What is inflammation? Inflammation - also known among the public as "iltihaplanma" - is a series of…
The term originates from the Latin for “to set on fire.” This response can be cellular, humoral (fluid-based), and vascular. Although inflammation is normally a pathological state, the inflammatory reaction is, physiologically, a response the body exhibits.
Inflammation is vitally important as a defense against pathogens. If this defensive state of the body becomes chronic, it can be dangerous. Inflammation damages healthy organs and causes serious complications. For this reason, it is important to closely monitor your body and take effective measures so that you can recognize and treat chronic inflammation at an early stage.
Chronic inflammation is known to be partly responsible for diseases such as Alzheimer's, atherosclerosis, arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, dementia, diabetes, heart attack, cancer, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, multiple sclerosis, neurodermatitis, Parkinson's disease, metabolic syndrome, stroke, and psoriasis.
Through inflammation, the immune system not only fights pathogens, but also mobilizes messenger substances that attack healthy tissue. Immunological signals are important for aging processes. This is why aging itself is interpreted by scientists as an inflammatory process.
Statistics show that chronic inflammatory diseases and predisposition to disease have increased significantly in recent years. This is particularly notable in industrialized countries. For this reason, chronic inflammation is now referred to as a disease of civilization. This can be explained by the modern lifestyle, shaped by stress factors as well as unhealthy eating and lack of exercise.
Symptoms of chronic inflammation are usually nonspecific: Chronic inflammation does not always cause discomfort. Most people feel healthy or do not pay attention to certain mental disturbances that indicate chronic inflammation. Depressed mood, joint complaints, forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, food intolerances or allergies, increased ear pressure, tinnitus, migraine-like head and neck pain, morning fatigue, dizziness, insomnia, visual disturbances, and excessive irritability are among the main symptoms.
The causes of inflammation are highly varied: Inflammation has many causes. It can be triggered by bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, or allergens, and it can also result from physical factors, exposure to radioactive radiation, or environmental toxins that strain the immune system. In addition, stress, lack of exercise, and insufficient or improper nutrition permanently disrupt the immune system. Obese individuals are especially at risk, because fatty tissue contains substances that cause inflammation.
Treating inflammation is important: It is important to treat inflammation in order to prevent it from spreading and damaging other organs. In addition to symptomatic treatment, the triggers of inflammation should be eliminated and the immune system should be strengthened. For this, proper nutrition is essential.
In modern, conventional medicine, anti-inflammatory active compounds that also relieve pain are applied in the treatment of inflammation. Ideally, every anti-inflammatory treatment should include a holistic approach, especially neural therapy and dietary recommendations. This method primarily aims to treat what is lacking and to support the body's physical defenses.
The immune system's defense begins in the mouth: Many pathogens enter the body through the mouth, which is why oral hygiene is particularly important. Most important is regular brushing of the teeth (twice a day) with enzyme-containing toothpaste. Enzymes increase saliva's ability to inhibit and reduce bacteria. Independently of this, teeth should of course be restored and cleared of inflammation. Another thing that should be done is oil pulling, in which the mouth is rinsed with organic coconut oil, sesame oil, or olive oil. Oil pulling strengthens the mouth's natural microflora and eliminates bacteria.
Health passes through the stomach: To prevent chronic inflammation, a healthy diet is necessary. On one hand, the body obtains sufficient energy through nutrition to fight disease; on the other hand, the flora of the gut — an important immune organ — is protected.
The foods consumed should be balanced and rich in vitamins and minerals (especially vitamins A, C, and E).
Meat should be consumed in small amounts, because red meat in particular stimulates the production of uric acid, which builds up in the joints and triggers inflammation.
As for fat, unsaturated fats such as salmon, mackerel, herring, and omega-3 fatty acids should be preferred.
Flavonoids found in legumes, oats, and various vegetables have anti-inflammatory properties similar to saponins.
Pineapple, wild garlic, basil, blackberry, buckwheat, ginger, chamomile, nasturtium, cherry, garlic, cumin, turmeric, licorice root, horseradish, quince, red wine, thyme, cinnamon, onion, and curd cheese are foods thought to have an immune-boosting effect. In addition, the immune system can also be supported with teas or fresh fruit juices made from aronia, ivy, ginseng, rosehip, elderberry, and horsetail.
Movement prevents inflammation: Adequate and proper exercise is important because it supports oxygenation, blood circulation, and metabolism. It also keeps joints — which inflammation tends to settle into — flexible, and prevents the excess weight that triggers chronic inflammation. Walking, running, swimming, and cycling are sports that do not overly strain the musculoskeletal system. Extreme sports are strongly discouraged, as they cause premature wear of the joints and joint cartilage, excessive production of stress hormones, and chronic inflammation.
Dr. Hüseyin NAZLIKUL, M.D., PhD.
President of IFMANT = International Federation of Medical Associations for Neural Therapy
President of the Scientific Neural Therapy and Regulation Medicine Association