museum of Pathological
Anatomy, Vienna Medical University. Using modern scientific
techniques, it was shown that inflammation is an initiating factor in
atherogenesis proving Virchow's point.(3)
As
Virchow's research demonstrated in the 1800's and current research
has confirmed today, atherosclerosis, a leading cause of heart
disease in the world, is initiated by an ongoing inflammatory
response. Recent advances in basic science have established a
fundamental role for inflammation in mediating all stages of this
disease from initiation through progression and, ultimately, the
majority of the complications in heart disease.
In
addition, low-grade chronic inflammation, as indicated by the levels
of the inflammatory markers in the blood, defines a person's risk of
atherosclerotic complications. Virchow was right when assigning
inflammation a primary role in the atherosclerotic disease process
and the new insights into inflammation in atherosclerosis not only
increase our understanding of this disease, but also provide a
practical application in the targeting of therapy for this scourge of
growing worldwide importance.(4)
Current
research has also shown that diet plays a significant role in the
inflammatory process in the body. A poor diet loaded with processed
and packaged foods will increase inflammation while a healthy diet
heavy in unprocessed fresh foods decreases the risk of inflammation
and can actually help heal damage already done. The four simple
recommendations that follow can help decrease the inflammation and
start the healing process today.
Fish:
Polyunsaturated
fats – especially omega-3 fatty acids – help suppress cytokines
and other inflammatory chemicals.
These
good fats also help decrease LDL "bad" cholesterol and
triglyceride levels when used to replace saturated and trans fats in
the diet. High levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides (fats in
the blood) promote inflammation, which is thought to play a critical
role in heart disease. That's important for people with RA, who have
a significantly higher risk of heart disease.
All
fish have some omega-3s. But salmon, herring, sardines, and anchovies
are chock full of them. Salmon provides the most, with up to 2 grams
of omega-3 fatty acids per 3-ounce serving. Go lightly with the heat;
overcooking can destroy more than half of the omega-3s. Bake or grill
fish instead of frying it to preserve healthful fat.
The
American Heart Association recommends eating fish twice a week. Fish
high in omega-3s are powerful anti-inflammatory foods that offer a
multitude of health benefits. Don't like fish? Other foods rich in
omega-3 fatty acids include walnuts
Colorful
Produce:
Nutritionists
often advise people to add color to their diet. Why? The substances
that give fruits and vegetables their color – flavonoids and
carotenoids – are also potent antioxidants. Antioxidants are an
important component of an inflammation-fighting diet. Vitamin C is
another antioxidant found in many fruits and vegetables.
Fruits
and veggies high in these antioxidants include blueberries,
blackberries, squash, sweet potatoes, carrots, tomatoes, peppers,
oranges, broccoli, and melons.
Choosing
colorful foods – with red, orange, yellow, blue, green, and purple
hues – will ensure you eat a variety of fruits and vegetables and
help you have a balanced diet.
Whole
Grains:
Whole-wheat
pasta and breads -- hallmarks of the Mediterranean Diet -- also
contain selenium, an inflammation-fighting antioxidant. Some people
with rheumatoid arthritis have lower levels of selenium levels in
their blood.
Another
advantage of eating whole grains instead of refined carbohydrates –
such as white bread and white rice – is that whole grains may help
you manage your weight better. Staying at a normal weight – or
losing weight if you need to – will take pressure off painful
joints.
Olive
Oil:
Studies
show that a compound in olive oil stops the production of the
chemicals that induce inflammation. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen work to lower
inflammation by reducing the production of these same chemicals.
Another study found that olive oil was similar to ibuprofen at
reducing inflammation.
When
it comes to fighting inflammation, opt for extra-virgin olive oil.
Extra-virgin olive oil comes from the first pressing of the olive and
contains the highest content of health-promoting nutrients.(5)
In
summary a pro-inflammatory diet much like the typical "modern"
or "western" diet will increase the risk of inflammation
and therefore heart disease and an anti-inflammatory diet full of
vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and vegetable oils decrease the
inflammatory process and heart disease.
1)
http://ndt.oxfordjournals.org/content/22/7/1823.
2)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atherosclerosis
3)
http://cel.webofknowledge.com/InboundService.do?SID=1CLhJobB7FEB3JA8ijE&product=CEL&UT=000238671000011&SrcApp=Highwire&Init=Yes&action=retrieve&Func=Frame&customersID=Highwire&SrcAuth=Highwire&IsProductCode=Yes&mode=FullRecord
4)
http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/105/9/1135.full
5)
"http://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/biologics-10/ra-diet"
http://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/biologics-10/ra-diet
This article is also published at www.Balkanchronicles.com.
My most recent book "God's Health Care Initiative"
is available on Kindle ebooks. I maintain an active health care practice in Nutrition
and Herbal Therapies, Chiropractic and Exercise. Feel free to contact me for consultations through this blog or on Facebook at God's Health Care Initiative.
