Encyclopedia of Diets - A Guide to Health and Nutrition

Alzheimer’s disease, high blood pressure, elevated lip-

ids such astriglyceridesand cholesterol.

Medical Anti-Inflammatory Treatments

General anti-inflammatory medical treatments

include relaxation, moderate exercise such as walking,

weight maintenance or loss, and medications designed

to reduce the inflammation and control the pain if

present.

These medications may include: ibuprofen or

aspirin, Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs

(NSAIDs), or steroid medications. The NSAIDs are

widely used as the initial form of therapy. Unfortu-

nately, long-term use of these medications can irritate

the stomach and lead toulcers. And in some cases can

lead to kidney, as well as other medical problems.

Function

Diet and chronic inflammation

Registered dietitians, and Naturopathic physicians

often prescribe diets to lessen the inflammatory symp-

toms of diseases. Although these diets have not been

compared to other treatments in many formal research

settings to date, it is thought that anti-inflammatory

diets result in a reduced amount of inflammation and

a healthier response by the immune system.

Adding foods that reduce inflammation is

thought to improve symptoms of chronic diseases

and help decrease risk for chronic diseases. These

foods help in supplying the nutrients that are needed

to decrease inflammation. One example isomega-3

fatty acids. The human body uses these fats to manu-

facture prostaglandins, chemicals that play an impor-

tant role in inflammation and a healthy immune

response. Another beneficial component of fish oil

that plays an important role is eicosapentaenoic acid

(EPA), an essential fatty acid derived from omega-3

fatty acids. EPA promotes the production of certain

forms of prostaglandins having anti-inflammatory

properties by reducing inflammation and decreasing

the production of inflammatory substances.

Foods that reduce chronic inflammation

Whole grains

Whole grains or foods made from them, whether

cracked, crushed, rolled, extruded, and/or cooked,

contain the essential parts and nutrients of the entire

grain seed. Research has shown that diets high in

whole grain products are associated with decreased

concentrations of inflammatory markers and increased

adiponectin levels. The protective effects of a diet high

in whole grains on systemic inflammation may be

explained, in part, by reduction in overproduction of

oxidative stress that results in inflammation.

A whole grain will include the following parts of

the grain kernel–the bran, germ and endosperm. Such

whole grains are amaranth, barley, bulgur, wild rice,

millet, oats, quinoa, rye, spelt, wheat berries, buck-

wheat, and whole wheat.

Legumes

Diets high in legumes are inversely related to

plasma concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP).

Among the many varieties of legumes are; pinto beans,

lentils, kidney beans, borlotti beans, mung beans, soy-

beans, cannelloni beans, garbanzo or chickpeas, adzuki

beans, fava beans, and black beans.

Nuts, seeds

Nuts and seeds are rich in unsaturated fat and

other nutrients that may reduce inflammation. Fre-

quent nut consumption is associated with lower levels

of inflammatory markers. This may explain why there

is a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2

diabetes with frequent nut and seed consumption.

With the exception of peanuts, be sure to add in wal-

nuts, flax seeds and pumpkin seeds. Nuts and seeds are

best eaten when unsalted and raw.

Fresh vegetabless

Green leafy vegetables, and brightly colored veg-

etables provide beta-carotene;vitamin Cand other

antioxidantshave been shown to reduce cell damage

and to have anti-inflammatory effects. Aim for 3 or

more servings per day.

Fresh fruits

Flavonoids found in fresh fruits among other sub-

stances are thought to increase the antioxidant effects

of vitamin C. research has shown that fruits have an

anti-inflammatory effect. Aim for two or more serv-

ings daily. Be sure to include berries in your weekly

choices of fruits such as blueberries, blackberries, and

strawberries.

Wild fish and seafood

Oily fish such as Herring, Mackerel, Salmon and

Trout are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, as

are shellfish such as mussels and clams. Including fish

or seafood high in omega-3 fatty acids at least three

times a week is recommended.

Anti-inflammatory diets