Alopecia World
www.alopeciaworld.com
Nutritional interventions for chronic inflammation
Hi Everyone,
I went to a conference for health professionals last week given by Michael Lara, MD. He studied at Stanford, Harvard and UCLA and lives in California. The focus of the all day conference was how nutrition can impact chronic inflammation. It was based on evidence based research, some of the findings only coming out in the last 6 months. I tend to be suspicious of diet fads, whether it's fat free, gluten free or paleo, promising all kinds of miracle cures. Often these things lack credible research. Dr. Lara's presentation, however, was very academic and convincing.
It is hard to summarize a six hour lecture, but I will try to give the highlights and if anyone has particular questions I will do my best to answer them. I am far from an expert in all of this, but I do think it is worth addressing with your doctor. Dr. Lara did say that some of these nutrients are very potent, especially taken in large amounts, so it is best to check with your doctor to be safe from possible side effects or medication interactions.
The immune response is quite complex. Once branch in the immune system are T cells, which are a type of lymphocyte (a type of white blood cell) Among the T cells are T helper cells, or Th cells. Of these, there are several types of Th cells, namely Th1, Th2, Th17 and Treg. Immunologically, allergies result from an imbalance between Th1 and Th2 cells. Of interest to us, Th17 cells are key contributors to inflammation and autoimmunity. Lipoic acid( found in red meat, spinach, broccoli, potatoes, yams, carrots beets and yeast) is an antioxidant that specifically targets Th17.
As has been discussed before, the majority of our immune system arises from the gut. When the intestinal wall has been weakened by infection or inflammation, the barrier function is compromised, allowing large molecules to pass through the intestinal wall and into the bloodstream, provoking systemic low-grade inflammation. Probiotics can be very helpful in restoring intestinal functioning.
Dr. Lara covered many nutrients, but the two big ones that he recommended for every inflammatory condition are:
- Vitamin D3 (3000-5000 IU daily)
- EFA and DHA (2-4 grams daily) which is found in fish oil.
Also:
-modified Mediterranean diet
-green tea (studies suggest optimal anti-inflammatory benefits by consuming 3-4 cups daily)
-turmeric or curcumin
-dark cocoa (must be 70%)
And I will end with his anti-inflammatory protein shake:
-20 grams of chocolate whey protein powder
-1 tsp dark cocoa
-1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
-1/2 tsp ground turmeric
-1 tbsp. fish oil
I tried this shake in a blender with crushed ice and just also by just whisking together the ingredients. I can't say that I love the taste but it is edible. If any ladies out there can improve the flavor I'm all ears! I hope this helps. Again, this is not meant as a substitute for your doctor's advice, just more information as we try to find solutions to this blasted disease.
Dr. Lara did say that there are many nutritional specialists that are worthwhile. I know a few of you are consulting with some. I am also considering seeing an immunologist, as this whole disease process is due to an immune system gone awry.
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by Kristen P on
-
Thanks for this information Anne Louise! What kind of fish oil for the shake? That might have something to do with the taste? From the looks of it, I might try adding half of a banana for a little sweetness!
-
-
Permalink Reply by Anne Louise on
-
I use Carlson fish oil that has a lemon flavor. I take it alone and it's fine. I think the flavor I'm not keen on is the tumeric. Also, I have vanilla protein powder, so perhaps the chocolate that is recommended would help, but I have a huge container of vanilla that I like for after workouts so I'm not about to go buy chocolate just for this. I like the banana idea!
-
-
-
Can I just clarify that all the things with Lipoic Acid are to be avoided ?
Have just been out and got my chocolate though.
-
-
-
Sorry for the confusion. Lipoic acid is good for us! He also talked about resveratol, which is found in red wine, but we would need 100 liters of wine daily for any therapeutic effect! There are some days where I'm tempted to try that. :-). So enjoy your dark chocolate and red wine!
-
-
Permalink Reply by Debs on
-
Thanks for this info. This reinforces the nutritional advice we already have about anti inflammatory foods/herbs.
-
-
Permalink Reply by Classical Anne in NC mountains on
-
Thank you so much for all your careful note-taking and sharing. Not to mention your dedication to finding answers! This is all very helpful information. Without a nursing background, I'm not sure I understand all the T cell analysis, but the good things with Lipoic acid are surely worth targeting. Don't think I could handle 100 liters of red wine daily, though. Sadly, there are things in his recipe and suggestions that are contraindicated with one of my more challenging issues, Intersttial Cystitis. No green tea, no yogurt, no wine of any color. In fact, originally I could not drink tea of any kind, nor coffee of any kind, nor any kind of alcohol, no fruits except pears, and worst of all: no chocolate! After 17 years of strong medications, I can now eat almost any fruit, and chocolate in moderation. I've given up even thinking about the rest of the taboos. Give me my apples, raisins, and chocolate, and I'm a happy girl!
-
-
-
Anne, I don't know how you manage! No coffee, tea, wine or chocolate would make me a very very sad girl. I see my dermatologist this morning and plan to ask him his thoughts on lipoic acid. I'm not expecting much, as he didn't have much to say about probiotics...he's your basic traditionally trained MD.
-
© 2024 Created by Alopecia World.
Powered by
