Ganglion cyst

A male friend and my mother have ganglion cyst which prompted me to research this connective tissue syndrome or cyst.

Systemic inflammation

The following responses occur during systemic inflammation:

1. Reduction in anabolic stimuli for growth
2. Reduction in testosterone
3. Insulin resistance in carbohydrate metabolism fosters increase in hepatic glucose production and reduced uptake by skeletal muscle
4. Liver fails to promote IGF-1 production
5. Glutamine as released from muscles in response to cytokines is important for immune cells and other rapidly dividing cells and in creation of ammoniun ions from deamination of glutamine to assists in acid base balance.
6. Increase in plasma copper and decrease in zinc and iron.
7. Increase production of oxidant molecules and presence of appetite loss and lethargy

Connective Tissue Deficiency Syndrome

 

A better approach, in our opinion, is to stop using anti-inflammatory medications and cortisone shots, as well as to determine the root cause of the connective tissue deficiency.

Since individuals with CTDS are in a catabolic metabolic state, that is, one of destruction or breaking down of materials, anabolic hormone levels are checked.

Anabolic refers to the constructive part of metabolism that involves building up, regenerating and repairing. Anabolic hormones, which include growth hormone, DHEA, testosterone and progesterone, help stimulate connective tissue growth.

Interestingly enough, the hormone estradiol, an excess of which is involved in a number of female reproductive disorders such as PMS, also has catabolic or destructive effects on connective tissue.

This could, in fact, be one of the reasons why women are much more likely to suffer from connective tissue deficiency syndrome than men. If an individual’s anabolic hormone levels are low, natural hormone supplements are prescribed. In addition, it would be strongly recommended that neither oral contraceptives nor other synthetic forms of estrogen be taken. Dietary adjustments would be made and supplements would also be taken to help regulate estradiol levels.

Other tests would include vitamin and amino acid levels, Diet Typing, pH testing, allergy testing, fatty acid analysis and malabsorption studies. Results would determine what dietary changes, if any, would need to be made and what natural supplements would be appropriate.

Connective tissue such as ligaments and tendons are made out of collagen, which is responsible for their strength, and which is weak in connective tissue deficiency syndrome. Because Prolotherapy stimulates cells to make good collagen, repairing the damage of the catabolic processes, it is an excellent complement to the other natural treatments mentioned above. Prolotherapy is the ultimate connective tissue proliferant, and the more anabolic the patient’s hormonal milieu, the more response he or she will be to treatments, and the more likely the chronic pain will be cured permanently.

Chronic pain is most commonly due to tendon weakness, ligament weakness or cartilage deterioration.

Diet

Increased intakes of dietary ALA elicit antiinflammatory effects by inhibiting IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α production in cultured PBMCs. Changes in PBMC ALA and eicosapentaenoic acid (derived from dietary ALA) are associated with beneficial changes in TNF-α release. Thus, the cardioprotective effects of ALA are mediated in part by a reduction in the production of inflammatory cytokines.

http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/85/2/385.full

 

Five foods that reduce inflammation

1. Turmeric

This Asian spice is a medicinal superfood. Turmeric (Curcuma Longa) is a relative of ginger and is the spice that gives curry powder its characteristic yellow color. It is one of the most extensively researched medicinal spices. It protects the liver from toxins and is effective in killing numerous bacteria and yeasts. It is also and exceptional anti-inflammatory. Studies indicate that one of the most important constituents in turmeric is the yellow pigment, curcumin. It blocks several inflammatory chemicals reducing inflammation throughout the body. It is easy to consume turmeric daily by adding it to curries, beans, rice, sauces or smoothies. Just be careful because curcumin is so powerful that is stains everything — clothing, towels and countertops. Turmeric is available as a dried powder or as the fresh root which resembles yellow ginger. It is best absorbed when it is combined with black pepper, or other aromatic spices as it is in traditional curry.

2. Flax seeds and other rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids

In our bodies, cells communicate with each other by sending chemical messengers into the blood stream. These messengers are called cytokines. Certain cytokines promote an inflammatory response, while others turn it off. Omega-3 fatty acids cause more of the anti-inflammatory cytokines to be made. The modern American diet is very low in omega-3 fatty acids. It is difficult to get enough of them without making a conscious effort to eat high omega-3 foods. Flax seeds are one of the best vegetarian sources of omega-3s. Other rich sources are cold-water fish, hemp seeds, walnuts, chia seeds and grass-fed beef.

3. Berries

Berries have a wide range of health benefits from anti-cancer effects to improving wound healing. One of their most important properties is their ability to reduce inflammation. This property has been studied in different types of berries as well as in similar fruit such as pomegranate and cherries. It is easy to eat a variety of berries regularly as they tend to be accessible and are delicious. In the winter frozen berries are a good option. Freezing and thawing the fruit actually makes the powerful flavonoid compounds more available. Berries can be eaten in smoothies, fruit salads, desserts or straight from the bowl.

4. Kiwis and other high enzyme foods

Enzymes are one of the oldest natural remedies for inflammation. Bromelain, an enzyme rich extract from the pineapple fruit, has been used by the medical community for over 50 years. The most effective enzymes seem to be the ones that break down proteins. These are found abundantly in several fruits like kiwi, pineapple and green papaya. When consumed raw, a portion of these enzymes are absorbed intact into the blood stream where they break down inflammatory complexes. For acute conditions highly concentrated supplements are often used. But for low-grade chronic inflammation food is an important part of prevention and healing. Kiwis are a winter fruit in California. They are available in most stores, or you can pick your own organic kiwis at Swanton Farms in Pescadero.

5. Olives and extra virgin olive oil

The Mediterranean diet is well known to promote health and longevity. This is largely due to the high consumption of olives and extra virgin olive oil. These oily fruits are packed with anti-inflammatory polyphenolsthat have been shown to reduce both arthritis and heart disease. However, these important phytochemicals are not present in the refined oil. So remember to use the extra virgin, cold-pressed oil or the whole olives.

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Cytokines and Diabetes

Our data suggest that the pattern of circulating inflammatory cytokines modifies the risk for type 2 diabetes. In particular, a combined elevation of IL-1β and IL-6, rather than the isolated elevation of IL-6 alone, independently increases the risk of type 2 diabetes. These data strongly support the hypothesis that a subclinical inflammatory reaction has a role in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes.

http://diabetes.diabetesjournals.org/content/52/3/812

After adjustment for all covariables (BMI, WHR, sports, age, sex, smoking status, educational attainment, alcohol consumption, and HbA_1c), IL-6 was found to be an independent predictor of type 2 diabetes (OR 2.57, 95% CI 1.24–5.47)

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Contact Connie at motherhealth@gmail.com to increase your anti-oxidant levels using AGELOK combo and be tested for the level of anti-oxidant in your body. The following nutrients must also be included in your diet: zinc, iron, omega 3, Vitamin B complex and C, Vitamin D, berries, sulfur rich foods (yellow and green veggies), digestive enzymes (kiwi and pineapple) and good fats (olive oil and coconut oil).