Inflammation is a process by which the body's immune system fights against invading pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses. Occasionally, however, the immune system directs its actions against the body's own tissues and organs, leading to autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, tendinitis and gouty arthritis. Inflammatory autoimmune diseases can affect any part of the body including the heart, lungs, kidneys, intestines and joints. Treatment depends upon the organs affected and the age and medical history of the patient. An anti-inflammatory diet, consisting of foods that reduce inflammation, may be recommended to some patients.
Fatty Foods
Fats are organic compounds found in foods such as meat, cheese, nuts and seeds, butter, whole milk, cream and oils such as olive oil and safflower oil, and they are a major source of energy in the body. While certain essential fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and alpha-linolenic acid, may play a crucial role in controlling inflammation by suppressing proteins that cause inflammation, other fatty foods may be harmful to patients with inflammatory conditions. In fact, according to a study published in the October 2005 issue of the "Journal of Experimental Medicine," consuming fatty foods can help soothe inflammation in the gut by promoting the production of a hormone called cholecystokinin that inhibits the action of immune cells in the gut.
However, another study conducted by Australian researchers at the University of Newcastle revealed that a high-fat diet worsened inflammation of the airways and increased the incidence of conditions such as asthma. This study was reported by the "Los Angles Times" in May 2010 and was presented at the American Thoracic Society's annual meeting. So, the advisability of including fatty foods in the diet and which ones should be eaten depends upon the type of inflammation, and it is best to talk to a doctor for specific recommendations.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants help protect the body from the harmful effects of free radicals, and, according to an article published by Today Health, antioxidants may help slow down the progression of inflammation. Fruits and vegetables are rich sources of antioxidants such as vitamin C, beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, quercetin and anthocyanidins. In fact, plant antioxidants that protect the body from aging and cancer also have anti-inflammatory properties, according to an article published in the October 2008 issue of "The John Hopkins News-Letter."
Spices
Today Health also reports that ginger and a mustard-yellow Asian spice called turmeric may help suppress inflammatory reactions, especially in arthritis patients. However, ginger is a blood thinner and should not be used by patients on blood-thinning medications such as warfarin without consulting a physician.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D can be obtained from foods such as dairy products, oysters and fish. The human body also produces vitamin D when you are exposed to sunlight. Vitamin D deficiency is becoming more common, however, due to indoor lifestyles. Apart from causing weak bones and teeth, deficiency of vitamin D can also lead to an increased concentration of inflammatory proteins in the blood and can cause inflammatory responses in otherwise healthy women, according to a July 2008 article published in the "Journal of Inflammation."
Arginine
The Linus Pauling Institute states that the amino acid arginine found in foods such as beef, poultry, eggs, fish, dairy products and peanuts is associated with low levels of inflammatory proteins in the blood and should therefore be included as part of an anti-inflammatory diet.
References
- "Journal of Experimental Medicine"; Nutritional Stimulation of Cholecystokinin Receptors Inhibits Inflammation via the Vagus Nerve; Misha D. Luyer et al.; October 2005
- Los Angeles Times Health: High-fat Foods May Trigger Airway Inflammation, Study Finds
- The Johns Hopkins News-Letter: Plant Antioxidants Also Fight Inflammation
- Today Health: Feeling Stiff? Foods Can Ease the Pain
- "Journal of Inflammation"; Serum Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha Concentrations are Negatively Correlated with Serum 25(OH)D Concentrations in Healthy Women; C. A. Peterson et al.; July 2008
- Linus Pauling Institute: Inflammation
