Our brain is involved in everything that we do. The brain is an amazing organ and like any vital organ it needs proper care to work at its peak performance. You have heard the phrase “you are what you eat” but you are also “what you think”. In other words, what we choose to eat and what we choose to think affects how our body and mind functions on a day-to-day basis. Our brain uses 20 to 30 % of our daily calorie intake. Diets that are high in sugar can slow down mental processes and actually increase the risk of depression. Diets high in sugar or high in simple carbs (breads and pasta) increase inflammation in the body increasing our risk of illnesses like Alzheimer’s, Diabetes, Heart Disease and Hypertension. Studies have shown that these illnesses can be avoided with the right diet. Years ago , I came across a study in which they drew blood from patients who were on different diets. They looked at inflammatory blood markers like C-Reactive Protein,  IL-6, IL-2, and homocysteine. The study revealed that diets high in red meat, fried foods, and sugar increased inflammation. We know that inflammation is the primary cause of heart disease,  Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia.

Interleukin 2 is a protein that regulates white blood cells that are part of our immune system. It is a cytokine signaling molecule in the immune systen. IL-2 is involved any many bodily processes but I will only point out a few. IL-2 is involved with carbohydrate binding, positive regulation of inflammatory response, and negative regulation of heart contraction. We have already learned that inflammation is the root of most of our illnesses and we see that IL-2 has a negative response on the heart. It is genetically related to Type 1 Hypersensitivity and Type 1 Diabetes. I

Interleukin 6 has both a pro-inflammatory and an anti-inflammatory affect on the body. It is secreted by T cells and macrophages in response to infection or tissue trauma, especially burns. IL-6 is also involved with many bodily processes such as the body’s response to yeast, viruses, insulin and cold. IL-6 is involved in the process of gluconeogenesis. Gluconeogenesis is the release of glucose into our body from cells in our liver and kidneys. This process is stimulated by cortisol which  over time suppresses our immune system and increase fat storage.

Homocysteine is a non-protein amino acid that , at increased levels  in the blood, causes endothelial cell injury promoting inflammation that leads to antherogenesis or plaque in our arteries. Homocysteine is associated with heart disease, stroke, and blood clots.

Lastly, C-Reactive Protein or CRP is a protein in the blood that rises due to inflammation and  has a negative effect on vasodilation and lipid storage. CRP has a strong correlation to heart disease.

Decreasing inflammation in our body is key in reducing our risk of disease. I believe we do this in three ways–right thinking or right believing, stress reduction through mediation and prayer, and diet. At the beginning of every year, I do a fast(more about this to come).  I plan to do a 40 day fast starting January 9th though February 17. I would love for you to join me. I have included a short video with a short recap of todays blob as well as a little about my journey. May 2017 bring you much joy and peace! May the Lord Jesus bless you abundantly!