Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the countless trendy diets out there? It seems like every day, there's a new eating plan promising to protect your health and boost your well-being. One diet that's gotten a lot of attention is the anti-inflammatory diet. But what exactly is inflammation, and how does it relate to the food you eat? Let's dive in and explore this topic together.
Inflammation is your body's natural way of defending itself. When you get hurt, sick or are exposed to irritants like allergens, your body has an immediate, short-term response called acute inflammation. You might notice classic signs like swelling, redness, heat and pain. Inflammation is a general immune response, not just for healing but also for eliminating threats like germs, allergens and toxins.
Usually, inflammation is short-lived and proportionate to the problem it's trying to solve. But sometimes, inflammation can last too long or happen in parts of the body where it's not needed. This is called chronic inflammation, and it can be a sign of health issues like obesity, metabolic syndrome, prediabetes, Type 2 diabetes or heart disease.
While factors like environmental toxins, viruses and aging can cause inflammation, what you eat plays a big role, too. Everyone reacts differently to certain foods, but some foods are known to be more likely to increase inflammation in your body, and others can help reduce it.
Foods that may cause inflammation include:
Chronic inflammation and nutritional deficiencies can be interconnected. Inflammation can inhibit the way nutrients are absorbed in your body, and, conversely, nutritional deficiencies may contribute to inflammation. This can be a concern in older adults, those with gut disorders and those with poor diets. That’s why it’s important to eat an overall balanced and nutritious diet.
Some nutrient-rich foods that can help fight inflammation include:
Eating a balanced diet with plenty of these anti-inflammatory foods can help keep your body healthy and reduce chronic inflammation.
Before making any big changes to your diet, it's important to talk to your healthcare provider. They can help you figure out if an anti-inflammatory diet is a good choice for you.
If you're experiencing signs of chronic inflammation (e.g., joint pain, skin problems, digestive issues, weight gain, brain fog, fatigue), your provider can help determine if these symptoms are related to inflammation, nutritional deficiencies or other health issues.
To help see if you’re low on any important vitamins or minerals, Labcorp OnDemand’s Micronutrient Test measures the levels of six essential micronutrients in your blood, including vitamin D, vitamin B12, folate, magnesium, iodine and zinc. You can also explore Labcorp’s full suite of nutrition and vitamin health tests for more insights into your diet. However, it’s important to note that following an anti-inflammatory diet may or may not improve micronutrient levels, depending on the severity or cause of deficiency.
Additionally, Labcorp OnDemand’s Inflammation (hs-CRP) Test measures your body’s level of an inflammatory marker called C-reactive protein, a substance made by the liver in response to inflammation. Elevated hs-CRP levels can be a contributing factor to several conditions associated with chronic inflammation, such as heart disease, diabetes, certain autoimmune diseases and cancer. Your healthcare provider can help you interpret your results and decide if further testing or clinical consultation is needed to address potential chronic inflammation, as this test is not specific or diagnostic.
While an anti-inflammatory diet can be beneficial for many people, it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. By focusing on whole, nutrient-rich foods and working closely with your healthcare provider, you can develop an eating plan that supports your overall health and well-being.
