TNF promotes inflammatory conditions
TNF is an acronym for tumor necrosis factor, a family of proteins and peptides collectively referred to as cytokines. Cytokines are manufactured by the immune system to act as specialized molecules that regulate communication signals within and between cells. Their mission is to trigger apoptosis, or programmed cellular death, through a series of biochemical reactions. However, as the term "necrosis" implies, TNF also contributes to sudden cell death by initiating an immune response to cells affected by injury or trauma. Because TNF is associated with inflammatory disorders such as Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis and asthma, researchers are looking for ways to block TNF naturally.
Instructions
1. Turmeric root is a natural souce of curcumin
Add generous amounts of turmeric to your diet. Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin, which has demonstrated antioxidant activity and TNF inhibition. One animal-based study designed to examine the effects of curcumin on acute pancreatitis showed that the pancreatic tissue of rats in the treatment group had significantly lower levels of TNF-alpha. The results of this study were published in the February 2006 issue of the "Journal of Veterinary Medicine." Additional studies indicate that the anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin may be applicable to several other autoimmune disorders. For instance, a 2009 review of previous research papers published in "Current Pharmaceutical Design" concluded that curcumin deters several TNF-related inflammatory mediators involved in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including TNF-alpha and NF-kappaB. The authors of this paper further noted of curcumin that "...its unrivalled safety profile suggest that it has bright prospects in the treatment of IBD." In addition to the use of turmeric as a culinary spice, curcumin is available as a dietary supplement standardized to contain 95% curcuminoids.
2. Green tea contains compounds that block TNF naturally
Consider supplementing with green tea. The health benefits of green tea are due to the presence of a group of plant flavonoids called catechins. Of particular interest to researchers is epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG), the primary catechin in green tea. For example, South Korean researchers have found that EGCG blocks TNF naturally by interfering with the ability of certain pro-inflammatory chemicals to bind to cells of smooth muscle tissue of the vascular system. In a 2009 study conducted by the Chonbuk National University Medical School, it was noted that the specific mechanism of action of EGCG in terms of blocking TNF is the suppression of fractalkine, an inflammatory agent specifically involved in the development of arteriosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries.
3. Fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains are natural sources of antioxidants
Increase your intake of whole grains, fresh fruits and raw vegetables. Although science continues to investigate the role many plant compounds and flavonoids play in blocking TNF, there is sufficient evidence to indicate that a diet consisting of foods high in natural antioxidants may provide anti-inflammatory benefits.
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