There are five inflammatory substances the body produces in response to various factors – environmental pollution, metabolic by-products, nutritional deficiencies and poor food choices, structural stress, digestive problems, infections, and pharmaceutical drugs.

1) Histamine – the mast cells produce histamine, I am sure you have heard of anti-histamine medication. Histamine is involved in the immune process for example – asthma, eczema, and hay-fever suffers produce high levels of histamine.

To counteract histamine – fruits like black currents, kiwi, and cherries,vegetables like onions and garlic, supplements like vitamin C capsules (particularly, quercetin capsules, and L-methionine capsules that help the liver to detoxify more efficiently, binding to excess histamine rendering it inactive.

2) Kinins – are found circulating in the blood stream, they are produced in response to tissue damage. Tissue damage can be caused by – high acidity levels, stress, high protein diets, dehydration, certain foods and drinks

To counteract kinins -a diet high in fruit and vegetables (other foods in moderation) will bring down acidity and maintain a good balance between acid and alkaline.

3) Prostaglandins – are short lived hormone type substances. They affect the tissue in their immediate area. The type of prostaglandins produced 1, 2, or 3, are produced as a direct result of the foods we eat. Prostaglandins 1 and 3 are very important not only as anti-inflammatory substances but they also help reduce cholesterol, prevent blooding clots and maintain good blood pressure.

To maintain a good balance -don’t overdo the meat consumption as it can encourage the production of the pro-inflammatory prostaglandins. Bromelain capsules – blocks pro-inflammation and encourages anti-inflammation. Ginger capsules, vitamin C, B Complex and minerals like magnesium and zinc are needed by enzymes to quell pro-inflammation. Flax seed oil capsules or fish oil capsules, plus a diet that provides enough essential fatty acids – fish, raw nuts and seeds.

4) Leukotrienes – much less is known about these inflammatory substances. They are related to prostaglandins and are generated from arachidonic acid, which comes from a diet high in animal products.

To counteract leukotrienes – vegetables, spice turmeric, quercetin capsules, and L-Arginine capsules.

5) Complement – you may or may not have heard of this. It is a protein found in the blood stream. There are about a dozen different substances involved in the immune system, and in the release of histamine from the mast cells – encouraging inflammation.

To counteract complement – there are various nutrients and antioxidants – Vitamin A or beta-carotene, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Selenium, and Zinc. Fruits and vegetables colored red, yellow, and orange like pumpkin, beetroot, squash, carrots, all berries, nectarines are a rich source of beta-carotene.

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