Why Does Inflammation Cause Disease?

Inflammation: Friend or Enemy? When threatened, the tissues of your body respond with inflammation in order to maintain stability and permit healing. Bio-chemicals in your white blood cells increase the blood flow to the area of injury or infection causing redness, warmth, and swelling. That’s why you have a fever when sick, why your finger … Continue reading “Why Does Inflammation Cause Disease?”

Zinc Deficiency Linked to Chronic Inflammation in Study

Researchers at Oregon State University found a link between chronic inflammation, immune dysfunction and zinc deficiency. 1 Inflammation is involved in cardiovascular disease and other diseases. They introduced an inflammation-provoking substance to a human white blood cell culture. This resulted in an increase in the responses of the cytokines interleukin

MSM Fights More Than Inflammation

Methylsulfonylmethane, known as MSM, is commonly utilized in the form of MSM eyedrops or powder in vcaps to be taken as a supplement.  It is well known for its anti-inflammatory capacity, documented by researchers.  Scientists are documenting substantiating research and finding new uses. Anti-Inflammation MSM inhibits inflammasomes, which are protein formations that stimulate production of  lymphocytes (white blood cells). … Continue reading “MSM Fights More Than Inflammation”

Eyebright Fights Microbes and Inflammation

European researchers have been looking at what makes eyebright tick and why it has long been regarded in traditional folk medicine as a helpful herb for eye conditions.  Turns out that eyebright supports more than eye health.  Wikipedia describes eyebright as having  possible benefits not only for blepharitis and conjunctivitis, but for eye strain, colds … Continue reading “Eyebright Fights Microbes and Inflammation”

Inflammation of Eyelid Increasing in Frequency – About Blepharitis

Blepharitis is an inflammatory condition that affects lids of the eye. There are several types of blepharitis. Blepharitis can be caused by infections, allergies, irritations, insect bites, clogged oil glands in the eyelid, etc. Symptoms vary, but can include swelling, itching, redness, blurry vision, irritation, scaling and crusty lashes. Blepharitis can occur alongside chalazions and styes. … Continue reading “Inflammation of Eyelid Increasing in Frequency – About Blepharitis”

Diabetic Retinopathy Linked to Inflammation

Inflammation and Diabetic Retinopathy At Natural Eye Care, we know that eye conditions are often related to diseases that affect the entire body.  At a conference last year, Clement Trempe, MD reminded colleagues to consider the role of overall inflammation when diagnosing patients with diabetic retinopathy. According to Dr. Trempe, “Diabetic retinopathy is not an … Continue reading “Diabetic Retinopathy Linked to Inflammation”

Inflammation of the iris

Iritis is an inflammation of the iris and occasionally includes the ciliary body (the circumferential tissue inside the eye located behind the iris). In iritis, small white blood cells from the inflamed area and excess protein leaked from the small blood vessels inside the eye float into the aqueous fluid between the iris and the … Continue reading “Inflammation of the iris”

Ginger Can Reduce Post-Exercise Pain & Inflammation

A recent study in The Journal of Pain shows that both raw ginger and heat-treated ginger reduce muscle pain after exercise by approximately 25%, respectively.  Researchers state that the study suggests “ginger may have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties akin to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.” The rhizome of the ginger plant is a potent source of antioxidants, … Continue reading “Ginger Can Reduce Post-Exercise Pain & Inflammation”

Vinpocetine shows promise for chronic inflammation

Findings reported in article published online on May 6, 2010 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (see link below) suggest that vinpocetine, a derivative of vincamine (from the periwinkle plant), could be useful for the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases such as atherosclerosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), arthritis, infectious diseases and cancer.