Diet and Inflammation

In addition to toxic cytokines, there are other inflammatory pathways that can be mediated via diet modification. A common problem involves overproduction of pro - inflammatory hormone-like "messengers" (such as prostaglandin E2) and underproduction of anti-inflammatory "messengers" (such as prostaglandin E1 and E3).

The good news is that omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil help to suppress the formation of undesirable prostaglandin E2 and promote synthesis of beneficial prostaglandin E3 (Kelley et al. 1985; Watanabe et al. 2000). Gamma - linolenic acid (GLA) induces production of the anti-inflammatory prostaglandin E1 (Das et al. 1989; Fan et al. 1997). What you eat can significantly affect whether you have more of the beneficial prostaglandins (E1 and E3) as opposed to the pro-inflammatory prostaglandin E2.

Because prostaglandin E2 is a culprit in inflammation, reducing the consumption of foods that are high in omega-6 fatty acids and increasing the consumption of omega-3 rich foods, such as salmon and other fish, can be beneficial. Limiting foods that convert to arachidonic acid can help reduce inflammation. Arachidonic acid is a precursor to both prostaglandin E2 and the pro-inflammatory cytokine leukotriene B(4) (Brock et al. 1999). Another dietary factor that can lead to high levels of arachidonic acid is the overconsumption of high-glycemic index carbohydrates that cause excess production of insulin (Kreisberg et al. 1983). These quickly digestible foods include fruit juices or rice cakes. Food heavy in polyunsaturated fats or saturated fats can also increase prostaglandin E2.

Additionally, a study of elderly patients with heart disease requiring elective surgery (Tepaske et al. 2001) found that nutritional supplements containing omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (as well as yeast and L-arginine) improved the outlook for high-risk patients when given a minimum of 5 days prior to surgery.

The number of inflammatory-related diseases that could be successfully treated with cytokine-lowering therapy is staggering. PTX and supplements such as fish oil, nettle leaf, DHEA, and vitamin K possess mechanisms of suppressing inflammatory cytokines. Unfortunately, there are no side-by-side comparisons to enable us to categorically state whether PTX or natural agents (such as DHA fish oil) work better.

Foods cooked at high temperatures can produce a browning effect in which glycotoxins are formed from the reaction of sugars and oxidized fats with protein. Glycotoxins may contribute to low-grade chronic inflammation. High glycemic foods may also contribute to the inflammatory process. Dietary modifications to reduce inflammation should include elimination of foods and cooking processes that contribute to a chronic state.

For those who have multiple degenerative diseases, the cytokine profile blood test and the C-reactive protein blood test are highly recommended. This may be done through your own physician or the Life Extension Foundation. If your cytokine test reveals excess levels of cytokines such as TNF-a, IL-1(b), or both, nutritional supplementation, dietary modifications, and low-cost prescription medications such as PTX are advised.

The following supplements are suggested:

• The docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) fraction of fish oil may be the most effective nonprescription supplement to suppress pro-inflammatory cytokines. Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) is a precursor of PGE1, a potent anti-inflammatory agent. A product called Super EPA/DHA provides 1400 mg of EPA and 1000 mg of DHA in 4 capsules.
• DHEA is a hormone that decreases with age. DHEA has been shown to suppress IL-6, an inflammatory cytokine that often increases as people age. Typical doses of DHEA are 25-50 mg daily, although some people take 100 mg daily. Refer to the DHEA Replacement protocol for suggested blood tests to safely and optimally use DHEA.
• Nettle leaf has been shown to suppress the proinflammatory cytokine TNF-a. Take 1000 mg daily.
• Vitamin E and N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) are protective antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties. Vitamin E that contains gamma-tocopherol and tocotrienols provides the most broad-spectrum protection. Take 1 capsule daily of Gamma E Tocopherols with Sesame Lignans and Tocotrienols with Sesame Lignans. NAC is an amino acid with antiviral and liver protectant properties. One 600 mg capsule daily is recommended.
• Vitamin K helps reduce levels of IL-6, a pro-inflammatory messenger. Vitamin K also helps in the treatment of osteoporosis by regulating calcium and promoting bone calcification. One 10 mg capsule daily is recommended for prevention purposes. Do not take vitamin K if you are taking Coumadin or some other type of anticoagulant medicine.
• Consuming at least 1000 mg per day of carnosine and/or 300 mg of the European drug aminoguanidine can inhibit pathological glycation reactions in the body.

See Full article by Health Concerns below for more details

http://www.lef.org/protocols/prtcl-146b.shtml