Diseases Start With Inflammation
When we think of inflammation, we think of red, hot, and swollen skin. However, inflammation can occur throughout the body without any noticeable symptoms. In fact, inflammation at the cellular level is the root cause of most chronic diseases. According to Dr. Keith Nemec, the director of Total Health Institute, a medical facility in Chicago, “All disease starts with cellular inflammation.”
Whether you have cancer, heart disease, diabetes, digestive disorders, autoimmune disease or Alzheimer’s, it all starts with inflammation at the cellular level which leads to either early cell death translating into specific organ or gland disease or into cancer stem cell stimulation which fuels cancer cell growth and metastasis.”
The good news is that there are anti-inflammatory foods we will detail in this article as well as other natural medicines like cannabis that can help reduce inflammation at the cellular level.
What is Inflammation?
Inflammation is the body’s natural response to infection, irritation, or injury. The purpose of inflammation is to protect the body by removing harmful stimuli and promoting healing. It helps the body fight off illness by recruiting white blood cells such as macrophages and lymphocytes into inflammation signal production (cytokine release).
However, this process can go wrong when it becomes chronic— cytokines are released from inflamed tissues without any resolution of what caused them in order that they may recruit more immune cell types onto themselves leading towards potential autoimmune disease conditions spreading throughout our bodies causing damage in places not yet infected.
Chronic inflammation can occur when the body is constantly in a state of low-grade inflammation. This can lead to a variety of chronic diseases such as heart disease, dysmenorrhea, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Two types of inflammation: Acute and Chronic
Acute inflammation is the short-term response to an injury or infection. This type of inflammation is characterized by redness, swelling, and pain. Chronic inflammation occurs when the body is in a state of long-term low-grade inflammation. This type of inflammation does not have noticeable symptoms but can lead to numerous chronic diseases over time.
Cannabinoids Are Anti-inflammatory
Cannabinoids are not only an antioxidant but they also have powerful anti-inflammatory effects. They work through the induction of apoptosis, cell growth regulation, and cytokine production by T cells in order to provide relief from chronic pain or inflammation-related symptoms such as arthritis.
MAPS researchers have found that cannabis and its extracts affect a wide range of biological activities showing that these compounds can improve certain conditions such as pain, inflammation, or nausea/vomiting but the exact mechanism by which they work is still being studied.
THC helps fight inflammation
Cannabis can be a helpful tool for managing chronic inflammation because of its ability to regulate pain perception and immune responses through the activation of CB1 receptors on cells within the body as well as non-immune ones. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) can be activated by using cannabis, which then works together with other cannabinoids found in the plant to reduce swelling or discomfort associated with pain.
CBD Fights Inflammation
Research has shown that Cannabidiol (CBD) can target free radicals and reduce inflammation in the body. It’s been proven to help with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), Parkinson’s Disease, Alzheimer’s Syndrome among other chronic conditions causing or associated with chronic pain. CBD has been shown to break apart various types of immune cells responsible for governing our bodies’ response towards illness thereby preventing them from becoming damaged.
The body can have inflammatory responses which causes diseases like cancer, but CBD can help fight it by reducing tumor growth and promoting anti-inflammatory responses in the body to prevent future health problems.
People are always looking for new ways to treat diabetes symptoms like pain or discomfort from a lack of nerve cells and various cannabinoids like CBD may help.
Cannabis and Inflammation
In a study conducted by Pathway Research Inc., the University of Calgary, and Lethbridge scientists used an artificial human skin tissue model to test how different cannabis strains would affect inflammation. They exposed it to UV rays which caused “induced” glowing in various areas on its surface when treated with seven popular varieties, including modern-day favorite cannabis strains like ACDC and northern lights.
The study found that cannabis may be able to “tame” or reduce the severity of Covid-19. One main cause for severe cases like ARDS is an influx in pro-inflammatory cytokines which can lead to cytokine storm pathogenesis, but treatment including marijuana extracts from the plant helped to curb inflammation and prevent fibrosis – resulting in remission!
Can CBGA Be Inflammatory?
A study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine on Cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) has been shown to decrease inflammation and pain while being free from many side effects associated with other medications which is one of the biggest reasons people turn to cannabis for its pain relieving properties.
This means that it may be an important ingredient for future anti-inflammatory treatments without relying heavily on steroids or opioids which can have dangerous consequences when taken incorrectly.” The Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website reflects that opioid deaths increased from approximately 70,029 in 2020 to 80,816 in 2021.
CBD for Pain and Neuropathy
It’s been shown that cannabinoids trigger immunosuppression through different mechanisms. The body has an incredible ability to heal itself, but sometimes inflammation causes problems. CBD is showing promise as a treatment for diabetes and cancer because it can reduce both pain associated with these conditions while also reducing their negative side effects like neuropathy. There is a lot of research ongoing as this has been a major area of interest however, we do know enough now to recognize its potential benefits against some serious illnesses.
Can Marijuana Block Joint Pain
The endocannabinoid system is a major player in our body’s fight against inflammation. Medical marijuana uses this physiological process as its mechanism of action which aids chronic conditions like arthritis by breaking down proteins in joints causing damage over time. One study showed that it blocked progression of joint pain with an agonist drug called AM6519 was possible through activation of the ECS via CB1 receptors on T cells which migrate into inflamed joints.
What Anti-Inflammatory Foods Can Help Fight Inflammation?
Some foods that can help fight inflammation include wild-caught salmon, tuna, mackerel, sardines, leafy green vegetables, strawberries, blueberries, and olive oil. Adding these foods to your diet can reduce inflammation, help improve your overall health and reduce your risk of disease.
Wild-caught salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids which have been shown to reduce inflammation throughout the body. Leafy green vegetables such as spinach and kale are rich in vitamins and minerals that help support a healthy immune system. Berries are high in antioxidants which protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Olive oil contains polyphenols which also have anti-inflammatory properties.
Avoid Foods That Cause Inflammation
These include refined carbohydrates such as white bread and pastries, french fries, or other fried foods like onion rings, soda, or sweetened beverages, whether diet (“diet”) brand with artificial sweeteners, red meat, and processed meat like hot dogs or sausage, margarine, shortening or lard. Not only are these foods unhealthy, but they increase your chances of heart disease and diabetes.
Cellular inflammation is the root cause of most common chronic diseases. There are various anti-inflammatory foods that you can eat to help reduce cellular inflammation.
In order to purchase marijuana legally, you will first need to be evaluated and approved for your medical card in the state program where you reside. It’s important to learn about potential marijuana contraindications as well as the benefits that may adversely affect or help your condition.
If you are experiencing discomfort or pain from your medical condition, you should talk with a marijuana doctor and consider medical marijuana as a remedy. It may be very helpful in managing your condition.
