The new view of inflammation is that it is a generalized state within the circulatory and immune system perpetuated by a poor diet. The result of poor dietary choices will promote arthritis, osteoporosis, heart disease, cancer, alzheimer’s disease and most other chronic disease. This dietary trauma lends to the development of biochemical change similar to physical injury. The difference is that for most people,dietary trauma occurs everytime they eat three or more times each and every day.
It takes years to develop arthritis and other chronic disease, so we don’t usually associate a poor diet with disease. This allows us to easily deny such an association between diet, inflammation and disease. This developing awareness about eating is very important to help influence behavorial changes in our eating habits.
Foods That Promote Inflammation
Refined carbohydrates in the form of sugar, sweetners and flour produce inflammatory response, as do refined oils and obese/fatty meats. A surprise to many is that even whole grains and legumes/beans can promote inflammation. However the biggest problem are sugar, grains, oils, and fatty meats.
Researchers characterize a diet that offers preventative benefits for heart disease called the “polymeal” which is consistent with the paleodiet, the traditional low starch Mediterranean diet. A reasonable recommendation is for 80 percent to 100 percent of our calories to come from vegetables, fruits, raw nuts, potatoes and either lean or omega-3 protein sources such as skinless chicken, wild game, grass-fed animals and omega-3 eggs. Spices such as garlic, ginger, turmeric and oregano are all anti-inflammatory. The best oils/fats to use in moderation are the extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil, and butter.
Our focus should be correcting the 80 percent of calories that come from sugar, refined grains, oils, and fatty meats. The other key to reducing dietary trauma and inflammation is to eat appropriate amounts for your body. Overeating leads to an inflammatory response.
It is scientifically documented that foods cause inflammation and can contribute to a variety of chronic health issues. Educate yourself which foods fall into the inflammatory category so you can avoid the problems associated with inflammation and improve the quality of your life.
Yours in health,
Dr. Mike