This presentation is a short overview of the interconnection between the immune system and inflammation. It identifies the role of acute and chronic inflammation in many “age-related medical conditions." The author identifies several methods of prevention and prophylactics to improve symptoms and quality of life. Optimal nutrition is emphasized, not diminishing all other components of healthy life style. They are as important as a good diet. Many Blessings Nadia See on familylifeforum.com http://familylifeforum.com/nutrition-and-inflammation-part-2-by-nadia-rudenko-ba-ms/

1. Nutrition and Inflammation
Nadia Rudenko
Msc. R.D.

2. Objectives:

Definition

Types of immune system & inflammation

Mechanism of combating infection /disease

Components of anti-inflammatory lifestyle

3. Inflammation in broader sense , is the
body's response to tissue injury

More precise definition:
Inflammation is a response to cellular injury marked
by vasodilation, white blood cell infiltration,
redness, heat, pain, swelling, and often loss of
function; a mechanism for eliminating noxious
agents and damaged tissue

It is a normal process of healing mediated by
immune system

5. Immune system

Innate or non specific 
Adaptive (acquired) or
immune system. specific immune system
− Fist line of defense Takes time to react
system 
Antigen specific
− Quick to respond to
invaders

Remembers previous
encounters
− Not antigen specific
− Does not remember
previous encounters

6. Types of inflammatory response

Acute: involves 
Chronic inflammation does
vasoconctraction not always arise from
uncontrolled acute
followed quickly by inflammation.
vasodilation, leaky 
Often marked by slow and
endothelial cells. often asymptomatic onset.

The names given to 
Secondary to persistent
conditions refers to infection
tissue site 
Exposure to exogenously or
endogenously produced toxic
agents

7. Chronic inflammation

Chronic inflammation is the underlying cause of
many “so-called” age-related diseases.

The main complication of it is overproduction of
collagen (the main protein of connective tissue)
leading to the condition known as a fibrosis .

Cells – fibroblasts enter the damaged tssue and
produce collagen.

9. Examples of acute and chronic
inflammation

Acute: 
Chronic:

Meningitis or Encephalitis 
Arthritis

Pericarditis 
Atherosclerosis

Esophagitis or Colitis 
Lupus

Appendicitis 
Celiac disease

Hepatitis or Pancreatitis 
Vasculitis COPD

Osteomyelitis (Bone) 
Tuberculosis

Cellulitis(Subcutaneous tissue) 
IBD

Arthritis 
Psoriasis & Pancreatitis

10. In addition

There is evidence that chronic inflammation
involved in:
− Alzheimer's
− Fibromyalgia
− Cancer
All of these conditions are stem from the
common denominator of uncontrolled,
often undetected systemic inflammation

11. The endothelium is the “gatekeeper”
of the blood vessels.

Functions:
Vasoconstriction / vasodilation
Inflammation
Blood clotting/ blood viscosity
Platelet adhesion /plaque accumulation
The formation of new blood vessels
The passage of WBC in/out of the blood stream
Fluid balance

12. Sources of Endothelial Dysfunction

Immune complexes 
Hypoxia

Blood lipids 
Acidosis

Angioplasty 
Smoking

Germs 
Aging

HTN 
DM

Stress 
Trauma

Surgery

13. Chronic inflammatory diseases that
contribute to Endothelial dysfunction

Obesity

Infections

Periodontal disease

Environmental toxins, drugs and tobacco

Autoimmune disease

14. Endothelial dysfunction has been
associated with all known CVD

15. Sources of damaged endothelial cells
Oxidative stress or free radicals (excessive production
of oxidative substances)
Insufficient amount of antioxidants to neutralize free
radicals from endogenous or exogenous sources.

17. Several possibilities for prevention

Risk assessment and control

Analyzing Markers of inflammation

Diet Therapy

Physical Activity

Smoking cessation

Lifestyle modification

18. Risk factors contributing to
inflammation and endothelial
dysfunction

MS/ DM /Prediabetes

Blood Markers(App B; A-1; TG; SDLDL; Oxidazed
LDL, Antibodies against LDL; Lipoprotein (a;)
Homocysteine.

IL-6; CRP;

19. Understanding C- Reactive protein
CRP is a protein produced by the liver in response to
inflammation. Any condition that leads to inflammation will
cause the production and release of CRP. Smoking, genetics,
stress, arthritis, diabetes, obesity, rheumatoid arthritis,
dementia, high blood pressure colorectal cancer, the aging
process, and damaged and an inflamed arterial endothelium
will all cause an elevation of C reactive protein. It is an
indirect, non-specific measurement of inflammation and
oxidation.

20. Interpretation hs-CRP &
Homocysteine Results
CRP Lower than 1.0 mg/L- Low Risk
CRP- 1.0-3.0 mg/L-Average Risk
CRP higher than 3.0 mg/L-High Risk
Homocysteine less than 6.5 = Low Risk for CVD
Homocyseine 8.1 to 10.4 = Moderate-High Risk for CVD
Homocysteine greater than 10.4 = High Risk for CVD

21. Methods for reducing inflammation
Drugs:

Drugs

NSID- (Ibuprofen, Naproxen,

Diet
Cox-2 inhibitors)

Activity 
Aspirin

Smoking cessation 
Statins & Fibrates
Side effects: liver, nerve, muscle, and
heart damage,

22. Statin drugs have been shown to exert an anti-inflammatory
effect, and it is the modest anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory
effect that is responsible for a reduction in oxidized LDL
cholesterol and arterial inflammation. Less oxidized LDL
cholesterol and less arterial inflammation, the less plaque
that will build up within the arterial endothelium.

23. However, natural antioxidants, vitamin C, turmeric extract,
essential fatty acids (fish oil) do more to reduce oxidized
LDL cholesterol and arterial inflammation and lower CRP
than cholesterol-lowering statin drugs, AND without the
dangerous side-effects of statins (liver, nerve, muscle, and
heart damage, ….let alone death). The B complex vitamins
and betaine (tri-methly-glycine) lower homocysteine levels,
which means less “scratching up” of the endothelium, i.e.,
less arterial inflammation, and lower CRP levels.

24. Role of Diet & Activity

Fat: Omega-3, Omega-6, Ratio of n-6/n-3

Monounsaturated fats:
Plants sources include avocado, raw soaked nuts
(almonds, cashews, pecans and macadamia) and
olive oils. Eating monounsaturated fats reduces
inflammation by interfering with leukotrienes
(naturally produced molecules that contribute to
inflammation

26. Helpful Diets

Mediterranean Diet:

Portfolio Diet:

Optimal Diet:

28. Portfolio Diet
Nuts
Plant's sterols(soy protein flax
seeds)
Soluble Fiber (oatmeal, chia
seeds, berries...)
Vegetable Protein (soy beens,
lentils, beans, amaranth,
quanua)
Greens, crusifirous vegetables
Omega- 3 (chia seed/ flax seed

29. Optimal Diet

30. Role of Diet & Activity

Dietary pattern

31. Supplements & Spices
Spices:
Turmeric,Curry,Ginge
r,
Garlic and chili
peppers
Supplements:
Vit C, B , D,
Fish oil
Olive extract,
Grape seed Extract

32. Anti-inflammatory foods
Foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids
(Fish like tuna, cod, herring, trout, salmon, sardines,
snapper)
Nuts and seeds like walnuts, almonds, hemp seeds,
chia seeds, hazelnuts, pumpkin seeds,
flaxseeds/linseeds.
Good oils like olive oil, avocado oil (be careful of the
amount of oil you are eating – as they are still high in
fat!!)
Fish oil supplements can also be taken if you don’t eat

34. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids:
Animal Sources: wild salmon, anchovies, mackerel &
sardines
Plant Sources: hemp, chia seeds, flaxseed meal and
walnuts

35. Pro-inflammatory foods

Junk foods and processed foods

Fast foods and take-away foods

High-fat dairy foods like full cream dairy products –
choose low fat options

Fatty cuts of meat, especially red meats, mince and
chops

Processed meats (luncheon meats, hot dogs etc)

High-sugar foods

36. Web Resources
www.Nutrition MD.org
www.CancerProject.org
www.drmcdougal.com
www.vrg.org
http://5aDay.gov
www.enthusiasticlife.net

38. Q/A