Inflammation

More than 100 diseases stem from inflammation or degeneration of connective tissues, including:

  • alzheimer's
  • ankylosing spondylitis
  • arthritis - rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, osteoarthritis
  • asthma
  • chron’s disease
  • colitis
  • dermatitis
  • diverticulitis
  • hepatitis
  • irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
  • lupus erythematous
  • nephritis
  • parkinson’s disease
  • ulcerative colitis

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It may arise from a blend of various factors.

Atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes are more prevalent in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), all of which stem from oxidative stress. So, what exactly is oxidative stress?

As always, our diet plays a significant role, and sugar is the primary offender, as it leads to glycation. The following foods should be minimized as much as possible:

  • potatoes – sweet potatoes are fine funnily enough
  • legumes
  • sweet fruit or root veg
  • sodas
  • sauces
  • tinned foods containing sugar
  • all grains such as bread, cakes, biscuits, pasta et

These undergo a process known as glycation. Glycation occurs when a glucose molecule attaches itself to a protein or lipid molecule independently of enzyme regulation. This modification compromises the molecule, leading to the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which can contribute to inflammatory diseases.

Physical or mental stress can also cause oxidation. Markers for inflammatory diseases are:

  • low reduced glutathione (GSH) levels
  • low Vitamin D3 and other anti-oxidants
  • high oxidised glutathione (GSSH) levels
  • high malondialdehyde (a market for oxidative stress, formed when fats are oxidised)
  • increased lipid peroxidation
  • high homocysteine
  • high CRP
  • high fructosamine

Markers need to be tested for all of these.

Factors causing Inflammation

  • oxidative stress arises from lower levels of antioxidants, especially Vitamin D3, glutathione, and superoxide dismutase. Elevated sugar consumption in foods that convert to glucose, alongside reduced levels of zinc and selenium, contributes to this issue. While estrogen diminishes zinc levels, progesterone, conversely, elevates them.
  • omega 3 deficiency.
  • decreased levels of vitamins B2, C and E and beta-carotene.
  • elevated levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) degrade proteins, leading to a pathological reaction characterised by inflammation. 
  • elevated estrogen levels stimulate matrix metalloproteinases, thereby hastening the ageing process of collagen.
  • progesterone deficiency, consistently low in inflammatory conditions, inhibits MMPs.
  • the dominance of inflammatory Th1 cytokines outweighs the effects of anti-inflammatory Th2 cytokines. Both progesterone and Vitamin D3 promote the Th2 response.
  • emotional stress leads to a decrease in progesterone levels.  Progesterone Is a calming hormone, which activates the GABA receptor sites. GABA stands out as one of our most soothing neurotransmitters.
  • food allergies can be influenced by hormonal changes. Estrogen heightens the body's reaction to allergens, while progesterone inhibits mast cells that trigger histamine release.
  • high levels of advanced glycation endoproducts (AGEs)
  • environmental toxins
  • high level of tumour necrosis factor-alph. Progesterone suppresses TNF-alpha
  • high level of prolactin. Progesterone suppresses prolactin, so does the amino acid tyrosine
  • increased levels of fructosamine, a sign of insulin resistance
  • increased levels of homocysteine.
  • elevated copper levels can inhibit both progesterone and zinc; therefore, supplementing with both can help mitigate the surplus copper.
  • Elevated levels of pro-inflammatory HDLs contribute to heightened lipid peroxidation. Progesterone offers protection against lipid peroxidation.

Rheumatoid arthritis impacts approximately 1% of the global population, with women being three times more likely to develop the condition than men. It typically manifests between the ages of 20 and 60, although it can also arise at any age.

Peri-Menopause usually brings on the onset, between the ages of 40 – 50. With it the typical estrogen excess symptoms occur:

  • general aches and stiffness
  • painful joints
  • fatigue and difficulty sleeping

In arthritis, there is a marked prevalence of inflammatory Th1 cytokines compared to the anti-inflammatory Th2 cytokines. Progesterone promotes the production of Th2 cytokines, leading to symptom relief in 75% of cases during pregnancy. This improvement is linked to the significant increase in progesterone levels, especially during the third trimester, which coincides with the alleviation of symptoms in lupus patients. Conversely, the remaining 25% of cases exhibit low progesterone levels. Research shows that 90% of cases experience a relapse within six months postpartum, with the highest incidence occurring within the first three months, as progesterone levels decline sharply after delivery.

Prolactin, the hormone responsible for regulating milk production, increases following childbirth. It not only stimulates the immune response but is also found at elevated levels in both male and female patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Meanwhile, progesterone acts to inhibit Prolactin production.

Research has identified a deficiency of progesterone in females suffering from thyroid and ovarian autoimmune disorders. Additionally, findings indicate that both progesterone and androgen levels were markedly reduced during the luteal phase in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). A unique instance of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) presented in a transgender man receiving estrogen (feminizing hormones).

Natural treatments

Progesterone exhibits neuroprotective properties by preventing lipid peroxidation and providing vascular protection. The natural steroid cortisol and the frequently prescribed glucocorticoid prednisolone promote the formation of cholesteryl esters (CE), which contribute to atherosclerosis; however, progesterone inhibits this increase. Estradiol (E2) is ineffective in this regard. As a potent anti-inflammatory agent, progesterone diminishes the activity of natural killer cells, the TH1 response, and other established inflammation initiators. It also suppresses estrogen, an excitatory hormone known to trigger inflammation. Additionally, progesterone promotes the production of IL-4 and IL-10, both of which are anti-inflammatory agents. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha, an inflammatory cytokine involved in the acute phase reaction of arthritis, is reduced by progesterone, both inside cells and in secreted form. Estrogen, on the other hand, exhibits no impact.

Oxidative Stress, a lack of sufficient antioxidants is responsible for all forms of inflammation, highlighting the need to boost their levels. Vitamin D3 and the amino acid N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) are particularly crucial. NAC works to chelate excess copper and other environmental toxins. Selenium also plays a vital role as it is a component of the glutathione molecule. Additionally, glycine and glutamine serve as other essential amino acid precursors, both of which are commonly found in our diet, whereas NAC is not. When under stress, glutamine becomes conditionally essential, making supplementation important.

Progesterone is highly effective in managing emotional stress, serving as a soothing hormone that stimulates GABA receptor sites. While GABA can be challenging to utilize—too much may trigger a resurgence of symptoms—supplementing with progesterone proves to be a much simpler solution.

Taurine, is another soothing neurotransmitter; it's a potent sulfur amino acid akin to cysteine (NAC) and plays a crucial role in the immune system. In the absence of Taurine, fats may build up in the bloodstream.

One should also test for Insulin Resistance, if present, it should be addressed.

If a high homocysteine level is found the following vitamins should be taken:

  • B2
  • B6
  • B12
  • Folic acid
  • Tri-methyl glycine
  • Zinc

As you are aware, Vitamin D3 plays a vital role in our health, influencing every functioning cell within our body. It is important to test for 25-hydroxyvitamin D, commonly referred to as calcidiol. Approximately 30-50% of individuals may be deficient, especially those residing in:

  • climates with little sun
  • living above 32 degrees north or south of the equator
  • work in doors, therefore spending very little time in the sun

A deficiency is less than 25ng/L or 62.4nmol/L. Please read the vitamin D3 page for more information.

Additional Information

The dosage of progesterone varies based on the individual and the severity of the condition. Women are generally advised to use between 100-200mg daily, while men should use between 10-100mg daily. In cases of severe symptoms, higher doses may be required. Applying progesterone cream to the affected areas provides significant relief for many individuals.

Please remember to read the How to use Progesterone Cream and Estrogen Dominance pages.

The following plants contain powerful anti-oxidants:

  • green tea (catechins)
  • raspberries
  • strawberries
  • blackberries
  • cranberries
  • walnuts
  • pecan nuts

They all contain ellagic acid, raspberries providing the greatest amount.

Broccoli, cabbage, watercress, and similar vegetables should be consumed in moderation and it's advisable to avoid them in their raw form since they are goitrogens and possess an enzyme that can inhibit thyroid function. Turmeric, on the other hand, contains curcumin, which has been shown to prevent pre-cancerous alterations in DNA.

Numerous plants are rich in flavonoids, especially berries and buckwheat, which help eliminate metal toxins while also safeguarding antioxidant vitamins.

Fermented Foods are outstanding for reducing inflammation. They serve as powerful chelators (detoxifiers) and boast significantly higher levels of probiotics than typical probiotic supplements, making them perfect for enhancing your gut flora. OTC probiotics just cannot compete. Besides assisting in the breakdown and removal of heavy metals and other toxins from your body, beneficial gut bacteria also carry out various unexpected functions.

Tests Required for Inflammation

  1. Vitamin D3 (low) (essential test) – the test should be done for 25-hydroxyvitamin D (calcidiol). Vitamin D Society.
  2. CRP (increased levels) (essential test) – the level of CRP rises when there is inflammation throughout the body, normally none should be found. Levels if found vary from <1.0mg/L to >3.0mg/L. Medline CRP.
  3. Homocysteine (possibly increased levels) – 0.54-2.3mg/L (4-17 micromoles per litre mcmol/L). WebMD.
  4. Malondialdehyde (increased) – standard range: 1.0 – 4.0mM. Northwest Life Science Specialties Baylor Research Institute.
  5. Progesterone (generally low) – serum 10ng/ml, saliva 0.2ng/ml. Medline Progesterone.
  6. Estradiol (possibly high) – serum 30 – 400pg/mL, saliva 2pg/ml. Medline Estradiol.
  7. Insulin Resistance (sometimes observed) – there is no single test for IR, but the following are often tested: Medline Insulin Resistance, Lab Tests Online-Understanding Insulin Resistance.
  • Blood pressure equal to or higher than 130/85mmHg
  • Fasting blood sugar (glucose) equal to or higher than 100mg/dL
  • Elevated insulin levels
  • Elevated CRP (a marker for inflammation)
  • Large waist circumference – 35 inches (87.5cm) or more
  • Low HDL cholesterol – under 50mg/dL
  • Triglycerides equal to or higher than 150mg/d

Other References - adverse side effects

References

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