Inflammation is associated with many health problems, and certain foods seem to make it worse. Eating less processed foods, alcohol, and red meat, and consuming more plant-based foods can help control inflammation. However, some people suffer from a medical condition in which the immune system does not work as it should. This dysfunction can lead to persistent or recurrent low-level inflammation. Chronic inflammation manifests itself in various diseases, such as psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and asthma. There is evidence that food choices can help control symptoms.
An anti-inflammatory diet favors fruits and vegetables, foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids, whole grains, lean protein, healthy fats, and spices. Discourage or limit the consumption of processed foods, red meat, and alcohol. The anti-inflammatory diet is not a specific diet but a style of eating. The Mediterranean diet and the DASH diet are examples of anti-inflammatory diets.
What is an anti-inflammatory diet?
Some foods contain ingredients that can trigger or worsen inflammation. Sugary or processed foods can do this, while fresh and whole foods are less likely to have this effect. An anti-inflammatory diet focuses on fresh fruits and vegetables. Many plant foods are good sources of antioxidants. Certain foods, however, can trigger the formation of free radicals. These include, for example, foods that are fried in repeatedly heated cooking oil. Dietary antioxidants are molecules found in food that help remove free radicals from the body. Free radicals are the natural byproducts of certain bodily processes, including metabolism. However, external factors, such as stress and smoking, can increase the amount of free radicals in the body.
Free radicals can cause cell damage. This damage increases the risk of inflammation and can contribute to a variety of diseases. The body creates certain antioxidants that help it eliminate these toxic substances, but dietary antioxidants are also helpful. An anti-inflammatory diet favors foods rich in antioxidants over those that increase the production of free radicals.
Omega-3 fatty acids, found in oily fish, can help reduce levels of inflammatory proteins in the body. Fiber can also have this effect, according to the Arthritis Foundation.
Types of anti-inflammatory diets
Many popular diets already adhere to anti-inflammatory principles. For example, the Mediterranean diet and the DASH diet include fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, whole grains, and heart-healthy fats. Inflammation appears to play a role in cardiovascular disease, but research suggests that the Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes plant-based foods and healthy oils, may reduce the effects of inflammation on the cardiovascular system.
Who can you help?
An anti-inflammatory diet can serve as adjunctive therapy for many conditions that are made worse by chronic inflammation.
The following conditions involve inflammation:
Rheumatoid arthritis
psoriasis
asthma
eosinophilic esophagitis
Crohn’s disease
colitis
Inflammatory bowel disease
lupus
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
metabolic syndrome
Metabolic syndrome refers to a collection of conditions that tend to accumulate, including type 2 diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease. Scientists believe that inflammation plays a role in all of these conditions. Therefore, an anti-inflammatory diet can help improve the health of a person with metabolic syndrome. A diet rich in antioxidants may also help reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.
food to eat
An anti-inflammatory diet should combine a variety of foods that:
are rich in nutrients
provide a range of antioxidants
contain healthy fats
Foods that can help control inflammation include
fatty fish, such as tuna and salmon
fruits, such as blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, and cherries
vegetables, including kale, spinach, and broccoli
the beans
Nuts and seeds
olives and olive oil
fibers
The authors of a 2017 article also recommended the following:
raw or medium cooked vegetables
legumes, such as lentils
spices, such as ginger and turmeric
probiotics and prebiotics
the tea
certain herbs.
It is good to remember that:
No single food can improve a person’s health. It is important to include a variety of healthy ingredients in your diet.
Fresh and simple ingredients are the best. Processing can change the nutritional content of foods.
People should check the labels of prepared foods. While cocoa can be a good option, for example, products that contain it often contain sugar and fat as well.
A colorful dish will provide a variety of antioxidants and other nutrients. Be sure to vary the colors of the fruits and vegetables.
Foods to Avoid
People who follow an anti-inflammatory diet should avoid or limit their intake of:
processed foods
foods with added sugar or salt
unhealthy oils
Processed carbohydrates, found in white bread, white pasta, and many baked goods.
processed snacks, such as chips and crackers
prepared desserts, such as cookies, candy, and ice cream.
excess alcohol
In addition, people may find it beneficial to limit their intake of the following products:
Gluten: Some people experience an inflammatory reaction when they consume gluten. A gluten-free diet can be restrictive and not suitable for everyone. However, if a person suspects that gluten is causing symptoms, he or she may consider cutting it out for a while to see if their symptoms improve.
Plants in the nightshade family, such as tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, and potatoes, seem to trigger flare-ups in some people with inflammatory conditions. There is little evidence to confirm this effect, but a person can try eliminating nightshades from their diet for 2 to 3 weeks to see if their symptoms improve.
Carbohydrates: There is evidence that a diet high in carbohydrates, even healthy ones, can promote inflammation in some people. However, some carbohydrate-rich foods, such as sweet potatoes and whole grains, are excellent sources of antioxidants and other nutrients.
Can a vegetarian diet reduce inflammation?
A vegetarian diet may be an option for people looking to reduce inflammation. The authors of a 2019 review analyzed data from 40 studies. They concluded that people who eat a vegetarian diet are likely to have lower levels of several inflammatory markers. A 2017 study analyzed data from 268 people who were following a strict vegetarian diet, a lacto-vegetarian diet, or a non-vegetarian diet. The results suggested that consumption of animal products might increase the risk of systemic inflammation and insulin resistance.
Tips for an anti-inflammatory diet
It can be difficult to transition to a new way of eating, but the following tips may help:
Choose a variety of fruits, vegetables, and healthy snacks when you do your weekly grocery shopping.
Gradually replace fast food meals with healthy, home-cooked lunches.
Replace sodas and other sugary drinks with still or sparkling mineral water.
Here are some other tips:
Talk to a doctor about dietary supplements, such as cod liver oil or a multivitamin.
Incorporate 30 minutes of moderate exercise into your daily routine.
Adopt good sleep hygiene, as poor sleep can make inflammation worse.
An anti-inflammatory diet can help reduce inflammation and improve symptoms of some common health conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis. There is no single anti-inflammatory diet, but a diet that includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats can help control inflammation. Anyone with a chronic health condition involving inflammation should consult a health professional about the best dietary options for them.
* HealthKey strives to convey health knowledge in a language accessible to all. In NO EVENT can the information provided replace the opinion of a health professional.
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