Balanced Immune Health

Jane Brody is a leading health and nutrition columnist who writes for the New York Times. Her work often raises the hackles of a lot of people in any sector of the health universe as she harbors no sacred cows. Trained in both biochemistry and science journalism, she knows how to read a piece of research…and write compellingly about it. And she’s been doing it for decades.

So when she came out with a recent column on C-reactive protein as a critical heart health factor, that got my attention. Why? Because, as has been posted on this blog in the past, C-reactive protein is becoming heavily relied upon as a marker for inflammation within the body. Such indicated inflammation has been linked with potential cardiac episodes. And immune balance has been shown to modulate inflammatory response. Research is needed on the possibility of a direct connection between immune balance and C-reactive protein levels. But for now, the potential linkage between immune balance, inflammation and CRP levels seems highly plausible.

Her article goes on to tout the benefits of a Mediterranean diet for heart health. Nothing new there. But coupling that with the inflammation and CRP narratives paints yet a clearer picture of these biochemical relationships.

By the way, Jane wrote a book back in 1995 – Jane Brody’s Cold and Flu Fighter: Preventing Them, Treating Them, What Works, What Doesn’t.” This was published before EpiCor or the balanced immune health approach had started getting legs. I wonder if an updated edition could feature a new chapter or two. How about it, Jane??

Filed under Balanced Immune Health, Immune Balance, Immune System, Inflammation, Media, Nutrition, Research