If you have an autoimmune disease, chronic inflammation, or signs of brain inflammation (such as brain fog), you may have noticed it can be tough to tame the inflammation. This is because the body can get trapped in vicious cycles that feed the inflammation.
Luckily, researchers have pinpointed what perpetuates these cycles and ways to stop them. They include targeting two immune messengers called ânitrous oxideâ and âIL-17.â
The immune system triggers inflammation by releasing an immune messenger called IL-17. IL-17 triggers other immune cells to damage body tissue, such as the thyroid gland in the case of autoimmune Hashimotoâs hypothyroidism or joint tissue in rheumatoid arthritis.
IL-17 isnât all badĂąâŹâin a healthy immune system it prevents infections. But chronic inflammation or an autoimmune disease create too much IL-17.
Inflammation, IL-17, and âbadâ nitric oxide
IL-17 damages body tissue by activating a compound called âinducible nitric oxide.â Nitric oxide is a gas in the body that activates various processes.
Two good forms of nitric oxide tame inflammation: endothelial and neuronal nitric oxide.
However, IL-17 triggers the pro-inflammatory inducible nitric oxide, which damages body tissue.
Targeting nitric oxide to tame inflammation
When it comes to taming chronic inflammation, we want to dampen IL-17 and inducible nitric oxide.
So why not just take the nitric oxide booster arginine? Although arginine may boost the anti-inflammatory endothelial nitric oxide, it also may increase the inflammatory inducible nitric oxide.
Itâs safer, therefore, to go with nutritional compounds that boost the anti-inflammatory endothelial nitric oxide for maximum inflammation fighting effects:
- Adenosine
- Huperzine A
- Vinpocetine
- Alpha GPC
- Xanthinol niacinate
- L-acetyl carnitine
Endothelial nitric oxide aids in tissue repair and regeneration, enhances blood flow, dissolves plaques, and dilates blood vessels. Exercise is another excellent way to boost endothelial nitric oxide.
These compounds may also boost the activity of neuronal nitric oxide, which enhances the health of the brain and nervous system.
Other anti-inflammatory tools
Others inflammation busters include vitamin D3, omega 3 fatty acids, and  glutathione  Glutathione is vital to dampening inflammation, repairing damaged tissues, maintaining a healthy gut (which houses most of the immune system), and buffering the body from the many stressors we face these days.
Other helpful tools are high doses of emulsified resveratrol and curcumin. Taken together, these two compounds dampen IL-17 and quench inflammation.
Of course, eliminating pro-inflammatory foods with an autoimmune diet (especially gluten), getting enough sleep, not overstressing yourself are important, too. Ask my office for advice.
Latest from the Blog
Exploring Multiple Sclerosis Management: The Role of Functional Medicine, Vitamin D, and Curcumin
April 25, 2024In the realm of multiple sclerosis (MS) management, the integration of functional medicine approaches has garnered increasing attention. This holistic paradigm emphasizes addressing the root causes of diseases rather than merely alleviating symptoms. Recent research studies underscore the potential efficacy of certain supplements, notably vitamin D and curcumin, in mitigating MS symptoms and progression. Vitamin […] Read more
Latest from the Blog
Navigating Tick-Borne Infections: Ozone Therapy as a Holistic Approach to Lyme Disease and Co-Infections
Tick-borne infections, particularly Lyme disease and its co-infections, pose a significant health challenge for individuals worldwide. Characterized by complex symptoms and often elusive diagnoses, these infections can wreak havoc on the body’s immune system and overall well-being. Amidst the conventional treatments available, there’s a growing interest in exploring complementary therapies such as ozone therapy within […] Read more