A short while ago I created a new page on this website called "RLS Remedies from Around the World". I scoured the Internet looking for Forum Postings, Articles and Studies that presented natural remedies that have helped various RLS sufferers to lessen their symptoms. No name-brand remedies or pharmaceuticals were included. After several days of collecting this information, the postings were becoming highly repetitive. The same group of helpful supplements and harmful RLS triggers were being mentioned over and over again, from the US to New Zealand, from Canada to Romania. I compiled my collection of remedies and posted them online for others to read. If one of the remedies appealed to them, they could try it out. What became apparent during my research is that there are certain remedies that have worked for a lot of different RLS sufferers. Here are the most popular RLS Remedies and RLS Triggers: REMEDIES Vitamins Vitamin B3 (Niacin) Vitamin B11 (Folic Acid) Vitamin B12 Vitamin C Vitamin E Minerals Calcium / Magnesium Iron Potassium Water Zinc Herbs Butcher's Broom (Ruscus Aculeatus) Gingko Valerian Root Treatments Acupuncture Exercise Yoga RLS TRIGGERS Alcohol Aspartame Caffeine Dairy Gluten (found in Wheat) Insomnia MSG (Monosodium Glutamate) Salt Sugar Wheat (products contain Gluten plus additional additives) I realized as I researched that some of the helpful supplements people were mentioning had anti-inflammatory qualities. I had found this out in my own research when I was trying to find a cure for my restless legs. I, however, had NO idea why the majority of the supplements and special diets were helping people? I also didn't understand why these common RLS triggers were setting off people's legs? One thing I firmly believe, as you can tell from this website, is that inflammation is the PRIMARY cause of RLS. Based on this premise, I was able to develop my own remedy, and become totally free of my RLS after a 20 year bout - the last several years being EXTREMELY intense. I wondered if any of these other supplements that people kept mentioning had any anti-inflammatory qualities to them? I also wondered what sort of relationship these common RLS triggers have with inflammation, if any? So, I packed my bags and set off for the Information Highway, knowing that to convince you, the RLS Sufferer, I would not only have to present a series of convincing quotes from Scientists, Doctors and Nutritionists, but tangible scientific evidence to back them all up. What I found was truly amazing! It turns out that ALL of the above RLS remedies have anti-inflammatory qualities and EVERY SINGLE one of the common RLS triggers have inflammation inducing qualities. I was very excited when I learned about the following study. It may not seem like much, but to my knowledge, it's the first sign of a scientist even considering the possiblity that there is a connection between inflammation and RLS. Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is linked to gastrointestinal disorders. The prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) in RLS patients was determined. METHODS: RLS subjects were recruited from unbiased ads that did not mention gastrointestinal symptoms. RLS diagnosis was confirmed by a neurologist and utilized the International RLS Study Group criteria. General population controls (GPC) were spouses of gastrointestinal clinic patients and were excluded for RLS. Completely healthy controls (CHC) were excluded for RLS and gastrointestinal symptoms. IBS was diagnosed by Rome II criteria. SIBO was diagnosed by the lactulose breath test (LBT). RESULTS: There were 32 RLS subjects (23F/9M; 57 yo), 25 GPC (13F/12M; 58 yo) and 30 CHC (19F/11M; 44 yo). Twenty-nine had RLS unassociated with other GI diseases, one had celiac disease, and two had gastric resections. IBS was diagnosed in 28% of RLS subjects compared to 4% GPC (p=0.0317). SIBO was diagnosed in 69% of RLS subjects compared to 28% of GPC (p=0.0033) and 10% of CHC. Using a false positive rate of 10%, 59% of positive LBT results are associated with RLS. CONCLUSIONS: IBS and SIBO are common in RLS. Three hypotheses developed are (a) RLS patients are selectively immunocompromised or genetically predisposed and thus more subject to SIBO; (b) SIBO leads to autoimmune changes, and subsequent auto-antibodies attack brain and/or peripheral nerves and (c) SIBO inflammation leads to increased hepcidin and CNS iron deficiency which, in turn, leads to RLS. These hypotheses bear further investigation. "Restless legs syndrome is associated with irritable bowel syndrome and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth." Weinstock LB, Walters AS. Sleep Med. 2011 May 12. "Suddenly, inflammation has become one of the hottest areas of medical research. Hardly a week goes by without the publication of yet another study uncovering a new way that chronic inflammation does harm to the body. It destabilizes cholesterol deposits in the coronary arteries, leading to heart attacks and potentially even strokes. It chews up nerve cells in the brains of Alzheimer's victims. It may even foster the proliferation of abnormal cells and facilitate their transformation into cancer. In other words, chronic inflammation may be the engine that drives many of the most feared illnesses of middle and old age. This concept is so intriguing because it suggests a new and possibly much simpler way of warding off disease. Instead of different treatments for, say, heart disease, Alzheimer's and colon cancer, there might be a single, inflammation-reducing remedy that would prevent all three." Christine Gorman, Alice Park and Kristina Dell, "Health: The Fires Within", Time Magazine, (Feb. 23, 2004). www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,993419,00.html "The present study showed that niacin inhibits vascular inflammation and protects against endothelial dysfunction independent of changes in plasma lipid levels." Ben J. Wu, Ling Yan, Francesca Charlton, Paul Witting, Philip J. Barter and Kerry-Anne Rye. "Evidence That Niacin Inhibits Acute Vascular Inflammation and Improves Endothelial Dysfunction Independent of Changes in Plasma Lipids.", Lipid Research Group (B.J.W., L.Y., F.C., P.J.B., and K.-A.R.), Heart Research Institute, Sydney, Australia; the Faculty of Medicine (P.W., P.J.B., and K.-A.R.), University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; and the Department of Medicine (K.-A.R.), University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia. (February 8, 2011). "Prescription-strength, extended-release niacin raises levels of HDL (good cholesterol) and also helps reduce LDL (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides. Statins & niacin lower inflammation and CRP levels as well." Taylor AJ et al., "Arterial Biology for the Investigation of the Treatment Effects of Reducing Cholesterol (ARBITER 2): A Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Study of Long-acting Niacin on Atherosclerosis Progression in Secondary Prevention Patients Treated with Statins" (Circulation Nov 2004). "Niacin is known to improve lipid metabolism and exert antioxidant/anti-inflammatory actions." Kyu-hyang Cho, Hyun-ju Kim, Bernardo Rodriguez-Iturbe and Nosratola D. Vaziri. "Niacin Ameliorates Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, Proteinuria and Hypertension in Rats with Chronic Renal Failure." Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 297: F106-F113, 2011. First published May 6, 2011; doi:10.1152/ajprenal.00126.2011 0363-6127/09 "Lab tests can also measure how much folic acid and magnesium people have in their bodies. When they compare how much magnesium and folic acid is present in someone's body, they find that it is inversely related to their amount of inflammation. Typically, the lower the amount of folic acid and magnesium, the greater the amount of inflammation." A. Solini, E. Santini and E. Ferrannini, "Effect of Short-Term Folic Acid Supplementation on Insulin Sensitivity and Inflammatory Markers in Overweight subjects.", Int J Obes (Lond). 2006 Aug;30(8):1197-202. King DE, Mainous et al: "Dietary Magnesium and C-reactive Protein Levels.", J Am Coll Nutr. 2005 Jun;24(3):166-71.) "In healthy overweight subjects a short-term folic acid supplementation reduces the circulating level of some inflammatory mediators ... thus suggesting a potential therapeutic role for folic acid in the protection from atherogenesis and cardiovascular diseases." A. Solini, E. Santini and E. Ferrannini, International Journal of Obesity (2006) 30, 1197-1202. doi:10.1038/sj.ijo.0803265; published online (February 21, 2006). "Betaine and folic acid are nutrients that may reduce high blood levels of homocysteine, a potentially harmful amino acid that irritates the lining of blood vessels, causing inflammation." Samara Felesky-Hunt, "Nutrition Strategies to Reduce Inflammation.", canada.com www.canada.com/health/Nutrition+strategies+reduce+inflammation/2011676/story.html "Vitamin B12 and the associated amino acids methionine and cysteine are essential to avoid specific symptoms of anemia and the deleterious effects of inflammation." Dr. Art Ayers, "Vitamin B12 and Disease." Cooling Inflammation Blog, (September 24, 2011) coolinginflammation.blogspot.com/2011/09/vitamin-b12-and-disease.html "Other important features in vitamin B12 deficiency in man are mucosal atrophy and inflammation of tongue, mouth etc., degenerative lesions of the posterior and lateral columns of the spinal cord. The patient may feel pain, tingling and numbness in the extremities and there may be partial paralysis." Vitamin B12, HealthVitaminsGuide.com www.healthvitaminsguide.com/vitamins/vitamin-b12.htm "This study showed that a sensory neuropathy due to a B12 deficiency is a possible factor in unexplained chronic cough and dysfunction of the pharynx and larynx. Biopsies showed elevated levels of nerve growth factor in the oropharyngeal epithelial cells. Increased NGF is thought to increase neurogenic inflammation that would disrupt the airway and cause chronic discomfort and coughing. Through this mechanism, B12 deficiency may cause neurogenic inflammation of the airway, due to elevated levels of nerve growth factor (NGF). This process also reduces cellular metabolism in the epithelia, disrupting cellular polarity and creating a relatively unstable electrochemical state. Histamine, a biogenic amine and neurotransmitter, is associated with increased inflammatory processes. Individuals with b12 deficiency showed lowered histamine thresholds and cough thresholds that significantly improved with supplementation." Guida, G. & all. "Vitamin B12 Deficiency Implicated in Chronic Unexplained Cough." Medscape Allergy and Immunology. Study presented at World Allergy Organization XXI World Allergy Congress (WAC). Buenos Aires, Argentina. Abstract 290. (December 8, 2011). "Vitamin C has long been recognized for its anti-inflammatory properties. In a study published in the March, 2006 American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, High blood levels of Vitamin C reduced signs of inflammation by 45 percent. The study was conducted at a London university and involved over 3200 men between 60 and 69. Researchers looked at C-reactive protein and t-PA, both markers for inflammation levels in the body. High blood levels of Vitamin C were also predictive of lower risk of blood clots, as indicated by factors such as blood viscosity." American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Stanford University Libraries / Highwire Press (Vol. 83, pp. 567-574). "A new study led by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, adds to the evidence that vitamin C supplements can lower concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP), a central biomarker of inflammation that has been shown to be a powerful predictor of heart disease and diabetes." University of California - Berkeley (2011, November 14). Vitamin C Lowers Levels Of Inflammation Biomarker Considered Predictor Of Heart Disease. ScienceDaily. Retrieved April 16, 2011 www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/081113091630.htm "High blood levels of vitamin C were associated with a 45 per cent reduced risk of inflammation (with respect to CRP levels), and high fruit intake was related to a 25 per cent reduced risk of inflammation." American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (Vol. 83, pp. 567-574) (May 2006). "The larger take-home message of the study is that Vitamin E may be beneficial in individuals with chronic inflammation, such as the elderly or patients with type II diabetes or chronic heart failure." K. A. Huey, G. Fiscus, A. F. Richwine, R. W. Johnson and B. M. Meador,"In Vivo Vitamin E Administration Attenuates Interleukin-6 and Interleukin-1?? Responses to an Acute Inflammatory Insult in Mouse Skeletal and Cardiac Muscle.", Exp Physiol December 2011 93 (12) 1263-1272; published ahead of print June 27, 2011, doi:10.1113/expphysiol.2011.043190 "People with diabetes face a high risk of heart attack and stroke. One apparent culprit is the chronic, low-grade inflammation that they develop. Megadoses of vitamin E can dramatically reduce that inflammation, a new study finds." I. Jialal and S. Devaraj. "Effect of Vitamin E on Acute Chronic Inflammation in Type 2 Diabetes Patients.", Free Radical Biology & Medicine, (Oct. 2000). "Combined administration of Vitamin E and C lowered inflammation and improved insulin action through a rise in non-oxidative glucose metabolism." Maria Rosaria Rizzo, Angela Marie Abbatecola, Michelangela Barbieri, Maria Teresa Vietri, Michele Cioffi, Rodolfo Grella, AnnaMaria Molinari, Rosalyn Forsey, Jonathan Powell and Giuseppe Paolisso, "Evidence for Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Combined Administration of Vitamin E and C in Older Persons with Impaired Fasting Glucose: Impact on Insulin Action.", Journal of the American College of Nutrition, Vol. 27, No. 4, 505-511 (2011) Published by the American College of Nutrition. "Together, calcium and magnesium promote a state of optimum health and equilibrium. For example, calcium stimulates nerves, which magnesium works to calm. For wound healing, calcium helps to form blood clots, while magnesium promotes the flow of blood to prevent excessive clotting, which can lead to atherosclerosis. Muscles are able to contract because of calcium, and relax with magnesium. An excess of calcium without magnesium leads to calcium deposits, which can form anywhere in the body, eventually threatening well-being. Magnesium is needed to balance calcium; it offsets the formation of calcium deposits by stimulating the production of calcitonin, a hormone that increases the presence of calcium in the bones. At the same time, it suppresses the parathyroid hormone, which takes calcium from the bones to soft tissue." B. Stone, "The Importance of the Calcium and Magnesium Balance." Bright Hub Inc. (July 27, 2011). www.brighthub.com/health/alternative-medicine/articles/43417.aspx "A daily magnesium supplement could reduce the levels of a inflammation that could lead to heart disease in people with low dietary intake of the mineral, says a US study." "Magnesium Supplements Could Reduce Inflammation." NutraIngredients.com News Service. (July 27, 2006). www.nutraingredients.com/Research/Magnesium-supplements-could-reduce-inflammation Dana King, "Magnesium Supplement Intake and C-reactive Protein Levels in Adults." The journal Nutrition Research (2006), vol. 26, no5, pp. 193-196 [4 page(s) (article)] (18 ref.) "While magnesium is regarded as 'one of the most important minerals for strengthening bone' recent research has now found low magnesium to be critical in causing a more serious condition: the inflammation that plays a part in heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure. A new study has found that low levels of magnesium in the body interfere with the function of cells that form the barrier between blood and blood vessels. These cells, called endothelial cells, become dysfunctional when magnesium is low. Researchers cultured cells in different amounts of magnesium and found that the lower the magnesium level the more dysfunctional the endothelial cells became." J. Maier, C. Malpuech-Brugere, W. Zimowska, Y. Rayssiguier and A. Mazur. "Low Magnesium Promotes Endothelial Cell Dysfunction: Implications for Atherosclerosis, Inflammation and Thrombosis.", Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Molecular Basis of Disease, Volume 1689, Issue 1, Pages 13-21, May 24, 2004 "When magnesium levels fall researchers note a profound increase of inflammatory cytokines present, along with increased levels of histamine." Am J Physiol "Immunoregulation of natural and lympho- kine-activated killer cells by selenium." 1992; 263:R734-7. 47. Nair MPN, Schwartz SA. Immunopharmacology. 1990 May-Jun; 19(3): 177-83 "We absorb less iron during times of inflammation. Recent discoveries demonstrate that hepcidin regulation of ferroportin is responsible for the syndrome of anemia of chronic disease." Andrews NC. "Anemia of Inflammation Due to Drinking Too Much Beer: The Cytokine-Hepcidin Link", J Clin Invest 113(9):1251-3. May 2004 "Chronic infections and inflammation are accompanied with low serum iron." Helena Kervinen, Leena Tenkanen, Timo Palosuo, Merja Roivainen, Vesa Manninen and Matti Manttari, "Serum Iron, Infection and Inflammation; Effects on Coronary Risk." Scandinavian Cardiovascular Journal : SCJ 2004;38(6):345-8. (2004). "Body mass index and inflammation predict iron absorption and affect the response to iron fortification." James P. McClung and J. Philip Karl, "Iron Deficiency and Obesity: the Contribution of Inflammation and Diminished Iron Absorption." Military Nutrition Division: U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine (USARIEM), Natick, MA, (2011).10.1111/j.1753-4887.2011.00145.x "Inflammation decreases the production of red blood cells by releasing small proteins that effect how your body uses iron and how your body produces erythropoietin, a hormone that controls production of red blood cells. Since your red blood cells carry oxygen, when there are not enough of them your body's organs do not get enough oxygen." Baer AN, Dessypris EN, Goldwasser E, Krantz SB. "Blunted erythropoietin response to anaemia in rheumatoid arthritis." Br J Haematol. 1987 Aug;66(4):559-64. "Our results show that potassium supplementation can reduce renal inflammation and hence, could modulate the progression of kidney injury in Chronic Kidney Disease." Wansheng Wang, Liliana Soltero, Ping Zhang, Xiao R. Huang, Hui Y. Lan and Horacio J. Adrogue, "Renal Inflammation is Modulated by Potassium in Chronic Kidney Disease: Possible Role of Smad7." Department of Medicine-Renal Section, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, (July 17, 2007). doi:10.1152/ajprenal.00104.2007 0363-6127/07 "Aldosterone is a pro-inflammatory hormone. It tends to increase inflammation in the body. Cortisol and cortisone, associated more with potassium levels, are anti-inflammatory hormones because they diminish inflammation. The pro and anti-inflammatory hormones must be in a good balance with each other for optimum health. A person with a high sodium/potassium ratio may be secreting more aldosterone, in relation to cortisol. Because there is more pro-inflammatory hormone, a tendency for inflammation exists in the body. This is particularly true when the sodium/potassium ratio is greater than 10:1." Lawrence Wilson, MD, "High Sodium / Potassium Ratio." The Center For Development, Prescott, AZ (January 2011). www.drlwilson.com "Application of 1% potassium hydroxide (KOH) reduced subsequent development of anthralin inflammation without loss of its therapeutic effect on psoriasis." CM Lawrence, S. Shuster, M. Collin and JM Bruce, "Reduction of Anthralin Inflammation by Potassium Hydroxide and Teepol." University Department of Dermatology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne. (1987) Feb;116(2):171-7. "There are two commonly listed Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) that have potassium as an active ingredient. Daypro Alta, a tablet-form NSAID, is oxaprozin potassium. The chemical formula for oxaprozin potassium is C18H14NO3K, the K representing potassium. Cataflam, in immediate-release tablet form, is Diclofenac Potassium. The chemical formula for diclofenac potassium is C14H10Cl2NKO2." Mary L. Wyatt, "What NSAIDs Have Potassium?: eHow.com www.ehow.com/about_5448344_nsaids-potassium.html "To reduce internal inflammation, drink water to carry away waste products. The body needs water to carry away waste products. Clean water instead of coffee or soda gives the body clean water in the bucket to do its cleaning with. Drink plenty of water everyday." Wendy Hodsdon, ND, "Natural Health Tips To Reduce Pain From Inflammation" The Diet Channel, Golden Heart Center for Wellness, Portland, OR www.thedietchannel.com/Natural-Health-Tips-to-Reduce-Pain-From-Inflammation.htm "Water reduces inflammation and promotes cartilage health." Alexandra Jamieson, "The Great American Detox Diet: 8 Weeks to Weight Loss and Well-Being", Rodale Books, Emmaus, PA, (May 26, 2005). "Drinking plenty of water is one of the most effective natural remedies for inflammation. Once I switched from soda pop to water, there was a huge difference in the condition of my legs." Jaipi Sixbear, "Natural Remedies for Leg Inflammation", Associated Content, Englewood, CO, (September 1, 2011). www.associatedcontent.com/user/122114/jaipi_sixbear.html "Popping zinc regularly can help reduce inflammation and has also been shown to fight infections in older people. Researchers at Wayne State University in Detroit, tested whether zinc supplementation decreases oxidative stress. They found that consuming 25 mg three times a day for three months decreased TNF-alpha, a cytokine that amplifies inflammation." Carey Rossi, "5 Natural Ways to Reduce Inflammation." Stop Aging Now, (December 3, 2011). www.stopagingnow.com/news/news_flashes/5232/5-Natural-Ways-to-Reduce-Inflammation B. Bao, et al. Transl Res. (2011 Aug);152(2):67-80. (Epub 2011 Jul 11.). "Another mineral that fights inflammation, zinc is an important component of the nutritional package for rheumatoid arthritis. Several studies have shown that people who have rheumatoid arthritis have low blood levels of zinc, often associated with high levels of inflammatory biochemicals in the blood. Our bodies use zinc, along with copper, to make an inflammation-fighting enzyme called superoxide dismutase." Jonathan V. Wright, "Dr. Wright's Guide to Healing with Nutrition." Keats Pub; Rev Sub edition (April 1993). "At the end of the one-year study, members of the zinc-supplemented group had suffered fewer infections and had lower levels of inflammatory chemicals and signs of oxidative stress, compared with the placebo group." Craig Weatherby, "Zinc Zings Infections and Inflammation." Vital Choice Newsletter, VOL 4 ISSUE 145. (April 9, 2007). AS Prasad, B. Bao, FW Beck, O. Kucuk and FH Sarkar, "Antioxidant Effect of Zinc in Humans." Free Radic Biol Med. (2004 Oct 15);37(8):1182-90. "Butcher's broom extract contains anti-inflammatory and vein-contricting properties that are believed to improve the tone and integrity of veins and shrink the swollen tissue. The active compound is called ruscogen." Cathy Wong, ND, CNS, "Natural Remedies for Hemorrhoids", About.com, (October 26, 2007). altmedicine.about.com/od/healthconditionsetol/a/hemorrhoids.htm "Ruscogenin, one of the major constituents of Butcher's broom, demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects in vivo." Huang YL, Kou JP, Ma L, et al. "Possible Mechanism of the Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Ruscogenin: Role of Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 and Nuclear Factor-KappaB.", J Pharmacol Sci. (2011 Oct) 108(2):198-205. "People who suffer from swelling in the lower legs (chronic venous insufficiency) may be able to reduce the puffiness by taking an extract of butcher's broom (Ruscus aculeatus), according to a study in Arzneimittelforschung (2002;52:243-50). Leg and ankle circumference were significantly reduced in those taking butcher's broom, while it increased slightly in those taking the placebo. Leg and ankle swelling decreased after 8 weeks of treatment with butcher's broom and continued to decline further after 12 weeks. Symptoms such as heaviness in the legs, tingling, and a sensation of tension all improved in the people taking butcher's broom, whereas no improvement in any of these symptoms occurred in the placebo group." Darin Ingels, ND, MT (ASCP), "Butcher's Broom Treats Lower Leg Swelling", Bastyr Center for Natural Health, Seattle, WA, (2002), bastyrcenter.org/content/view/876 "Contains bitter compounds (flavonoids) that decrease capillary permeability, thrombosis and platelet aggregation. These compounds increase peripheral blood flow and reduce inflammation." Mark Pedersen, "Nutritional Herbology", Whitman Publications, Winona Lake, IN, (May 15, 1998). "Ginkgo biloba has been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The principal constituents of Ginkgo biloba extract include flavonoids, terpenoids (ginkgolides and bilobalide) and different organic acids. The ginkgolides inhibit the activity of the compound known as platelet-activating factor (PAF). PAF reduces inflammation by increasing permeability of blood vessels and contracting various involuntary muscles." E. Tan / P. Chang, "Ginkgo Biloba: An Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Drug", Huntington's Outreach Project for Education at Stanford, Palo Alto, CA, hopes.stanford.edu/treatmts/antiox/k2.html "Constituents in ginkgo also are potent antioxidants with anti-inflammatory effects." Jennifer Brett, N.D., Ginkgo: Herbal Remedies, HowStuffWorks.com, Publications International, Ltd. Atlanta, GA, http://health.howstuffworks.com/ginkgo-herbal-remedies.htm "In Indo-China, the root is part of an herbal combination used to treat indigestion and toothache. It is used alone to ease inflammation." Mark Pedersen, "Nutritional Herbology", Whitman Publications, Winona Lake, IN, (May 15, 1998). "Preparations and extracts of valerian, as well as isovaleramide, isovaleric acid, and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, and substituted amides, and other valerian-related compounds, in combination with NSAIDs exhibit clinically significant pharmacological properties which implicate a treatment for acute muscular aches, strains, and sprains which occur from a localized, external insult to a particular muscle or muscle group outside of, or peripheral to, the CNS." Linda D. Artman and Manuel F. Balandrin, "Compositions Comprising Valerian Extracts, Isovaleric Acid or Derivatives Thereof with a NSAID (PATENT)", NPS Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 05/07/2002 www.freepatentsonline.com/6383527.html "Melatonin, 5-HTP and valerian, among other natural sleep aids, should be used to improve sleep and calm the inflammatory response." Lorna R. Vanderhaeghe, MSc, "Get A Grip On Arthritis and Other Inflammatory Disorders", Preferred Nutrition, (February 23, 2005). "During the examination, she made the comment "My leg is on fire, if I could just throw a bucket of water on it, it would be better." The patient's pain was a combination of sciatic and femoral neuralgia according the location which was distinctly down the back of the leg and radiating into the side of the leg. Realizing the gallbladder and bladder meridian corresponded exactly where the pain and paraesthesia was located, I selected the water point of each of these two meridians. Electronically stimulating GB43 and BL66 bilaterally as an adjunct to her treatment, I was shocked when she exclaimed to the entire office that her pain had vanished. If this makes no sense to you, then welcome to the world of acupuncture." John Amaro, LAc, Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), FIAMA, DC, "Inflammation and Acupuncture." Dynamic Chiropractic (October 21, 1996) Vol. 14, Issue 22. "Acupuncture and supporting modalities such as heat therapy and tuina (Chinese therapeutic massage) can interfere with or completely reverse inflammatory processes in both organic diseases (in this case colitis) and musculoskeletal diseases (arthritis of the shoulder)." Bao Tie-zhou, "The Treatment of 80 Cases of Arthritis of the Shoulder by Acupuncturing Zu San Li (St 36)." The Shan Dong Zhong Yi Za Zhi (Shandong Journal of Chinese Medicine). Pages 604-605. issue #10, (2004). "We conclude that the neuroprotective effect of electroacupuncture on the dopaminergic neurons may stem from the collaboration of its anti-inflammatory and neurotrophic actions." XY Liu et al, "Electro-Acupuncture Stimulation Protects Dopaminergic Neurons from Inflammation-Mediated Damage in Medial Forebrain Bundle-Rransected Rats." Exp Neurol (2004) Sep;189(1):189-96 "Tracey and colleagues have found that when the vagus nerve detects interleukin-1, it releases acetylcholine, which binds to the alpha7 receptor2 on macrophages and inhibits cytokine production. This suggests possible new ways of controlling inflammation: through electrically stimulating the vagus nerve, by acupuncture." Claude Libert, "Inflammation: A nervous connection." Nature 421, 328-329 (23 January 2003) doi:10.1038/421328a "A number of studies with different designs support the view that regular physical activity suppresses the inflammatory process." Timo A. Lakka, "Exercise and Inflammation." European Society of Cardiology. (2006). eurheartj.oxfordjournals.org/content/27/11/1385.2.full C. Kasapis and PD Thompson, "The effects of physical activity on serum C-reactive protein and inflammatory markers. A systematic review." J Am Coll Cardiol 2005;45:1563-1569. AMW Petersen and BK Pedersen, "The Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Exercise." J Appl Physiol 2005;98:1154-1162. "These results add to mounting evidence that physical activity may reduce inflammation, which is a critical process in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease." ES Ford, "Does Exercise Reduce Inflammation? Physical Activity and C-reactive Protein Among U.S. Adults." PubMed.gov, Epidemiology. (2002 Sep);13(5):561-8. "Studies have shown that movement, particularily high-intensity, short-duration movement that engages the whole body may be the chief means of attaining anti-inflammatory effects from exercise." Robin L. Cash, "The Surprising Benefits of Exercise on Inflammation." Everyday Health: Sarcoidosis Blog, (September 23, 2011). www.everydayhealth.com/blogs/sarcoidosis-blog/the-surprising-benefits-of-exercise-on-inflammation "Regularly practicing yoga exercises may lower a number of compounds in the blood and reduce the level of inflammation that normally rises because of both normal aging and stress, a new study has shown." "Yoga Reduces Cytokine Levels Known to Promote Inflammation, Study Shows." Ohio State University, Retrieved April 18, 2011. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/100111122643.htm "The ability to minimize inflammatory responses to stressful encounters influences the burden that stressors place on an individual. If yoga dampens or limits stress-related changes, then regular practice could have substantial health benefits." Janice K. Kiecolt-Glaser, PhD, Lisa Christian, PhD, Heather Preston, BA, Carrie R. Houts, MS, William B. Malarkey, MD, Charles F. Emery, PhD and Ronald Glaser, PhD. "Stress, Inflammation, and Yoga Practice." American Psychosomatic Society, Psychosom Med 2011, doi:10.1097/PSY.0b013e3181cb9377 "Yoga improved exercise tolerance and positively affected levels of inflammatory markers in patients with HF, and there was also a trend toward improvements in QoL." PR Pullen, SH Nagamia, PK Mehta, WR Thompson, D. Benardot, R. Hammoud, JM Parrott, S. Sola and BV Khan, "Effects of Yoga on Inflammation and Exercise Capacity in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure." Department of Kinesiology and Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA. J Card Fail. 2011 Jun;14(5):407-13. Epub (2011 May 27). "Reducing internal inflammation can be as easy as removing the irritants. It is almost like removing a splinter from the skin. While the splinter is there, the body will create more and more inflammation until the splinter is pushed out. As soon as the splinter is gone, the healing process can begin. Toxins and waste products are irritating to the body. Decreasing the toxins brought into the body and assisting the body in eliminating waste products can lead to a reduction in pain and inflammation. Mounting evidence suggests that inflammation, a part of the immune response implicated in diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer's and diabetes, may also help translate stress into high blood pressure." 1. Wendy Hodsdon, ND, "Natural Health Tips To Reduce Pain From Inflammation" The Diet Channel, Golden Heart Center for Wellness, Portland, OR www.thedietchannel.com/Natural-Health-Tips-to-Reduce-Pain-From-Inflammation.htm "Alcohol is known to promote inflammation, and alcohol use increases cytokines (which are substances produced by the liver cells and the immune system in response to infection or cell damage)." June Russell "Deception in Reporting About Alcohol's Benefits." About.com alcoholism.about.com/library/bluc-junerussel.htm "Alcohol causes inflammation of the stomach, pancreas, and intestines which impairs the digestion of food and absorption into blood. Moreover, the acetaldehyde (the oxidation product) can interfere with the activation of vitamins." Charles E. Ophardt, "Alcohol Metabolism Effects." Virtual Chembook, Elmhurst College, Elmhurst, IL (2003). www.elmhurst.edu/~chm/vchembook/642alcoholmet.html "Alcohol is discouraged because it increases inflammation. Tendons and other areas typically inflamed by Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) only get worse if you drink Alcohol." Bill Gottlieb, "Alternative Cures: The Most Effective Natural Home Remedies for 160 Health Problems." Rodale Books, Emmaus, PA (October 15, 2000). "People suffering from short-term inflammation may prolong their condition by drinking coffee and tea that contain caffeine." J. Travis "Mice Reveal the Off Switch for Inflammation". Science News. FindArticles.com. (17 Apr, 2011). findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1200/is_2001_Dec_22/ai_81861066 "Habitual coffee consumption is associated with heightened acute vascular inflammatory responses to mental stress." Dmitry N. Mayorov, Mark Hamer, Emily D. Williams, Raisa Vuononvirta, Leigh E. Gibson and Andrew Steptoe. "Association Between Coffee Consumption and Markers of Inflammation and Cardiovascular Function During Mental Stress." Journal of Hypertension. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Hagerstown, MD. ISSN 0263-6352 2006, vol. 24, no11. "In summary, acting as A2AR antagonist, caffeine consumption may enhance acute liver inflammation. We suggest a possibility that caffeine might worsen the acute phase of viral hepatitis and drug-induced hepatic damage (i.e., acetaminophen hepatotoxicity). Future clinical and epidemiological studies may be necessary to determine whether the use of caffeine should be influenced by the knowledge of an individual's status of inflammation." Akio Ohta2, Dmitriy Lukashev, Edwin K. Jackson, Bertil B. Fredholm and Michail Sitkovsky. "Trimethylxanthine (Caffeine) May Exacerbate Acute Inflammatory Liver Injury by Weakening the Physiological Immunosuppressive Mechanism." The Journal of Immunology, 2007, 179, 7431-7438. "Milk products also cause inflammation. Modern dairy cows eat grain-containing diets producing excessive omega-6 fats, creating a pro-inflammatory imbalance. In addition, a substantial percentage of our population (some estimate 50%) is allergic to dairy, often unknowingly. Frequent consumption of dairy causes chronic allergic reactions, creating chronic inflammation." "Inflammation: A Common Denominator of Disease" Raymond Francis, Well Being Journal, November/December 2008 "Studies indicate that cow's milk increases both intestinal permeability and production of proinflammatory cytokines. Some evidence suggests that a milk-borne infection may play a role in the development of Crohn's disease. Bacteria called Mycobacteriaum avium, which are commonly found in milk products, are known to survive pasteurization and cause a Crohn's disease-like illness (Johne's disease) in dairy cows. Interestingly, these bacteria have been found with far greater frequency in patients with Crohn's disease than in those with ulcerative colitis or healthy people." Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Nutritional Considerations, NutritionMD http://www.nutritionmd.org/consumers/gastrointestinal/ibd_nutrition.html "The reasons dairy products are inflammatory are too lengthy to list here (yogurt, ice cream, cottage cheese, butter, cheese etc.). Today's dairy products are packed with hormones, antibiotics and other harmful ingredients so avoid them as much as possible." "Top 12 Foods that Cause Inflammation" from " Arthritis-Proof: The Drug-Free Way to Beat Pain and Inflammation." by Michelle Schoffro Cook "Gluten is inflammatory and inflammation has been linked to most chronic illnesses and pain syndromes." Ralph Havens, PT, OCS, IMTC, "Gluten and Inflammation." Mission Hills Physical Therapy: Wellness Blog, San Diego, CA (May 2, 2011) missionhillspt.wordpress.com/2011/05/02/gluten-and-inflammation "Researchers now know that gluten can cause inflammation in any organ and any cell of your body." Claudia Pillow and Annalise Roberts. "Recognizing Gluten Sensitivity: Inflammation The Food Philosopher." Southlake, TX (2002) www.foodphilosopher.com/assets/docs/051907hnut.cfm "While going gluten free will greatly relieve inflammation, you must make additional dietary changes to fully relieve the symptoms." Mallory Ferland "Gluten-Free, Anti Inflammatory Diets." Ehow.com Seattle, WA (September 2011) www.ehow.com/way_5535085_glutenfree-anti-inflammatory-diets.html "Loss of sleep, even for a few short hours during the night, can prompt one's immune system to turn against healthy tissue and organs. A new article in the September 15th issue of Biological Psychiatry, by the UCLA Cousins Center research team, reports that losing sleep for even part of one night can trigger the key cellular pathway that produces tissue-damaging inflammation. The findings suggest a good night's sleep can ease the risk of both heart disease and autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis." Michael R. Irwin, Minge Wang, Denise Ribeiro, Hyong Jin Cho, Richard Olmstead, Elizabeth Crabb Breen, Otoniel Martinez-Maza and Steve Cole. "Sleep Loss Activates Cellular Inflammatory Signaling" Biological Psychiatry, Volume 64, Issue 6 (September 15, 2011), published by Elsevier. "New research has proven conclusively that the molecule known as adenosine is in charge of your feeling of sleepiness and is required in adequate amounts in order for you to fall asleep in a natural way. During the day, a great deal of adenosine is channeled in the direction of making ATP and making your brain stay awake and function. The longer you stay up the greater the amount of inflammation that starts to ramp up in your nerves, and the greater the urge to go to sleep." Byron J. Richards, CCN, "Sleep Desire, Caffeine, and Inflammation." Wellness Resources, Inc. (February 18, 2011) www.wellnessresources.com/health/articles/sleep_desire_caffeine_and_inflammation "Insomnia is the direct result of hormonal imbalance usually caused by inflammation, and there are several ways this can happen. You, like 50% of all Americans who have inflammation, can have intestinal tract inflammation from the over-use of anti-inflammatory drugs or antibiotics, or systemic inflammation in your bloodstream from eating foods that cause inflammation such as fast food, processed food, sodas, wheat or corn." Richard Weinstein, "Insomnia = Inflammation & Stress." Source Energy Online Newsletter. Carson City, NV, (October 31, 2011). "The injection of monosodium glutamate (MSG) in ICR mice leads to the development of significant inflammation, central obesity and type 2 diabetes." Y. Nakanishi, K. Tsuneyama, M. Fujimoto, TL Salunga, K. Nomoto, JL An, Y. Takano, S. Iizuka, M. Nagata, W. Suzuki, T. Shimada, M. Aburada, M. Nakano, C. Selmi and ME Gershwin. "Monosodium Glutamate (MSG): A Villain and Promoter of Liver Inflammation and Dysplasia." Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan. 2011 Feb-Mar;30(1-2):42-50. "One theory holds that bacteria and viruses may cause this inflammation but clearly we know that lead, mercury, monosodium glutamate (MSG) and fluoride and other toxic chemicals can also cause inflammatory reactions in blood vessels." Staff. "Inflammation and Systemic Stress: Inflammation and Pain Management with Magnesium." International Medical Veritas Association, magnesiumforlife.com/medical-application/inflammation-and-systemic-stress "Both adrenalectomized rats and adrenalectomized, MSG-treated rats showed an increased response to carrageenin relative to controls. These results suggest that glucocorticoids are important modulators of inflammation in this phase of the process." EA Limaos, VL Silveira and MS Dolnikoff. "Inflammatory Edema Induced by Carrageenin in Monosodium Glutamate-Treated Rats." Braz-J-Med-Biol-Res. (1988) 21(4): 837-9 "Too much sodium can lead to high blood pressure, arthritis and inflammation. According to Drs. Ohtsuka and Sanderson of St. Bartholomew's and the Royal London School of Medicine and Dentistry, one type of sodium (DSS) even "induces an inflammatory bowel disease-like colitis in animals." Tracey Allison Planinz, "Diet for Inflammation." eHow.com www.ehow.com/way_5456311_diet-inflammation.html "A high sodium/potassium ratio is associated with specific symptoms including acute stress inflammation, and at times symptoms associated with zinc and/or magnesium deficiency. We recommend restricting salt in individuals with a high sodium/potassium ratio, especially if the blood pressure is elevated. However, it is not usually necessary to eliminate all salt from the diet. Also, sea salt is often tolerated better than table salt because it has more magnesium and other trace elements. We do not recommend eating table salt, as it is missing its trace minerals and often has aluminum or other toxic metals added to it." Newsletters & Health News, "Understanding A High Sodium/Potassium Ratio." Analytical Research Laboratories, Inc., Phoenix, AZ www.arltma.com/HighSodPotNews.htm "High sodium intake increases the serum concentration of inflammation and oxidative stress marker." JM Gallardo, M. de Carmen Prado-Uribe, D. Amato D and R. Paniagua, "Inflammation and Oxidative Stress Markers by Pentoxifylline Treatment in Rats with Chronic Renal Failure and High Sodium Intake." PubMed.gov - U.S. National Library of Medicine. Arch Med Res. (2007 Jan);38(1):34-8. "One of the biggest offenders of inflammation is ingestion of sugar. By sugar I mean table sugar, brown sugar, raw sugar, turbinado sugar, honey (even raw), maple sugar, corn sweetener, dextrose, glucose, fructose and any other word that ends in an "ose", barley malt, rice syrup, liquid cane sugar, concentrated fruit juice and others. Don't be fooled by the name organic when it applies to sugar. Sugar is sugar, organic or not." Nancy Appleton, Ph.D.,"The Relationship between Sugar and Inflammation." LowCarb Monthly Magazine. (2007). www.lowcarbmonthly.com/general-health/the-relationship-between-sugar-and-inflammation.html "The faster the foods show up as sugar in our blood, the faster inflammatory responses occur. This is dangerous for a diabetic, but slow or fast, the inflammation is destructive to all of us. High blood sugar damages the nervous system, the blood vessels, (which then get "repaired" by cholesterol deposits), and since our blood vessels go everywhere in our body, every part of our brain and body gets gradually eroded. Name a disease, it is related to this process." Dianne M. Buxton, "Shocker - Sugar and Inflammation Make Life Less Sweet." SearchWarp.com (July 8, 2011) searchwarp.com/swa349728.htm "The study shows that high glucose can increase levels of key proteins that result in inflammation. The inflammation process in blood vessels and the kidney can lead to a build-up of cells (atherosclerosis) and damage to tissues that can constrict the passage of blood through vessels." Armen Hareyan, "The Pathway Linking High Glucose to Inflammation That Can Cause Diabetes Complications." eMaxhealth.com www.emaxhealth.com/23/4424.html Williams MD, Nadler JL. "Inflammatory Mechanisms of Diabetic Complications." Eastern Virginia Medical School. Current Diabetes Reports. 2007 Jun;7(3):242-8. "Bread, cereals and products made of corn or cereals also increase the inflammation response, especially if they contain wheat. Wheat causes a special type of inflammation in the intestines called celiac disease in some individuals, but may also trigger inflammation of non-celiac type." Nathan Wei, MD, FACP, FACR. "Wheat and Joint Pain." Arthritis-Treatment-and-Relief.com (2004) www.arthritis-treatment-and-relief.com/wheat-and-joint-pain.html "Anyone suffering from celiac disease knows how inflammatory wheat can be." Marcelle Pick, OB/GYN NP, "Causes of inflammation." Women to Women Clinic, Yarmouth, ME, www.womentowomen.com/inflammation/causes.aspx "Inflammation is one of the common denominators of disease. Every chronic disease is an inflammatory disease. No matter what so-called disease you have, from cancer to the common cold, inflammation is a major part of your problem. Allergies and food sensitivities create inflammatory responses. Chronic allergic reactions create chronic inflammation. This is why allergic reactions must be minimized by strengthening the immune system and avoiding allergens. These dangerous drugs disrupt gut tissue, causing leakage of undigested food molecules into the blood, thereby promoting food allergies. A good idea for almost anyone is to stay away from the most common allergens such as dairy and wheat." Raymond Francis, "Inflammation: A Common Denominator of Disease." Well Being Journal, Carson City, NV (November/December 2011).

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