aged joint, or an irritated stomach. The reddish, swollen, hot area of
a cut finger is an example of this normal inflammatory process. Once
the initial inflammation (from group 2 eicosanoids) has got the heal-
ing under way, anti-inflammatory chemicals (groups 1 and 3) are pro-
duced to stop the inflammation process and allow the healing to be
completed.
One problem with this mechanism is that sometimes the cause of
the initial problem is never resolved. For example, continued physi-
cal overuse of the shoulder, or irritation of the stomach with too much
alcohol, perpetuates inflammation because the body is not allowed to
heal. Another common problem is that the body is unable to make
sufficient anti-inflammatory substances because there is too little
group 1 and 3 eicosanoids; or there is too much of the inflammatory
group 2 eicosanoids.
When inflammation becomes chronic a variety of end result signs
and symptoms prevail, from arthritis and colitis to chronic muscle
and joint injuries. Along the way, the process of disease may also
develop. In time, the end result may be any type of ulcer or cancer,
heart disease, cognitive brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s and
other chronic illness. Quality of life is greatly diminished and health
and human performance are gradually destroyed.
Anti-inflammatory Drugs
In the conversion of A, B and C fats to eicosanoids, an important
enzyme called cyclooxygenase, or COX, is required. There are actual-
ly two COX enzymes, and many people are familiar with the term
“COX-2 inhibitors.” These are drugs that act on these enzymes.
Aspirin, and all other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
(NSAIDS), including Advil, Motrin, Naprosyn and Nuprin, tem-
porarily block the COX enzyme, so much less of the inflammatory
series 2 eicosanoids are formed. While this reduces the inflammatory
group 2 eicosanoids, these drugs can also eliminate groups 1 and 3,
along with their beneficial properties. This may result in an improve-
ment of symptoms, but it also turns off the important anti-inflamma-
tory mechanism. In addition, the cause of the problem — fat imbal-
ance — goes untreated. If aspirin makes you feel better, it usually
indicates that your fats are not balanced.
BALANCING YOUR FATS • 77