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Fibrosis & Calcification Reversal: Rob's Hypotheses & Theories
- Thread starter benjt2
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Yeah I didn't think that way, thanks!
The variable has to be inflammation. As we age the body can’t fight it off as well, the inflammation attracts dht to the follicles and in some young are just genetically prone to more inflammation onset by either environmental factors or a diet that doesn’t suit them.
I am getting each time more inclined to this inflammation theory.
I believe the DHT increase on scalp is just a body response to the process, not the cause.
That's why it makes sense when we hear that medicine for arthritis brought hair back as a side effect.
I believe the DHT increase on scalp is just a body response to the process, not the cause.
That's why it makes sense when we hear that medicine for arthritis brought hair back as a side effect.
ScentlessApprentice
Member
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So would a cream like this work for hairloss?
https://www.ucsf.edu/news/2019/03/413576/skin-repair-eliminates-inflamm-aging-linked-chronic-disease
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Yeah ,a ortho drug had found to regrow hair
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- 340
It might be that inflammation made the hairs sensitive to dht and increased dht in balding scalp then does the rest of job.
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Then, only we must know what produce inflammation,..., my bet is that a problem with sebum can be related. Always we need have a "Kompass", because it must explain the hair loss pattern
OTOH common hair loss is multifactorial, fibrosis and calcification can also be related but they are not the initial event. We must try to find out the initial events in order to prevent the problem, it is a dinamic process whit different steps, more step more irreversible
Sebum problem, inflammation, hormonal disbalance, fibrosis, circulatory events.....
Last edited:
Prostatic Disorders Original article
Benign prostatic hyperplasia, metabolic syndrome and androgenic alopecia: Is there a possible relationship?
Author links open overlay panelNaglaa F.AgamiaaAmrEl-Abdd
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aju.2016.01.003Get rights and content
Under a Creative Commons license
Abstract
Objective
To evaluate the incidence of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and metabolic syndrome in patients with androgenetic alopecia (Androgenetic Alopecia) in comparison with those with no Androgenetic Alopecia, as several previous studies have reported inconsistent results of an association between metabolic syndrome and BPH with Androgenetic Alopecia.
Patients, subjects and methods
This cross-sectional study included 400 participants, divided into 300 patients diagnosed with Androgenetic Alopecia, with different grades according to Norwood–Hamilton classification, and 100 control subjects with no Androgenetic Alopecia. Criteria for diagnosis of metabolic syndrome according to Adult Treatment Panel-III criteria (waist circumference, blood pressure, fasting blood sugar, high-density lipoprotein and triglycerides), as well as criteria for diagnosis of BPH (prostatic volume, urine flow, and prostate-specific antigen) were assessed in all patients and compared with the control subjects.
Results
There were significant differences between the Androgenetic Alopecia and no-Androgenetic Alopecia groups for the following variables: waist circumference, body mass index, fibrinogen level, fasting blood sugar, cholesterol, C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and glycosylated haemoglobin. There was a significant difference in number of patients with Androgenetic Alopecia manifesting criteria of metabolic syndrome (51% vs 28%), as well as BPH diagnostic criteria (36% vs 6.8%) compared with the control subjects. Both BPH and metabolic syndrome were shown to be significant independent variables associated with Androgenetic Alopecia.
Conclusions
Dermatologists, urologists, and primary care physicians should monitor patients with early onset Androgenetic Alopecia for the development of urinary symptoms, to permit an earlier diagnosis of BPH; and for metabolic syndrome symptoms, to permit early diagnosis of cardiovascular risk factors.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia, metabolic syndrome and androgenic alopecia: Is there a possible relationship?
Author links open overlay panelNaglaa F.AgamiaaAmrEl-Abdd
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aju.2016.01.003Get rights and content
Under a Creative Commons license
Abstract
Objective
To evaluate the incidence of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and metabolic syndrome in patients with androgenetic alopecia (Androgenetic Alopecia) in comparison with those with no Androgenetic Alopecia, as several previous studies have reported inconsistent results of an association between metabolic syndrome and BPH with Androgenetic Alopecia.
Patients, subjects and methods
This cross-sectional study included 400 participants, divided into 300 patients diagnosed with Androgenetic Alopecia, with different grades according to Norwood–Hamilton classification, and 100 control subjects with no Androgenetic Alopecia. Criteria for diagnosis of metabolic syndrome according to Adult Treatment Panel-III criteria (waist circumference, blood pressure, fasting blood sugar, high-density lipoprotein and triglycerides), as well as criteria for diagnosis of BPH (prostatic volume, urine flow, and prostate-specific antigen) were assessed in all patients and compared with the control subjects.
Results
There were significant differences between the Androgenetic Alopecia and no-Androgenetic Alopecia groups for the following variables: waist circumference, body mass index, fibrinogen level, fasting blood sugar, cholesterol, C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and glycosylated haemoglobin. There was a significant difference in number of patients with Androgenetic Alopecia manifesting criteria of metabolic syndrome (51% vs 28%), as well as BPH diagnostic criteria (36% vs 6.8%) compared with the control subjects. Both BPH and metabolic syndrome were shown to be significant independent variables associated with Androgenetic Alopecia.
Conclusions
Dermatologists, urologists, and primary care physicians should monitor patients with early onset Androgenetic Alopecia for the development of urinary symptoms, to permit an earlier diagnosis of BPH; and for metabolic syndrome symptoms, to permit early diagnosis of cardiovascular risk factors.
I know this doesn’t give actual numbers but still interesting
I think the inflammation has to be dealt with diet and environmental factors first and then maybe topicals.
Since we know that male patern baldness is linked to inflammation, do you know which drugs could help to remove the most efficiently this inflammation, and what is the porcentage of the inflammation it would approximately remove? (i am not speaking about setipiprant or fevi, but actual drugs in the market)
I may be as efficient than a finasteride who knows
I may be as efficient than a finasteride who knows
You can't just get tested for "inflammation". Inflammation isn't just one thing. It's a cascade of things. It involves multiple chemical signals, messengers, and sometimes antibodies, antigens, etc... Balding increases as you age possibly due to long lasting effects of DHT, inflammation, but also due to reduced growth factors and a reduction of all sorts of hormones such as aldosterone,calcitonin, growth hormone, and renin.
These hormones effect your sodium, calcium levels as well as blood flow and fluid balance.
My point is this: you have to address hair loss on multiple fronts. Simplifying it to one cause like "inflammation" isn't going to solve the issue.
These hormones effect your sodium, calcium levels as well as blood flow and fluid balance.
My point is this: you have to address hair loss on multiple fronts. Simplifying it to one cause like "inflammation" isn't going to solve the issue.
thanks for your reply
Yes, of course, i am not pretending that reducing inflammation would solve all this issue, but i am trying to focusing on the best way to reduce this factor.
there is 5 factors to reduce imo:
-DHT (who indirectly remove inflammation)
-gene expression ( but a long time to go because it can be dangerous)
-inflammation
-scalp tension
-fibrosis
- and more
So if someone of you know how we could reduce this inflammation, via drug (not DHT blocker because i ask this as an additional treatment) i would be very greatful
Yes, of course, i am not pretending that reducing inflammation would solve all this issue, but i am trying to focusing on the best way to reduce this factor.
there is 5 factors to reduce imo:
-DHT (who indirectly remove inflammation)
-gene expression ( but a long time to go because it can be dangerous)
-inflammation
-scalp tension
-fibrosis
- and more
So if someone of you know how we could reduce this inflammation, via drug (not DHT blocker because i ask this as an additional treatment) i would be very greatful
Last edited:
Top 5 Blood Tests for Inflammation
It is one of the most insidious causes of disease that we overlook. Chronic inflammation is persistent, low-grade inflammation that can last for years. It is a precursor to accelerated aging and disease.
In fact, inflammation has been linked to almost every major health problem. It inhibits optimal function of your body from a cellular level, making you a slower healer and promoting disease at the deepest level. Luckily, there are advanced tests for inflammation that can help you design an anti-inflammatory lifestyle.
There are several tests that can help determine the level of inflammation in your body. These tests should be performed routinely as a preventativemeasure and to monitor inflammatory status. This article will discuss what inflammation is, the top 5 tests for inflammation, and how you can test your own.
What is Inflammation?
Inflammation is the body’s natural defense mechanism. It is part of the body’s innate immune system and can be triggered by many things. It is a complex process by which the body’s white blood cells are released into the blood or affected tissues to fight infection. Inflammation is essentially the body’s way of tagging a part of the body to receive attention from the immune system.
There are two types of inflammation, acute and chronic. Acute inflammation starts quickly and generally disappears within a few days. Acute inflammation protects us against damaged cells, viruses, and bacteria. In this way, inflammation is beneficial.
Chronic inflammation is systemic inflammation that can last for months or years. Many things can contribute to chronic inflammation including inflammatory foods, environmental toxins, excess weight, and stress.
Chronic inflammation & Disease
Chronic inflammation occurs when our bodies are repeatedly exposed to these influences and inflammatory mediators are produced throughout the body. The immune system becomes overwhelmed as the ongoing stimulus results in more cell recruitment, increased inflammation, and changes to cells.
White blood cells will eventually start attacking internal organs or other necessary tissues and cells, which is characteristic of autoimmunity. This inflammatory response continues until the cause of the inflammation is addressed.
Chronic inflammation is at the root of most, if not all chronic diseases including cancer, ALS, and heart disease (1). It also increases the risk for diabetes and weight gain, aging, lung issues, increased bone loss and lack of bone growth, and depression.
Autoimmune diseases are also a result of inflammation. In autoimmune disease, the body’s immune system triggers an inflammatory response to its own tissues. The body responds as if normal tissues are infected and attacks these tissues. Autoimmune diseases, such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and arthritis, develop as a result.
Inflammation & Mitochondria
Mitochondria are tiny structures within just about every cell of your body. They are responsible for producing the energy your cells need to carry out their functions. What many people don’t realize is that these tiny structures are also very vulnerable to chronic inflammation.
What this means is that chronic inflammation damages mitochondria, lowers your body’s overall ability to function and heal, and steals energy from just about every process in your body.
It is critical to test for inflammation and take measures to reduce inflammation in the body. The best tests for inflammation are Fasting Insulin, HgA1C, C Reactive Protein, Serum Ferritin, and Red Blood Cell Width. Each of these tests will be explained below and both clinical and optimal ranges will be given.
5 Tests for Inflammation
With most health issues it can be extremely helpful to test and retest inflammatory markers periodically when attempting to overcome a health challenge. This will allow for detection of specific target points and will make progress easier to track moving forward.
I find that having these markers recorded at the beginning of a health plan generally improves the outcomes by providing quantifiable data points that can be monitored throughout the process.
Fasting Insulin
The fasting insulin level test is a valuable test for detecting levels of inflammation. Insulin is a hormone that is produced and stored in the pancreas. Insulin helps transport glucose from the blood to cells. When the body recognizes that blood sugar is elevating, the pancreas releases insulin.
Our bodies need some circulating insulin at all times. However, high or low insulin levels can be problematic. A high insulin level is a sign of insulin resistance or diabetes. The association of obesity, insulin resistance, and chronic low-grade inflammation has been evident for years. All are related to aging as well (2).
Insulin resistance is the decreased ability to respond to the effects of insulin. As a result, the body produces additional amounts of insulin which increases inflammatory processes within the body.
Over time, surges of insulin can cause chronic health complications. Health conditions associated with insulin resistance include type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and high blood pressure.
High fasting insulin can also indicate metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is a set of risk factors that increases a person’s chance of developing serious conditions such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and stroke. These risk factors include: insulin resistance, abdominal obesity, unhealthy lipid levels, and high blood pressure. It is estimated that 34% of Americans have metabolic syndrome.
Clinical Range: 2.6-24.9 uIU/ml
Optimal Range: 1.0-5.0 uIU/ml
Hemoglobin A1c
Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) gives the average amount of glucose in the blood, or blood sugar, over the past 3 months. It is one of the top tests for determining whether a person has inflammation.
Hemoglobin A1c (or glycated hemoglobin) is formed in the blood when glucose attaches to hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. The higher the level of glucose in the blood, the more glycated hemoglobin is formed.
Red blood cells are constantly forming and dying, but typically they live for about 3 months. Thus, the A1C test reflects the average of a person’s blood glucose levels over the past three months. The test is reported as a percentage. The higher the percentage, the higher a person’s blood glucose levels have been.
The HbA1c test can screen for diabetes and prediabetes. It is also used to monitor the glucose control of diabetics over time. Chronically elevated glucose levels as reflected by a high HbA1c, can damage the body’s organs and nerves.
Chronically elevated blood sugar reacts with enzymes and other protein molecules to create Advanced Glycolytic End Products (AGEs) (3). AGEs are highly inflammatory and damage tissue throughout the body. The result is neurologicaland cardiovascular complications which are common with diabetes.
Clinical Range: 4.8-5.6
Optimal Range: 4.5-5.2
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
The C-Reactive Protein (CRP) test is a blood test marker used to assess levels of inflammation in the body. CRP is a protein produced in the liver. It is an acute phase reactant, which means it increases or decreases in concentration with inflammation or trauma.
The best measurement to detect CRP is the high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) test. This is often used for cardiovascular risk assessment since high-sensitivity CRP has been linked to heart disease and mortality (4).
CRP is also useful in diagnosing and monitoring chronic inflammatory conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis, autoimmune diseases, and psychological issues (5). Measuring CRP gives the inflammatory status of the body and is critical for diagnosing and monitoring many chronic health conditions.
Clinical Range: 0-3 mg/L
Optimal Range: 0-2 mg/L
Serum Ferritin
The ferritin test is a simple blood test that measures the level of ferritin in the body. Ferritin is a blood cell protein that stores iron. Low levels of ferritin indicate iron deficiency which causes anemia, a reduction in the number of red blood cells.
Like CRP, ferritin is an acute phase reactant. This makes a ferritin test useful in detecting a chronic disease process. Elevated levels of ferritin can indicate inflammation, liver disease, chronic infection, autoimmune disorders, and some types of cancer (6).
Clinical Range: 30-400
Optimal Range: Females (25-100), Males (50-150)
Red Blood Cell Width (RDW)
Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW) is an excellent test to detect inflammation in the body. A 2011 study found that RDW is a “robust predictor” of the risk of mortality from all causes and bloodstream inflection (7). RDW reflects overall inflammation and oxidative stress.
RDW is an expression of the variation in size of the red blood cells that make up the total population of red blood cells in an individual. The size of the blood vessel has a lot to do with the maturation of the blood cells and this is dependent upon methylating agents such folate and B12.
Red blood cells begin their life cycle very large but as they mature in the bone marrow, the overall width is reduced to a more optimal size to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the cells. Elevated RDW is associated with multiple diseases. RDW is a widely available, inexpensive test that is included in the complete blood count panel.
Clinical Range: 12.3-15.4%
Optimal Range: 11.7-15%
The Complete Thyroid Report
The Complete Thyroid Report is a comprehensive test that looks at all the above tests for inflammation, including the high-sensitivity CRP. The test is more sophisticated than what most conventional doctors run and examines all parameters of thyroid function.
The Complete Thyroid Panel includes a Complete Blood Count, Complete Metabolic Panel, Urinalysis, Lipid Panel, and Thyroid Panel. It tests immune function, thyroid function, blood sugar regulation, liver function, nutritional deficiencies and much more. People who may benefit from this test include anyone with low energy, weight gain, chronic digestive problems or joint pain, brain fog, skin or hair issues, hormonal issues, and depression.
The Complete Thyroid Report can be found hereand should be done regularly as both a preventative measure and to monitor inflammatory levels.
Summary
Chronic inflammation is associated with serious health conditions. Heart disease, cancer, ALS, diabetes and other health problems have been linked to chronic inflammation. In fact, it is almost always a factor in chronic diseases.
There are 5 top tests for detecting and measuring the level of inflammation in your body. These tests are Fasting Insulin, Hemoglobin A1c, C-Reactive Protein, Serum Ferritin, and Red Blood Cell Width.
These tests and much more are included in the Complete Thyroid Panel. The Complete Thyroid Panel should be done regularly to monitor inflammation in the body. It looks at all areas of the thyroid, liver enzymes, iron levels, vitamin D, B12, fasting insulin and more.
For action steps on how to reduce inflammation quickly, check out this article.
Sources for this Article Include:
1. Philip Hunter, The Inflammation Theory of Disease. 2012 Nov; 13(11): 968–970. PMID: 3492709.
2. Zeyda, Maximilian, Stulnig, Thomas M., Obesity Inflammation, and Insulin Resistance- A Mini Review. Gerontology 2009; 55:379–386 DOI: 10.1159/000212758. Link here
3. Basta, G, Schmidt, AM, De Caterina, R, Advanced Glycation End Products and Vascular Inflammation: Implications for Accelerated Atherosclerosis in Diabetes. Cardiovasc Res.2004 Sep 1;63(4):582-92. PMID:15306213
4. Yoshinaga R, Doi Y, Ayukawa, K, Ishikawa S, High-sensitivity C reactive protein as a predictor of in hospital mortality in patients with cardiovascular disease at an emergency department: a retrospective cohort study. 2017 Oct 6;7(10):e015112. PMID: 28988163
5. Marie Kim Wium-Andersen, MD;David Dynnes Orsted, MD; Sune Fallgaard Nielsen, MScEE, PhD; et al., Elevated C-Reactive Protein Levels, Psychological Distress, and Depression in Individual. JAMA Psychiatry. 2013;70(2):176-184. doi:10.1001
6. Paul Adams, MD, Management of Elevated Serum Ferritin Levels. Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 2008 May; 4(5): 333–334. PMID 3093720
7. Heidi S. Bazick, MD, Domingo Change, MD, et al., Red Cell Distribution Width and All Cause Mortality in Critically Ill Patients. Crit Care Med. 2011 Aug; 39(8): 1913–1921. PMID: 4427349
It is one of the most insidious causes of disease that we overlook. Chronic inflammation is persistent, low-grade inflammation that can last for years. It is a precursor to accelerated aging and disease.
In fact, inflammation has been linked to almost every major health problem. It inhibits optimal function of your body from a cellular level, making you a slower healer and promoting disease at the deepest level. Luckily, there are advanced tests for inflammation that can help you design an anti-inflammatory lifestyle.
There are several tests that can help determine the level of inflammation in your body. These tests should be performed routinely as a preventativemeasure and to monitor inflammatory status. This article will discuss what inflammation is, the top 5 tests for inflammation, and how you can test your own.
What is Inflammation?
Inflammation is the body’s natural defense mechanism. It is part of the body’s innate immune system and can be triggered by many things. It is a complex process by which the body’s white blood cells are released into the blood or affected tissues to fight infection. Inflammation is essentially the body’s way of tagging a part of the body to receive attention from the immune system.
There are two types of inflammation, acute and chronic. Acute inflammation starts quickly and generally disappears within a few days. Acute inflammation protects us against damaged cells, viruses, and bacteria. In this way, inflammation is beneficial.
Chronic inflammation is systemic inflammation that can last for months or years. Many things can contribute to chronic inflammation including inflammatory foods, environmental toxins, excess weight, and stress.
Chronic inflammation & Disease
Chronic inflammation occurs when our bodies are repeatedly exposed to these influences and inflammatory mediators are produced throughout the body. The immune system becomes overwhelmed as the ongoing stimulus results in more cell recruitment, increased inflammation, and changes to cells.
White blood cells will eventually start attacking internal organs or other necessary tissues and cells, which is characteristic of autoimmunity. This inflammatory response continues until the cause of the inflammation is addressed.
Chronic inflammation is at the root of most, if not all chronic diseases including cancer, ALS, and heart disease (1). It also increases the risk for diabetes and weight gain, aging, lung issues, increased bone loss and lack of bone growth, and depression.
Autoimmune diseases are also a result of inflammation. In autoimmune disease, the body’s immune system triggers an inflammatory response to its own tissues. The body responds as if normal tissues are infected and attacks these tissues. Autoimmune diseases, such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and arthritis, develop as a result.
Inflammation & Mitochondria
Mitochondria are tiny structures within just about every cell of your body. They are responsible for producing the energy your cells need to carry out their functions. What many people don’t realize is that these tiny structures are also very vulnerable to chronic inflammation.
What this means is that chronic inflammation damages mitochondria, lowers your body’s overall ability to function and heal, and steals energy from just about every process in your body.
It is critical to test for inflammation and take measures to reduce inflammation in the body. The best tests for inflammation are Fasting Insulin, HgA1C, C Reactive Protein, Serum Ferritin, and Red Blood Cell Width. Each of these tests will be explained below and both clinical and optimal ranges will be given.
5 Tests for Inflammation
With most health issues it can be extremely helpful to test and retest inflammatory markers periodically when attempting to overcome a health challenge. This will allow for detection of specific target points and will make progress easier to track moving forward.
I find that having these markers recorded at the beginning of a health plan generally improves the outcomes by providing quantifiable data points that can be monitored throughout the process.
Fasting Insulin
The fasting insulin level test is a valuable test for detecting levels of inflammation. Insulin is a hormone that is produced and stored in the pancreas. Insulin helps transport glucose from the blood to cells. When the body recognizes that blood sugar is elevating, the pancreas releases insulin.
Our bodies need some circulating insulin at all times. However, high or low insulin levels can be problematic. A high insulin level is a sign of insulin resistance or diabetes. The association of obesity, insulin resistance, and chronic low-grade inflammation has been evident for years. All are related to aging as well (2).
Insulin resistance is the decreased ability to respond to the effects of insulin. As a result, the body produces additional amounts of insulin which increases inflammatory processes within the body.
Over time, surges of insulin can cause chronic health complications. Health conditions associated with insulin resistance include type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and high blood pressure.
High fasting insulin can also indicate metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is a set of risk factors that increases a person’s chance of developing serious conditions such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and stroke. These risk factors include: insulin resistance, abdominal obesity, unhealthy lipid levels, and high blood pressure. It is estimated that 34% of Americans have metabolic syndrome.
Clinical Range: 2.6-24.9 uIU/ml
Optimal Range: 1.0-5.0 uIU/ml
Hemoglobin A1c
Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) gives the average amount of glucose in the blood, or blood sugar, over the past 3 months. It is one of the top tests for determining whether a person has inflammation.
Hemoglobin A1c (or glycated hemoglobin) is formed in the blood when glucose attaches to hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. The higher the level of glucose in the blood, the more glycated hemoglobin is formed.
Red blood cells are constantly forming and dying, but typically they live for about 3 months. Thus, the A1C test reflects the average of a person’s blood glucose levels over the past three months. The test is reported as a percentage. The higher the percentage, the higher a person’s blood glucose levels have been.
The HbA1c test can screen for diabetes and prediabetes. It is also used to monitor the glucose control of diabetics over time. Chronically elevated glucose levels as reflected by a high HbA1c, can damage the body’s organs and nerves.
Chronically elevated blood sugar reacts with enzymes and other protein molecules to create Advanced Glycolytic End Products (AGEs) (3). AGEs are highly inflammatory and damage tissue throughout the body. The result is neurologicaland cardiovascular complications which are common with diabetes.
Clinical Range: 4.8-5.6
Optimal Range: 4.5-5.2
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
The C-Reactive Protein (CRP) test is a blood test marker used to assess levels of inflammation in the body. CRP is a protein produced in the liver. It is an acute phase reactant, which means it increases or decreases in concentration with inflammation or trauma.
The best measurement to detect CRP is the high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) test. This is often used for cardiovascular risk assessment since high-sensitivity CRP has been linked to heart disease and mortality (4).
CRP is also useful in diagnosing and monitoring chronic inflammatory conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis, autoimmune diseases, and psychological issues (5). Measuring CRP gives the inflammatory status of the body and is critical for diagnosing and monitoring many chronic health conditions.
Clinical Range: 0-3 mg/L
Optimal Range: 0-2 mg/L
Serum Ferritin
The ferritin test is a simple blood test that measures the level of ferritin in the body. Ferritin is a blood cell protein that stores iron. Low levels of ferritin indicate iron deficiency which causes anemia, a reduction in the number of red blood cells.
Like CRP, ferritin is an acute phase reactant. This makes a ferritin test useful in detecting a chronic disease process. Elevated levels of ferritin can indicate inflammation, liver disease, chronic infection, autoimmune disorders, and some types of cancer (6).
Clinical Range: 30-400
Optimal Range: Females (25-100), Males (50-150)
Red Blood Cell Width (RDW)
Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW) is an excellent test to detect inflammation in the body. A 2011 study found that RDW is a “robust predictor” of the risk of mortality from all causes and bloodstream inflection (7). RDW reflects overall inflammation and oxidative stress.
RDW is an expression of the variation in size of the red blood cells that make up the total population of red blood cells in an individual. The size of the blood vessel has a lot to do with the maturation of the blood cells and this is dependent upon methylating agents such folate and B12.
Red blood cells begin their life cycle very large but as they mature in the bone marrow, the overall width is reduced to a more optimal size to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the cells. Elevated RDW is associated with multiple diseases. RDW is a widely available, inexpensive test that is included in the complete blood count panel.
Clinical Range: 12.3-15.4%
Optimal Range: 11.7-15%
The Complete Thyroid Report
The Complete Thyroid Report is a comprehensive test that looks at all the above tests for inflammation, including the high-sensitivity CRP. The test is more sophisticated than what most conventional doctors run and examines all parameters of thyroid function.
The Complete Thyroid Panel includes a Complete Blood Count, Complete Metabolic Panel, Urinalysis, Lipid Panel, and Thyroid Panel. It tests immune function, thyroid function, blood sugar regulation, liver function, nutritional deficiencies and much more. People who may benefit from this test include anyone with low energy, weight gain, chronic digestive problems or joint pain, brain fog, skin or hair issues, hormonal issues, and depression.
The Complete Thyroid Report can be found hereand should be done regularly as both a preventative measure and to monitor inflammatory levels.
Summary
Chronic inflammation is associated with serious health conditions. Heart disease, cancer, ALS, diabetes and other health problems have been linked to chronic inflammation. In fact, it is almost always a factor in chronic diseases.
There are 5 top tests for detecting and measuring the level of inflammation in your body. These tests are Fasting Insulin, Hemoglobin A1c, C-Reactive Protein, Serum Ferritin, and Red Blood Cell Width.
These tests and much more are included in the Complete Thyroid Panel. The Complete Thyroid Panel should be done regularly to monitor inflammation in the body. It looks at all areas of the thyroid, liver enzymes, iron levels, vitamin D, B12, fasting insulin and more.
For action steps on how to reduce inflammation quickly, check out this article.
Sources for this Article Include:
1. Philip Hunter, The Inflammation Theory of Disease. 2012 Nov; 13(11): 968–970. PMID: 3492709.
2. Zeyda, Maximilian, Stulnig, Thomas M., Obesity Inflammation, and Insulin Resistance- A Mini Review. Gerontology 2009; 55:379–386 DOI: 10.1159/000212758. Link here
3. Basta, G, Schmidt, AM, De Caterina, R, Advanced Glycation End Products and Vascular Inflammation: Implications for Accelerated Atherosclerosis in Diabetes. Cardiovasc Res.2004 Sep 1;63(4):582-92. PMID:15306213
4. Yoshinaga R, Doi Y, Ayukawa, K, Ishikawa S, High-sensitivity C reactive protein as a predictor of in hospital mortality in patients with cardiovascular disease at an emergency department: a retrospective cohort study. 2017 Oct 6;7(10):e015112. PMID: 28988163
5. Marie Kim Wium-Andersen, MD;David Dynnes Orsted, MD; Sune Fallgaard Nielsen, MScEE, PhD; et al., Elevated C-Reactive Protein Levels, Psychological Distress, and Depression in Individual. JAMA Psychiatry. 2013;70(2):176-184. doi:10.1001
6. Paul Adams, MD, Management of Elevated Serum Ferritin Levels. Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 2008 May; 4(5): 333–334. PMID 3093720
7. Heidi S. Bazick, MD, Domingo Change, MD, et al., Red Cell Distribution Width and All Cause Mortality in Critically Ill Patients. Crit Care Med. 2011 Aug; 39(8): 1913–1921. PMID: 4427349
Thank you for answer. I have been using milk thistle for 2 weeks now and my skin is still oily. I use 1 teaspoon in the morning and evening. Should I take a larger dose? What am I doing wrong? Thank you very much.
Note On Worst Foods
Although it is important to know which of the worst foods to avoid, it is never a good idea to be constantly fixated on what you can’t eat. Once you understand the foods to avoid, keep a mental note in the back of your head. Next, take to heart my healing diet nutrition principles and begin incorporating them into your life.
By doing so, you will begin to naturally avoid the worst foods for your health. Instead of feeling limited to a narrow selection of foods, you will experience liberation knowing that the foods that you are eating are adding to your vitality every day!
Table Salt
Commercial Table salt is nothing like the natural salts our bodies have been receiving for thousands of years. Naturally occurring salts from the earth contain sodium along with over 80 different trace minerals, all of which play an important role in the body.
Commercial table salt is a chemically synthesized sodium chloride along with other nasty additives that prevent it from clumping together. Additionally, these salts often contain things like aluminum and fluoride which I would never recommend putting into your body.
Alternative: Natural Salts
When it comes to salt, I recommend consuming generous amounts on your food. This is because the sodium and other trace minerals play a vital role as electrolytes that ensure your nervous system is working efficiently.
The salts I recommend are those from clean earth sources. This would include salts like Pink Himalayan and Celtic Gray. The coloration to these unique salts is an indication of their mineral content.
If you are concerned about getting iodine, I would recommend using a seasoning that includes kelp like Herbamare or Braggs Sea Kelp Delight.
Vegetable Oil
There are two important concepts to understand when it comes to fat consumption. Having a healthy Omega-3:Omega-6 ratio is important for controlling inflammation in the body and regulating metabolism (1). Also, your brain and the myelin that surrounds your nerves is primarily made of fats.
Consuming highly processed vegetable oils contributes to disease by neglecting both of these important concepts. Vegetable oils are very high in omega-6 fats while also being highly damaged during processing. This leaves you with an elevation in inflammation and subpar building materials for your brain and peripheral nervous system!
Be careful here…these are REALLY HARD to avoid all together. Be sure to read labels and if you see anything with corn oil, soybean oil, safflower oil, cottonseed oil, canola oil and peanut oil than those are vegetable oil culprits. Many restaurants cook with these and call them “olive oil” when they are really 50% or more corn or canola oil.
Do the best you can and ask a lot of questions when you eat out. Even better, call the restaurant ahead of time and ask if you are able. My wife and I will often bring our own oils and grass fed butter or ghee to make sure we get the right stuff. Here is an example, one of our favorite local restaurants, Ted’s Montana Grill, has a great menu with bison and guacamole and good veggies. Unfortunately, there “olive oil” is 50% canola oil…so we don’t use it. We bring our own olive oil or XCT oil like in this picture and our grass-fed ghee.
Alternative: Organic Virgin Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a great source of healthy saturated fat that is safe for cooking up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, it provides small amount of medium chain triglycerides which can be converted into ketones that have great benefits for your body.
Unfermented Soy Products
Over the years, soy has become a hot topic as a healthy vs unhealthy food. My view is that you do not want this stuff in your diet. Here’s why:
- High Amounts of Phytic Acids and Lectins: Soy contains these chemicals as natural defenses from animals that try to consume them. Phytic Acid binds up minerals, lowering the nutrition you absorb from your meals. Lectins can be extremely damaging to the lining of the gut.
- GMO & Glyphosate: The vast majority of soy in our food supply is genetically modified, containing high amounts of the infamous herbicide glyphosate. Glyphosate is another compound that destroys the health of your gut while draining vital nutrients as your body tries to neutralize it.
- Hormones: Soy has mild-estrogenic effects that may be harmful to someone who already has sex hormone imbalance.
Alternative: Fermented Soy
Soy can be tolerable and even nutritious in its fermented form. This includes things like ORGANIC miso, natto, and tempeh. The fermentation process deactivates a large amount of the phytic acid and lectins which allows you to readily absorb the nutrients.
If you have a histamine intolerance, then I would recommend avoiding these foods as it can cause a reaction. Other Alternatives include:
- Soy Sauce = Coconut Aminos
- Soy Protein = Gut Healing (vegan option) or Bone Broth Protein
- Soy-based meats = Grass-fed Beef
Processed Meat
The types of meat you eat are extremely important. Many people believe that simply buying the leanest meats is the healthiest option. The truth is, most of the meat produced today is simply unacceptable.
You want to avoid highly processed meats like deli meats, cured meats, and any kind of meat that comes from poor living conditions. Unless the package states that it is organic and ideally pasture-raised, you will probably want to steer clear of it.
Alternatives: Pasture-Raised/ Wild-Caught
You want your meat to come from animals that have been raised humanely, in pastures, and fed the diet they are meant to eat. For beef and lamb this would be grass, for poultry, this would be things like bugs, seeds, berries and things that can be foraged in a natural environment.
As a result these meats are more nutritious and contain a more favorable omega-3:Omega-6 ratios. The best bet to find good meat is either a health-centered grocer or an online source such as US Wellness Meats or Slankers.
Microwaved Popcorn
Microwave popcorn is no good for a few reasons. First it is typically GMO corn, which will almost always contain glyphosate. Next, many brands utilize an artificial flavoring called diacetyl that is an alternative to butter. Diacetyl has been linked to respiratory disorders (2).
Finally, corn is a common food sensitivity that I see with many of my patients that can cause inflammation in the gut. Traditional microwaved popcorn is truly one of the worst foods you could possibly consume.
Alternative: Sprouted Pumpkin Seeds
If you must have popcorn, your best bet would be to either hot-air pop it or in a pot with coconut oil. Toss it up with some grass-fed butter or coconut oil and a high quality sea salt.
For an even healthier alternative, sprouted pumpkin seeds are a great option. They are super nutrient dense, a great source of zinc, and are a great source of healthy fats. They are nutrient dense and blood sugar friendly!
Non-Organic Produce
I have mentioned glyphosate a couple times already but I am going to reiterate. You need to avoid glyphosate, as well as all other pesticides, as much as possible. These are toxic to the human body, leaching minerals from the body and damaging the lining of your gut.
Alternative: Organic Produce
You can either go all organic or, if you are sticking to a budget,follow the clean 15 & dirty dozenguidelines released by the EWG. Buy organic for the dirty dozen foods while the clean 15 are relatively safe to purchase conventional.
I consider this an important investment in your nutrition and health of your gut (which tremendously influences your wellbeing overall).
Artificial Sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners and flavor enhancers include aspartame, acefultame potassium, monosodium glutamate, sucralose and many others. They allow us to make food taste amazing without needing to add salt or sugar. The downside is that these compounds have a neurotoxic effect on the brain and break down into nasty chemicals once they are digested.
The constituents of aspartame, for example, have been shown to increase chances of mood disorders, overstimulate neuronal cells in the brain, and increase chances of brain-related cancers (3, 4).
Alternative: Natural Sweeteners
One of the primary draws of artificial sweeteners is that they do not have any calories or sugar. If this is your motivation for using these products, steviaand monk fruit are great natural alternatives that will not have any negative impact on your blood sugar.
Other healthier options are organic coconut palm sugar or organic raw honey. While these will still create a rise in blood sugar, they have a relatively low glycemic index. I would recommend only using these on occasion.
Margarine
Margarine, like artificial sweeteners, is one of the more deceptive products to ever hit grocery store shelves. It is often marketed as a heart healthyalternative to butter. This is supposedly because it contains “heart healthy” vegetable oils and does not contain any saturated fat or cholesterol.
Although marketed as healthy, margarine is actually a toxic mixture of inflammatory, GMO, oils and artificial additives that I would not recommend to anyone. You want to instead eat fats that increase your Omega-3:Omega-6 ratio while providing healthy saturated fats for brain and nervous system health. Margarine is definitely one of the worst foods you can consume!
Alternative: Grass-fed Butter
While many alternatives could fall here, in terms of the health effects mentioned above, butter provides a very complete nutrition profile. Butter from grass-fed cows is naturally high in Omega-3 fatty acids as well as important saturated fats and dietary cholesterol that are key for brain health and formation of sex hormones.
Other great options include: Organic Coconut Oil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Animal Fats (Lard/Tallow), Omega-3 rich fish, and avocado oil. As a general rule, fats that are solid at room temperature are suitable for cooking, while those that are liquid at room temperature are better suited as dressings after cooking.
Canned Tomatoes
Chemicals from plastics are a disaster to healthy hormone balance. For men and women, frequent exposure to chemicals leached from plastics can cause an elevation in estrogen that has many negative health effects. One of the major offendors is the chemical Bisphenol-A (BPA).
What many people don’t realize is that BPA is often used in canned goods to protect the inside of the can from deteriorating. Combining a BPA lining with an acidic food such as tomatoes causes large amounts of BPA to leach out of the can. This means consuming canned tomatoes exposes your body to a massive amount of BPA. Although canned tomatoes are thought to be good, they are definitely one of the worst foods you can consume.
Alternative: Fresh Tomatoes
You may be able to find canned tomatoes in BPA free cans or even alternative packaging. However, I would say it is probably ideal to buy fresh organic tomatoes from your local health foods store or farmers market.
Following A Healing Diet
Sometimes the most daunting thing about beginning a new way of eating is becoming fixated on all of the worst foods you can no longer eat. So, after you get a general idea of the most important worst foods to avoid, it’s best to focus on these key guidelines for the foods you should eat.
A healing diet focuses on a style of eating that stabilizes blood sugar, dramatically lowers inflammation, reduces exposure to environmental toxins, and floods the body with nutrition on a daily basis.
As a simple starting point, I recommend 3 key rules for a healing diet.
Reduce Sugar & Grains
Sugars and refined carbohydrates consumed frequently throughout the day send blood sugar into an unstable rollercoaster. Along with this comes a fluctuation in insulin levels that contributes to inflammation, weight gain, and unstable energy levels.
Additionally, removing grains will drastically reduce phytic acids and lectins going into your system. This will help you extract more nutrition from your food and put less of an inflammatory strain on your gut lining.
Decrease Bad Fat & Increase Good Fat
Remove highly processed oils and fats from conventionally raised animals. Replace them with healthy fats. This includes things like grass-fed butter, coconut oil and coconut products, olive oil, avocados, and MCT oil. These help stabilize blood sugar, balance hormones, and keep you full between meals.
Change The Meat You Eat
It is absolutely critical that you replace all conventionally raised animal products with those derived from pasture-raised animals. The nutritional value of any animal derived product is a direct reflection of the environment it was raised in. Meat and dairy from pasture-raised animals is richer in nutrients, contains more omega-3 fatty acids, and overall is better for you and the environment.
Now you understand the worst foods to eat so be sure to avoid these. For a more in-depth shopping guide, click the banner below and you can get a free shopping list for the healing diet along with core principals of this powerful eating style.
Sources For This Article Include:
1. Simopoulos, A. P. (2016). An increase in the Omega-6/Omega-3 fatty acid ratio increases the risk for obesity. Nutrients, 8(3), 1–17. PMID: 26950145
2. Simopoulos, A. P. (2016). An increase in the Omega-6/Omega-3 fatty acid ratio increases the risk for obesity. Nutrients, 8(3), 1–17. PMID: 26950145
3. Simopoulos, A. P. (2016). An increase in the Omega-6/Omega-3 fatty acid ratio increases the risk for obesity. Nutrients, 8(3), 1–17. PMID: 26950145
4. Rycerz, K., & Jaworska-Adamu, J. E. (2013). Effects of aspartame metabolites on astrocytes and neurons. Folia Neuropathologica, 51(1), 10–17. PMID: 23553132
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Can you please write some links to another forums? Thanks