benefits go beyond disease prevention. Studies have
shown an alleviation of symptoms associated with
chronic diseases. As well, a person may decrease or
discontinue their dosage of medications prescribed to
control symptoms related to inflammatory conditions,
and reduce the side affects associated with anti-inflam-
matory agents.
It has also been documented that people who
followed the anti-inflammatory diet stated they expe-
rienced loss of weight, had an elevation of energy, and
reported better mental and emotional health.Risks
The risks associated with following the anti-
inflammatory diet are limited and not supported by
research. The general concern associated with follow-
ing any diet without the consent of a primary physi-
cian would apply. Anyone attempting to follow the
anti-inflammatory diet should discuss it with their
primary care physician and get a referral to see a
Registered Dietitian, educated in the diet for maximal
benefit and decreased risk of following a diet that
eliminates certain foods from the dietary pattern to
ensure proper intake of all macro and micro-nutrients.Research and general acceptance
As stated previously, there is no one anti-
inflammatory diet but rather there are foods that are
thought to increase the inflammatory process and
ones that are beneficial to the inflammatory processed
within the body. Because of this, many medical pro-
fessionals and other health providers may not support
the concept of a diet that decreases the anti-inflamma-
tory response within the body.
There is substantial evidence supported through
research that shows the beneficial effects on the body
in reducing markers of inflammation such as CPH andreduction in chronic disease and its symptoms. Most
medical professionals have an easier time accepting
theMediterranean dietwhich includes many of the
foods found in the anti-inflammatory diet, and is the
closest termed dietary eating pattern to the anti-
inflammatory diet.Megan C.M. Porter, RD, LDAntioxidants
Definition
Antioxidants are molecules that prevent oxygen
molecules from interacting with other molecules in a
process called oxidation. In the body, antioxidants
combine with potentially damaging molecules called
free radicals to prevent the free radicals from causing
damage to cell membranes, DNA, and proteins in the
cell. Common antioxidants important to human
health arevitaminsA, C, E, beta-carotene, andsele-
nium. In the mid-2000s, about 20% of North Ameri-
cans and Europeans were taking at least one
antioxidant dietary supplement.Purpose
The role of antioxidants in the body is complex
and not completely understood. Antioxidants com-
bine with free radicals so that the free radicals cannot
react with, or oxidize, other molecules. In this way,
antioxidants help slow or prevent damage to cells.
Damage caused by free radicals is thought to cause
or contribute to cardiovascular disease,cancer, Alz-
heimer’s disease, age-related changes in vision, and
other signs of aging. However, no direct cause and
effect relationship between antioxidant intake and dis-
ease prevention has been proven. Antioxidants unre-
lated to those of importance in the body have
commercial uses in the preservation of processed
food and in many industrial processes.Description
Oxygen is essential to many reactions that occur
within cells. Free radicals form mainly as a result of
normal cellularmetabolisminvolving oxygen. They
can also form in abnormally large amounts when the
body is exposed to radiation, ultraviolet light, and
toxins such as cigarette smoke or certain chemicals.QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR
DOCTOR May any of my medical conditions be aided by
adopting an anti-inflammatory diet?
What foods can I eat to decrease my dosage of
anti-inflammatory medications?
How might the anti-inflammatory diet help me
in reducing my risks of chronic diseases?
Would you recommend that I adopt more anti-
inflammatory foods into my diet?Antioxidants