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10 Feb 2007 01:35 PM

The Anti-Inflammatory Diet

by Alison Palmer | More from this Blogger

If you have asthma, arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, or even heart disease, someone may suggest you try an anti-inflammatory diet. What exactly is an anti-inflammatory diet and what is it supposed to do?

Some researchers feel that the typical American diet, which is high in fat and processed foods, can actually cause our bodies to create inflammation. The body perceives that the foods we are eating are not what we should be eating. It then reacts as it would to any other invader. One of its best defenses our body has against foreign matter is inflammation.

There is a blood test that can help determine if inflammation is acting as an [aggravator] to your health. Doctors look for elevated levels of C-reactive protein to identify chronic inflammation.

The thought is that if you can stay away from foods that cause inflammation, and eat more of the foods that reduce it, you'll have less health problems.

A key factor in determining your food choices is how much processing a food has gone through. Eat your food as close to the whole or original as possible.

Red meat also seems to trigger inflammation.

Essential components of what to eat to reduce inflammation are Omega-3 essential fatty acids and antioxidants. One of the best sources for Omega-3 is oily fish. If you just can't stand fish look into fish oil or flax seed supplements. Some sources also recommend ginger and turmeric supplements as well.

Along with your food choices, exercise is also recommended to reduce inflammation.

Smoking should also be avoided as it causes inflammation.

If you were to try an anti-inflammatory diet there are many books available to help you out, but here are some basics to get you started.

Foods to Avoid:

• Sugar
• Artificial sweeteners
• Processed foods
• Junk food
• Red meat
• Pork
• White bread and pasta
• Frozen and canned foods
• Peanuts

Foods to Eat:

• Wild Salmon and other fish
• Nuts and Seeds- walnuts, flax and pumpkin (all except peanuts)
• Olive Oil
• Canola Oil
• Soy
• Fruits- strawberries and blueberries are especially good
• Vegetables- yeah for leafy greens
• Oats and other whole grains
• Water

Related Articles:

Health Benefits Of Curcumin

Asthma In Children

Learn more about Alison Palmer

Writing is Alison's favorite past time, but you can also frequently find her reading, playing piano, cooking, taking long walks, sewing, or playing with her family.

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