Inflammation occurs when the immune system has become activated (in some cases, over activated), and the white blood cells secrete very toxic materials in their efforts to eliminate any foreign substances that may enter our bodies.

What are some of the causes of inflammation?

When a foreign substance, bacteria or virus enters our body, we need the immune system to react. The process of inflammation is a necessary one, however, sometimes we can be suffering from continual exposure to foreign materials, which can contribute to a pro-inflammatory state. Their path of entry into our body may come as a surprise - they enter through our intestinal tract.

Our gastro-intestinal tract, also known as the bowel or gut, is a major defence mechanism for our continued health. One of its main roles is to stop potentially harmful, toxic and reactive materials from entering our bodies.

The intestinal tract acts as a selective barrier, allowing the uptake of essential nutrients and water, at the same time as permitting the waste products to pass through. The bowel wall is only as thick as an eyelid and, if not carefully maintained, can easily be damaged.

Factors such as:

• Poor digestion
• Overeating
• Alcohol
• Sugar-rich foods
• Antibiotics
• Contraceptive pill
• Stress

can lead to so much irritation of the bowel wall, that it can become ‘leaky’.

By leaky, we mean that the bowel wall may allow material that would normally be discharged into the stool, to enter the bloodstream. This material can be reactive and toxic, provoking the liver and immune system, which then causes inflammation.

Such reactive substances can include:

• Food particles
• Chemicals from food sources
• Bacteria
• Fragments of cells
• Toxic fragments from yeast particles
• Toxic fragments from parasites

Why is constant inflammation a problem?

If there is a continual seepage of this toxic material into the bloodstream, the white blood cells of the immune system are continually being activated and the body is sent into a pro-inflammatory state.

Signs of an irritated or potential ‘leaky gut’ include problems such as:

• Allergies to foods or chemicals
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Stomach pains and cramps
• Fatigue and irritability
• Wind or bloating
• Muscular aches and pains
• Thrush

Common sense would tell us that, if there is a continual seepage of immune-challenging material through the intestinal tract, then healthy hair and skin is an unlikely result. Often, when people take steps to repair and improve the health of their intestinal tract, the first positive symptoms are increased energy and a healthier, glowing complexion. This is even more logical when it is understood that toxic material is often expelled through the skin itself.

Inflammation, can also adversely affect our cells. Remember, if our cells are unhealthy, sick or dying, then we are in fact ageing. With chronic inflammation comes a change in the type of proteins that our bodies produce. Proteins called acute phase proteins are produced to assist the white blood cells in eliminating the toxic invaders that are challenging the immune system.

The problem is that too many acute phase proteins can upset the function of other proteins and tissues, and that we are entering a pro-inflammatory state.

• Inflammation increases oxidation (free radical damage) and promotes cell and tissue death.
• Inflammation can affect the vascular system, contributing to heart disease
• Chronic inflammation is associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

In fact, research suggests that inflammation is associated with all of the major degenerative diseases.

Our natural healthcare practitioners can give you a thorough health assessment to determine if you are in a pro-inflammatory state and if you have an intestinal tract that needs support.

By Tina White (Naturopath)