Imaging Inflammation with Thermography

Today we describe other ways to consider utilizing DITI as a preventative screening tool. Thermal imaging alerts you to inflammation in an area of the body so early interventions can be taken.  Ultimately, decreasing inflammation is better for achieving optimal health and potentially preventing illness.
It is one way to determine if the chronic inflammation you have been ignoring may be contributing to deleterious effects in your body.

Inflammation: Good or Bad?

Inflammation is a necessary and protective response to injury, an allergen, or infection that poses a threat to immune health.  The inflammatory response is driven by the release of chemicals that signals the body to launch an attack on the threat.  And then, in perfect synchronicity, the tissues and organs signal the immune system to shut down the assault; the threat is managed and the body is no longer in harm’s way.
While we need “short-term” inflammation, if the immune system does not shut off and the system stays “primed” for attack this leads to chronic inflammation.  Chronic inflammation is the culprit behind all disease, including heart disease, hypertension, stroke, arthritis, gout and cancer, to name a few.  In a reactive medical system, or “downstream” medicine, the doctors are taught to treat the symptoms of the disease, usually with drugs.  But many of these diseases can be reversed WITHOUT drugs when you find the root cause for the inflammation and eliminate it.  Let’s explore different sources of chronic inflammation.

Hidden or Chronic Infections

Chronic bacterial, viral, or yeast infections or parasites contribute to inflammation.  Foreign bodies activate the immune system to fight the invader. 

Inflammation and Heart Disease Note the inflammation in the head and neck area with a focal (white) area in the upper left tooth. Client was found to have an abscessed (infected) tooth. Also note the asymmetry in the lower chest. This male subject also has heart disease.

Root Causes of Inflammation: You Are What You Eat

Food is probably the most common type of nefarious agent that contributes to inflammation. Perhaps the one food that has received the most attention lately and contributes to inflammation is, of course, gluten. Gluten is a protein found in wheat-related grains and is now a clear contributor to systemic inflammation.

Inflammation over the right kidney This patient presented with low back pain, there were no thermal findings in the back but the abdomen showed a well defined area of inflammation over the right kidney which could refer pain to the back. Subsequent tests confirmed that she had a kidney infection.

Some clients have even removed ALL grains and sugars from their diet and bake using almond flour, coconut flour, coconut nectar and other grain-free/sugar-free options. Below is one client who was having trouble with recurrent sinus infections, diminished kidney function, was heading toward diabetes and had no energy. After making significant changes to her diet, her kidney function is now normal, her A1C is within a healthy range and she has more energy. Clearly, her sinus infection had resolved.

Before: August 2010 – Client had been struggling with recurrent sinus infections and poor dental health. After: November 2011 – Client had been grain-free for about 4 months and had a comparison scan done to monitor for improvements. Significant improvements are evident from this dietary shift away from ALL grains and sugar, including fruit sugar. Client has lost about 35 pounds and enjoys increased energy and better health by eating an anti-inflammatory diet.

Any food that launches an inflammatory attack is considered an allergenic food. Some common allergenic foods include wheat, soy, dairy, corn and peanuts. You may notice gut distension or a bloated feeling after eating a certain food and this is a sign that you are sensitive, if not allergic, to that food. Coffee is considered pro-inflammatory because it triggers the release of excess stress hormone, increasing inflammation. If decreasing inflammation is a personal goal for you, you may want to consider eliminating coffee from your diet and adding non-caffeinated teas.
In addition, the quality of the food we buy can contribute to inflammation. Animals traditionally raised feed in open, grassy meadows that then provide us with meats high in omega-3 fats. Cattle that are fed a grain-rich diet (corn) provide us with meat that is laden with omega-6 fatty acids which increases inflammation. Omega-3 fats are protective and anti-inflammatory in nature.

Immunity begins in having a healthy gut Note the local area of hyperthermia over the hepatic flexure of the colon. Diverticulitis was diagnosed after clinical correlation with thermographic findings. Probiotics enrich your gut microflora . Ingest plenty of omega-3 fats and completely eliminate Trans-fats found in hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oils.

Other Contributors to Inflammation: Stress

Overwhelming life stressors or a combination of multiple major stressors and how you manage these certainly can contribute to inflammation. Pressure from your boss, difficult times with your spouse and children, illness/death of a loved one, financial struggles or facing a life-threatening health challenge will certainly tax the “Zen” in any of us. All these stressors, left unchecked, can contribute to inflammation, leading to disease.

A window into your immune health Occasionally found is this type of hypothermic (cool) pattern near the T1-T2 vertebral level. This pattern is associated with autonomic or immune system dysfunction and needs to be correlated with clinical evaluation from your healthcare provider.

Continued leg pain after left hip replacement This elderly lady had undergone a left hip replacement surgery 3 months previously and her continued leg pain raised a suspicion for Deep Vein Thrombosis, DVT. The thermographic findings were not consistent with DVT, but showed a focal area of inflammation that guided a sonographer to a deep abscess near the bone. This was lanced and successfully treated with antibiotics.

Again, inflammation is always the beginning of disease and thermal imaging gives you an opportunity to assess where you may experience high levels of inflammation. You can then work to address those areas, decrease inflammation and potentially experience better health. Remember, health is a journey that requires constant attention.

Yours in prevention,

Lynda and Brenda Witt