Dr. Weil credits the Anti-Inflammatory diet as more of a lifestyle than an actual diet. However, he claims that “it is the blueprint for optimum nutrition”. He continues to say that simple changes in eating habits can counteract inflammation which is at the root of diseases such as: heart disease, Alzheimer Disease, Parkinson Disease, age related disorders including cancer and autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. At the heart of his diet plan is variety and a balance. The diet strives to balance omega-6 fatty acids (said to promote inflammation) and omega-3 fatty acids (anti-inflammatory). It recommends that we eat less meat and poultry which contain omega-6 fatty acids and eat more fish with have omega-3 fatty acids. It also aims to decrease refined and processed foods which often contain pro-inflammatory compounds called AGEs (advanced glycation end products) and have a high glycemic index. Dr. Weil’s modified version of the food pyramid depicts the Anti-Inflammatory diet’s key points very well. 
I can definitely see the benefit in eating a healthy diet in order to maintain balance in our body and optimum functioning. I would say that the Anti-Inflammatory diet is a wonderful lifestyle to promote. However, I as being “anti-inflammatory”, I am still on the fence. But, it is all comparative: it is anti-inflammatory compared to the fast food nation we have become with diets high in saturated fat. Looking over the pyramid, the way of eating appears to be much more similar to our hunter/gatherer past with a greater emphasis on fruits, vegetables and fish and sparse consumption of poultry, red meat and sweets. Take a look for yourself and let me know what you think: http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART02012/anti-inflammatory-diet
Reading the suggested article, “stress, lack of exercise, genetic predisposition and other lifestyle factors can all promote inflammation, but poor diet is perhaps the main contributor, and the ideal place to begin addressing inflammation,” this statement cannot be written in a better way. Claimed in mail online lay article, olive oil reduces blood pressure, inhibits the growth of some cancers, benefits people at risk for or with diabetes, lessens the severity of asthma and arthritis, and actually helps body maintain low weight. In other words, by simply replacing olive oil in place of other dietary fats, often saturated fats like butter, cheese, and fatty meats in our diet, we as individuals can become healthy little-by-little. However, in a recently read article, “Labels Urged for Foods That Can Choke Kids,” controversy arises as young kids choke to death on their foods. This story itself is traumatic, but the main reason for young kids chocking to death on their foods is the type of foods these young kids are eating, hotdogs! Parents these days slowly adapt to non-healthy food diets while influencing their children into eating whatever the adults crave. As kids follow the footsteps of their parents, not only do adults become severely ill but kids as well. Said by Dr. Weil, the first and main contributor is our lifestyle and our lifestyle should consist with a healthy-good-diet preventing inflammation.
ReplyDeleteI found a lay article that suggests this same idea of inflammatory foods. This article suggests that one should avoid these particular pro inflammatory foods. They say these foods will increase inflammation, increase your pain from the inflammation and may raise your risk of chronic disease. They emphasize that loading up on high sugar foods, junk food, and high fat meats will increase your inflammation in your body. They not only recommend taking out these junky foods in your diet but claim another group of foods causing irritation in the body are the nightshade family of plants. However some vegetables like potatoes, tomatoes, and eggplant may actually make pain from inflammation worse. These vegetables are part of the nightshade family of plants and contain a chemical alkaloid called solanine. Solanine can trigger pain in some people. Although the article is reviewed by a board of doctors; they say there aren’t any formal research findings that back the claim about nightshade plants. However, some people believe they get relief from the symptoms of pain and inflammation when eliminating them from their diets.
ReplyDeleteYou can find the entire article at: http://nutrition.about.com/od/dietsformedicaldisorders/a/antiinflamfood.htm