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Inflammation: By Definition

When the body experiences trauma, the COX-2 enzyme is naturally produced. This enzyme is responsible for the synthesis of prostaglandins that mediate inflammation.

Inflammation is an important and natural function of the immune system. The immune system uses inflammation to protect the body from infections, such as viruses, bacterial invasion, fungal infections and parasites. Without inflammation and the COX 2 enzyme, we would not be able to fight infections or heal injuries.

However, as with anything, too much of a good thing is not good. On overproduction of or constant production of COX 2 results in chronic inflammation-and not just the common inflammation that many experience in their joints, but inflammation throughout the body, even in the brain of an Alzheimer's patient. Scientists now have convincing evidence from decades of research that the unchecked activity of this enzyme is largely responsible for many diseases and health problems.

Chronic inflammation (created by overproduction of the COX 2 enzyme) is not a normal response, and can lead to many degenerative diseases, such as arthritis and other auto-immune disorders, and potentially even cancer. Recent studies have demonstrated that chronic inflammation may be responsible for as much as 40% of all cancers.