Inflammation plays a major role in the atherosclerosis process – from the development of plaque to it’s rupture. It makes sense then, to measure inflammation in the body and for years, physicians have done just that with C-reactive protein (CRP) (http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4648). However, a new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA; …
I’ve seen many people grab their excess fat tissue on their abs, thighs, hips and even butt to show me what they want to lose. They often view fat as just dead weight that sits there and doesn’t do anything. I only wish that was the case. Unfortunately, fat tissue is very active…but not in …
The figs, grapes and organic wine pictured here provide a basket-full of phytochemicals (plant based chemicals). You’ve probably heard of phytochemicals that are antioxidants, such as beta carotene, and the role they play in helping mop up free radicals. That’s science-jargon for “preventing bad things from happening inside your body.” But, Agricultural Research scientists at …
Have you ever wondered why there are so many diagnosed cases of things like chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia then there were 20 years ago? It seems as if every time I turn around someone I know has one of these illnesses that have fatigue as a component (among a hodgepodge of other vague symptoms). …
A few days ago I mentioned the link between inflammation and heart disease. Inflammation may actually spark cardiovascular events by increasing the likelihood that atherosclerotic plaque ruptures, blocking blood flow and leading to a heart attack or stroke. Local or systemic inflammation isn’t just linked to cardiovascular disease; it plays a role in many chronic …