Anti-inflammatory Diets

What is an anti-inflammatory diet? 

There are many different types of anti-inflammatory diets. You may have heard about the Mediterranean diet, the Nordic diet, or the Japanese diet. They each have their distinctions, but the general theme is the same: low in fat and sugar, high in fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fish products.

What effect does our diet have on our bodies?

Diets that are high in fat and sugar promote inflammation in our bodies, evident by an uptick in inflammatory biomarkers. Excessive fat consumption promotes endotoxins entering the bloodstream. Our bodies then respond with an immune response and inflammation. Fish is a great alternative to animal meat (especially red meat) due to its lower fat content. Excessive sugar promotes free fatty acid production in the liver, which triggers free radical production and inflammation. Fruits and vegetables are high in antioxidants which counteract the harmful effects of free radicals and inflammation.

Who can benefit from an anti-inflammatory diet?

Anyone can benefit from a diet that prioritizes healthy products and avoids overly processed foods. However, there is direct evidence that shows reduced morbidity and decreased inflammatory biomarkers in those with cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and Alzheimer's disease.