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Home » IDEA Answers » How can I reduce inflammation in the body?
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Question asked by Jason Davis 364 days ago

How can I reduce inflammation in the body?

Nutrition FoodInflammation

What diet or lifestyle changes can I make to reduce body inflammation.

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Answers (9)

Answered by Don Walker 351 days ago
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I would politely disagree with all of you. Amazing how much misinformation there is out there, even among health professionals. First, the most acidic and inflammatory foods are animal products, ALL extracted oils (including olive, flax, walnut oil, etc.), soda pops, dairy, sugar, and other junk foods. The most anti-inflammatory foods are plants. A plant-based diet containing fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, rice, is the most alkaline and anti-inflammatory diet possible. And yes, one gets all of their protein needs met with a plant-based diet.

Furthermore, plants are not only anti-inflammatory, they do not cause and autoimmune reaction the way that animal foods do. It is well known that because many people have a condition known as "Leaky Gut" syndrome, many people get undigested animal proteins passing through their gut wall and into their blood stream. Your body attacks these proteins as foreign animal proteins (from cow, chicken, fish, etc.). The body then attacks these proteins because we are not that animal, then subsequently turns on itself and attacks similar molecules and tissues around the body. Rheumatoid arthritis is an example of this autoimmune response. The body attacks it's own joint. This is a relatively simple issue to deal with. When we, our team of physicians across the nation, switch people who are suffering from an autoimmune disease to a plant-based diet, not only does their inflammation decrease significantly, but the bodies autoimmune response (to undigested animal proteins) is turned off. This ranges from arthritis to M.S.

Furthermore, it is somewhat surprising how many people still believe that extracted oils like olive oil and flax seed oil are healthy. This couldn't be further from the truth. This deception originally arose out of the "Lyon Diet Study," which consequently was sponsored by the European Olive Growers Association. Hum...? Anyway, this study compared the Mediterranean diet to the standard American diet. In reality, this was really like comparing a "bad" diet to a "really bad" diet. Of course the "bad" diet showed a lowered incidence of cardiovascular events. And since we all love good news about our bad eating habits, we hailed the inclusion of olive oil and wine in this diet. However, following the study, 25% of the Mediterranean diet subjects suffered from a cardiovascular event. This conveniently was not reported by the media.

Lets take a closer look. First, olive oil is 100% fat. It is 14 grams and 130 calories of pure fat. No person needs that amount of pure fat, calorie dense, heart disease promoting stuff. That's right, olive oil is equally heart disease promoting as saturated fat. This was proven by the research of Lauren Rudder. He studied 3 sets of African Green Monkeys for five years. One group of monkeys consumed saturated fats. The second group consumed the tropical oils (i.e. olive oil) as part of their diet. And, the third group consumed butter. Though during the study the olive oil group had better a better HDL / LDL ratio, which on the surface seemed like a good thing, as most average dietitians will tell you. It wasn't until after the the study however, when all of the monkeys were dissected, that they discovered that each group of monkey's had the same amount of atherosclerotic build up in their arteries. Meaning, there was NO SIGNIFICANT difference between the groups. In fact, the butter group was slightly better than the olive oil group in terms of atherosclerotic build up.

Furthermore, not only is oil inflammatory, it is a strong vaso-constrictor, since it inhibits the production of Nitrous Oxide from the endothelium. This has been proven numerous times via the "Brachial Artery Tourniquet Test." Oil, including olive and flax seed oil, can cause vasoconstriction to up to 6 hours following it's ingestion.

To say that their are "healthy" fats is like saying there is a healthy cigarette. True, your body needs a certain amount of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fat, about a tablespoon a day. That's all. Beyond that, it becomes fattening and disease promoting. You can get the right amount of these essential fats in your diet each day by grinding up a table spoon of flax seed and putting it in your morning shake or cereal (hint: don't by the pre-ground stuff, as it can get rancid. Instead, buy the seeds and grind fresh each day in a coffee grinder).

So getting back to the original question, a plant-based, oil free diet is the most alkaline and anti-inflammatory diet that one can consume. If you have clients with joint inflammation, have them make the switch. Their inflammation will significantly reduce, they will feel better than ever, and you will be their hero. :)

2 Comments
Thanks Don, great answer! No more olive oil for me...
Comment by Jason Davis 351 days ago
Animal foods are not inflammatory. Actually "leaky gut" syndrome is not caused by animal foods, but by the proteins and lectins in things like grains and legumes that cause intestinal permeabilty. People with autoimmune conditions need to avoid grains, legumes, dairy, nightshades, and maybe eggs as well.

As far as fats being unhealthy, that is utterly and completely false. Fats, even saturated fat, do not cause heart disease. Fats are essential, they are even necessary to absorb some of the fat soluble vitamins in things like vegetables. You cannot get the optimal amount of fats from grinding up flax seed, the omega-3 in flax are ALA which is very very poorly converted in the body to DHA and EPA (which is what is needed).
Comment by Christopher Williams 350 days ago
 
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Answered by Sue Conrad 360 days ago
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There are several ways to reduce inflammation in the body.

1. Stop smoking

2. Think olive oil, fish and nuts, fruits, vegetables and whole grains
"An anti-inflammatory diet is about reducing saturated fat and trans fats and eating more foods rich in alpha-linolenic acid—like flaxseed, walnuts, and canola oil—and omega-3 fats, which fight inflammation," says Evangeline Lausier, a staff physician at Duke Integrative Medicine.

3. Get active - 5 days a week of steady exercise, for 30-45 minutes

4. Shrink your waist size by reducing portion size and increased activity level.

5. Get enough sleep - 6-8 hours

6. Reduce stress - Try anything that helps you to relax. Might be meditation or taking a hot bath.
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Answered by Fateria Johnson 356 days ago
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Joint inflammation occurs as blood cells fight the uric acid crystals and release chemicals of inflammation, causing pain, heat, and redness of the joint tissues.

Oftentimes inflammation can be caused by the types of foods that we eat as well. Bringing the body into a balanced state between acid and alkaline is usually helpful in combatting inflammation.

Certain herbs and foods are anti-inflammatory and can be helpful as well such as brocolli, flax oil, wild salmon, ginger and tumeric just to name a few. Avoiding processed foods is also important in your fight against inflammation(refined sugars, white flour and MSG). Develping a diet rich in whole foods (foods in their natural state) is a great start to controlling inflammation. Also include antioxidant rich food or supplements in your diet. I hope this helps!
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Answered by Melissa Seipel 351 days ago
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One of the best ways is to go an all-organic, raw food diet full of nutrient-dense vegetables, nuts, seeds, and minimal fruit. That, however, can be difficult to maintain. Moving to more organic raw vegetables and organic meat (chicken, fish) can help. Avoiding sugar, dairy, gluten, and soy is also recommended. The Paleo Diet is a great base to draw from. As mentioned in the first response, reducing your stress through exercise, yoga, and meditation can greatly reduce the body's production of cortisol, the "fight or flight" hormone that can promote inflammation in the body.
3 Comments
Thanks Melissa! I will check out the Paleo Diet.
Comment by Jason Davis 351 days ago
Why avoid fruits? Though some of them are acidic outside of the body, once ingested they become very alkaline. Plus, they are filled with thousands of nutritious phytochemicals. Unlike animal products. Also, the paleo diet is a fad and unsupported by science, or long-term research. It takes a unique twist of truth and makes it into a healthy diet. Furthermore, I don't think it is proper to advocate a fad unscientific diet to a group of centered professionals. I would agree, that coming from a high fat diet including lots of animal products, to a diet containing less fat and less animal products, is healthier. But, not optimal. I would recommend that you search out more scientific information from the following sources:
- Dr. John Mcdougal (drmcdougal.com)
- Dr. Neal Barnard (pcrm.org)
- Dr. Pam Popper (wellnessforum.com)
- Jeff Novick (can be found on Dr. McDougal's website)
- Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn (heartattackproof.com)

Therein, lies the best science and nutritional resources.
Comment by Don Walker 351 days ago
Actrually Don, the Paleo diet is not a "fad" diet, is scientifically supported, and does have a lot of good research behind it

Comment by Christopher Williams 349 days ago
 
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Answered by Jennifer Butler 356 days ago
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With proper diet. Foods like good fats with Omega 3, simple carbs and antioxidants are great!
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Answered by Andrew Eaton 348 days ago
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Simple guidelines to reduce inflammation include limiting corn-based products (high omega-6 content), beer and malt-based beverages (high maltose content), artificial sweeteners (generally increase uric acid production).

Simply, most anti-inflammatory effects can be derived from removing inflammatory substances and replacing those calories with less acidic and more omega-3 based foods.

I, too, have to respectfully disagree with Mr. Walker regarding his stand on fats. As another respondent stated, plant- and other unsaturated fats are a necessary component of a sound nutritional program, and are necessary to allow the proper absorption of fat-soluble vitamins & nutrients.

There is a significant difference between the physiological response to the ingestion of animal-sourced saturated fats and that of plant-sourced unsaturated fats. They cannot be lumped together; this would be like equating an avocado with bacon.

Best wishes,

Andrew
2 Comments
Andrew, can you tell me the difference in "the physiological response to the ingestion of animal-sourced saturated fats and that of plant-sourced unsaturated fats." Curious
Comment by Don Walker 319 days ago
In short, heavy consumption of animal-sourced saturated fats has long been associated with disease of the heart and arteries. The overuse of hormones and steroids in the general meat supply has also been shown to have no positive effects on humans. While the use of pesticides does cast a shadow on plants and plant-based fats, there are, to my knowledge, no studies demonstrating the negative effects of consuming vegetables with a high unsaturated fat content. They do not increase coronary risk, LDL, or thicken arterial walls. I believe animal fats have repeatedly been shown to do all three.
Comment by Andrew Eaton 319 days ago
 
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Answered by LaTasha Barnes 344 days ago
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Before beginning any major diet overhaul I would have a full scope allergy test conducted to identify any level of inflammation or allergic reaction that may be brought on by different foods. I found out I was allergic to certain types of leafy greens (sadly enough), some tropical fruits and jasmine - very weird. All things a well meaning health professional recommended I try in my diet.

Find out your personal triggers first, then design a diet based on what works for you.
1 Comment
Good suggestion LaTasha, I will look into getting a allergy test. Thanks!
Comment by Jason Davis 344 days ago
 
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Answered by Daniel Kosich 327 days ago
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First and foremost, see your physician. If inflammation is apparent, infection may be a cause and it needs to be treated. You have a thousand options based on the responses that have been given to you. Just act on them.

Take care, daniel
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Answered by Joanne Duncan-Carnesciali 324 days ago
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Jason, the best advice I can give you is to go see your doctor.
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