MARCH is NATIONAL AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE AWARENESS MONTH

AARDA hopes to educate public on autoimmune diseases during March

March is National Autoimmune Diseases Awareness Month, and the American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association (AARDA) is working to educate the public on risk factors, prevalence, and the severe lack of awareness surrounding autoimmune diseases. During March, AARDA hopes to educate the public on the top five things everyone should know about autoimmune disease: (1) 50 Million Americans have an autoimmune disease, comprising a major U.S. health crisis. (2) There are 100+ autoimmune diseases including Crohn's disease, celiac disease, rheumatoid arthritis(RA), vasculitis, and Addison's disease. (3) Autoimmune diseases "cluster" in families; for example, if your grandmother had lupus, you could be at greater risk for developing an autoimmune disease. (4) Fewer than 13 percent of Americans can name an autoimmune disease. (5) Autoimmune diseases target women 75 percent more often than men; and combined, autoimmune diseases are one of the top ten killers of women under the age of 65.
Increased levels of awareness amongst the general public is more important now than ever before according to AARDA's President and Executive Director Virginia T. Ladd. She says, "Autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS), type 1 diabetes, and celiac disease have all been shown to be on the rise, but answers as to why these increases are occurring are yet unknown. However, it is imperative that the public be more aware of their own risk factors for developing autoimmune diseases so that, as symptoms occur, they can seek a diagnosis and begin a treatment regimen. Early diagnosis and onset of treatment can make a significant difference in someone's chances of becoming disabled or suffering organ damage."

AARDA will sponsor several events this March in honor of National Autoimmune Diseases Awareness Month, including a free public forum, "What Every American Needs to Know About Autoimmune Disease," which will be held in partnership with the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, in Denver, CO, March 3. Additionally, to increase awareness in Congress and advocate for autoimmune diseases becoming a national health priority, AARDA will host a Congressional Briefing in collaboration with the National Coalition of Autoimmune Patient Groups, on March 28. March will also bring the launch of AARDA's Autoimmune Walk Campaign led by Actress Kellie Martin who serves as the campaign's Ambassador. The campaign will lead the way to AARDA's inaugural awareness and fundraising walk which will take place in Chicago, IL on June 2.
Source: American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association (AARDA)

BOSWLLIA Herb Reduces Inflammation - Helps Crohn's,arthritis, colitis, more....

Here's the Article....Boswellia Reduces Inflammation
The ancient herb boswellia (Boswellia serrata) has been used for thousands of years to treat conditions that, in recent years, have been found to be caused by inflammation. Originating in Africa, China, and the Middle East, boswellia herbal extract is derived from the sappy resin of the boswellia tree. In the 1970s, German scientists discovered that boswellia produces therapeutic effects similar to those of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) compounds ibuprofen and aspirin. Unlike boswellia, however, NSAIDs work by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzymes. Unfortunately, medications that inhibit COX-2 often inhibit COX-1, which is needed to maintain a healthy stomach lining and common side effects include gastrointestinal bleeding.
Boswellia differs from the NSAIDs in its mode of action. Boswellia has been shown to reduce inflammation in both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and other autoimmune conditions by blocking the lethal pro-inflammatory enzyme 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX). A number of immune system chemicals released during the inflammatory response contribute to the chronic inflammation seen in atherosclerosis, osteoarthritis and certain autoimmune diseases. Blocking these pro-inflammatory chemicals reduces symptoms of inflammation and helps taper the autoimmune mechanism.

The Actions of Boswellia
Although the benefits of boswellia are similar to those of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, boswellia works by blocking 5-LOX, which is the first enzyme released in the metabolic pathway leading to the synthesis of the immune system cytokines known as leukotrienes. Leukotrienes are harmful inflammatory substances thought to directly influence the disease process in a number of different disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, and asthma.
The active ingredients of boswellia, the boswellic acids, decrease the activity of another pro-inflammatory enzyme known as human leukocyte elastase (HLE). HLE and leukotriene levels are increased in many inflammatory diseases and allergic reactions. To date, boswellia is the only substance known to reduce levels of both HLE and leukotrienes. In 2005, researchers found that boswellia works in part by altering the expression of the cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), another integral component in inflammation. An excess of TNF-α promotes chronic inflammation. Applying boswellia to cells has been shown to decrease the TNF-α-induced expression of cell adhesion and matrix metalloproteinase proteins, which are biochemicals related to endothelial dysfunction, cancer metastasis (spreading), arthritis, and other disease processes.

Benefits in Arthritis and Crohn's Disease
Researchers have found that boswellia helps prevent the deterioration of cartilage and joint tissue. This suggests that boswellia may relieve symptoms in arthritis by inhibiting the breakdown of connective tissues that is caused by tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced expression of matrix metalloproteinase enzymes. Studies in both humans and dogs show after as little as two weeks of boswellia therapy include reduced pain, stiffness, and lameness.
In patients with rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease, boswellia can help reduce the immune cells that promote inflammation while increasing the number of immune cells that inhibit inflammation (anti-inflammatory cells). In studies of patients with inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease boswellia reduced gastrointestinal inflammation and tissue damage.

http://www.suite101.com/blog/daisyelaine/boswellia_reduces_inflammation