Infection Fighting With Anti-Inflammatory Strategies
Hello again everyone:
Did you know that the first phase of all healing involves inflammation, and that this is inherently an immune process? What that means is that there is inflammation that is needed and purposeful at the start of any infection, wound or any type of tissue injury. It also means that there is inflammation that is NOT needed. Furthermore, without adequate inflammation, the immune process to defend us from infection cannot get sufficiently off the ground if we do not allow purposeful inflammation to progress. With COVID-19, later in the infectious process there can be an overwhelming inflammatory ‘storm’ by the immune system, and this can lead to organ failure and death. So the trick is initially to allow some inflammation and then later on to tamp it down to some extent.
You can support this mechanism in the following way: part of the natural immune and tissue signaling process that assists in the resolution of inflammation involves what are called Specialized Pro-resolving Mediators (SPM’s).
Bottom Line:
SPM’s are primarily derived from Omega-3 essential fatty acids, such as fish oil and flax seed oil which are both sources of Omega-3’s necessary to quell inflammation in a timely manner.
While fish oil and flax seed oil are not interchangeable as a source of Omega-3’s, that is, they contain different Omega-3’s. Both contribute to a pro-resolving inflammation response in unique ways that are mutually supportive…that means, it would be an optimal idea to supplement with both. If you had to choose only one, it would be the Omega-3’s from fish oil. You will need about 2000 mg. per day of a combination of the Omega 3 oils called EPA and DHA. What this means that when you purchase an Omega-3 Fish Oil 1000 mg. capsule, is that you need to see how much EPA and DHA are in that 1000 mg. gel cap and take as many caps as needed to get to the 2000 mg. levels.
Additionally, there is a more concentrated form from the Metagenics brand called SPM Active and the usual dosage is 2 per day.
Right now, if you are not sick, keeping some fish oil and flax seed oil in your system can keep your overall inflammation levels lower, but allow the initial immune inflammation to progress naturally, and when you need some SPM’s later during an illness process, you will have them available.
Remember, Omega-3’s can thin the blood, so if you are on any prescription blood thinning medication, you must check in with your prescribing physician BEFORE you start fish oil and make sure it is Ok. Also, general anti-inflammatory measures include avoiding sugar, fried foods, trans fats, processed foods, alcohol, mild exercise and adequate rest and good sleep. These are not trivial issues and you can importantly and significantly increase your natural resistance by taking these steps.
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