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Body and Being
NATURAL SOLUTIONS FOR HEALTH AND BODY CARE

Monthly articles are supplied by guest writers who explore natural solutions to health and well-being issues.

The flames of inflammation

by Lorna Vanderhaeghe

(May 2005) — Inflammation is now thought to play a role in dozens of conditions from allergy to arthritis. Inflammation is the immune system’s first reaction against infection and is an effective method of ensuring that invaders do not enter the body and create havoc. However, when inflammation becomes low grade and chronic, the immune system’s army stays revved up and damage to healthy tissues can occur in the crossfire.

Scientists are realizing that this life saving process designed to ward off bacteria, viruses and parasites is the creator of disease when left unchecked. The goal in preventing inflammation is to halt or control the release of immune messengers creating the assault on healthy cells and tissues. Natural anti-inflammatory products can really make a difference. One of the newest, most effective, natural anti-inflammatory products is Celadrin, a patented blend of special fatty acids.

Research performed at the University of Connecticut and published in 2004 in the Journal of Rheumatology studied patients with osteoarthritis of the knee who received either Celadrin applied topically or as placebo. The group receiving Celadrin had outstanding results with reduced pain and stiffness, improved balance and strength and better mobility.

What was most exciting was that within 30 minutes of applying Celadrin patients experienced a dramatic improvement in all aspects tested. A study of an oral dosage of Celadrin published in the Journal of Rheumatology in 2002 showed significant benefits in promoting knee range of motion in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee, with initial benefit recognized in 30 days.

Celadrin works similar to but much more dramatically than the essential fatty acids, EPA and DHA from fish oils. Fatty acids provide many vital beneficial effects for the immune and inflammatory responses of the body.

The esterified (meaning it is stable and does not react with oxygen) fatty acids found in Celadrin have been shown to reduce the production of the negative immune factor IL-6 and to control other immune factors responsible for inflammation. This alone could explain some effects of Celadrin, such as reduction of pain in joints affected by osteoarthritis. And certainly these functions are very important in preventing further tissue and joint damage while promoting healing.

Additionally, the molecules found in Celadrin may also play a role in lubrication of an affected joint. This action, combined with anti-inflammatory effects, explains some of the significant improvements in mobility and function.

It is exciting when extensive double-blind, placebo-controlled research is performed to confirm the effectiveness of a natural product. With the knowledge that inflammation can shorten our lifespan by promoting many degenerative diseases, it is essential that we use natural anti-inflammatories to reduce our risk. For more information, visit www.celadrin.com.

Lorna R. Vanderhaeghe is a medical journalist who has been researching and writing on nutritional medicine for over 20 years. Her latest book is titled “Get a Grip on Arthritis and Other Inflammatory Disorders.”

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