Anti-inflammation Lifestyle and Eczema | Improving Health

Inflammation, once merely considered the body's healing response, is now the subject of close scrutiny as a key component of many diseases. Arthritis and inflammation have been linked for decades, but the inflammatory response is also taking center stage in heart disease, cancer, diabetes, asthma, and Alzheimer's disease.

By Linda Antinoro, RD, LDN, JD, CDE

Inflammation, once merely considered the body’s healing response, is now the subject of close scrutiny as a key component of many diseases. Arthritis and inflammation have been linked for decades, but the inflammatory response is also taking center stage in heart disease, cancer, diabetes, asthma and Alzheimer’s disease. Equally exciting is preliminary research showing a probable association of inflammation with diet, activity and other lifestyle choices.

Inflammation can be a good thing. When you get a cut, burn or bruise, the inflammatory response is the mechanism used by the body to combat injury. Problems occur, however, when the inflammatory response does not shut off and goes from being temporary, localized, and protective to being chronic and harmful. Continuous inflammation can cause changes in cells, contributing to premature cell death and disease. While some factors associated with inflammation can’t be altered, such as aging, many healthy lifestyle modifications, such as avoiding tobacco, will decrease inflammation.

Watch your weight and stay active

Consuming too many calories and being overweight, especially for those people carrying extra pounds around their midsection, leads to greater levels of inflammatory compounds. C-reactive protein (CRP) is a marker for inflammation. CRP can be easily measured with a simple blood test. Obese individuals tend to have higher levels of C-reactive protein (CRP). When excess weight is lost, CRP generally goes down.

Another theory explaining the perils of having excess fat cells is that this taxes the immune system because the body views your fat cells as “foreign invaders.” To fight off the invaders, the body turns on the inflammatory response and keeps it on.

Engaging in regular exercise not only aids weight control and body-fat reduction, but also lowers CRP levels. Aim to do at least 30 minutes of continuous activity most days of the week.

Focus on fat type

Dietary fats can influence the degree of inflammation. Trans fats, namely hydrogenated oils, some margarine brands, french fries and other fried foods are pro-inflammatory. In a Harvard study, trans-fatty acids are linked to greater inflammation in overweight women. Saturated fats found in red meats, full-fat dairy foods, butter and poultry skin are contributors to chronic inflammation as well. Also, eating too many foods that are rich in omega-6 fatty acids (especially vegetable oils such as corn, safflower and
cottonseed oils) appears to promote inflammation.

On the other hand, omega-3 fats exert anti-inflammatory effects. Diets with lower amounts of omega-3 fats result in less production of prostaglandins, substances which turn up inflammation. The best omega-3 sources are fish such as salmon, sardines, mackerel, herring and tuna as well as fish-oil supplements. Other omega-3 contributors include ground flax, flaxseed oil, walnuts and, to a limited degree, green leafy vegetables. Dietary monounsaturated fats (olive oil and canola oil) also dampen inflammation.

Eat more unrefined carbohydrates

A diet full of colorful fruits, vegetables and whole grains supplies an array of antioxidants. These antioxidant-rich carbohydrates act by squelching free radicals that may contribute to chronic inflammation. Conversely, a regular diet of refined carbohydrates or sugary foods result in free-radical formation. The carbs in sweets and desserts are usually low in antioxidants (the exception is dark chocolate) and often contain saturated and trans fats. They also can readily contribute to weight gain, and this includes dark chocolate.

Additional anti-inflammatory advice

There is data suggesting that alcohol may exert an anti-inflammatory effect. In one study, individuals who consumed one to seven drinks a week had lower levels of CRP and interleukin-6 (IL-6), another marker of inflammation, compared to individuals who either never drank or drank more that eight drinks per week. Clearly more is not better; two drinks per day is the maximum and women should limit it to one per day.

Drinking other beverages such as coffee and tea (green especially) supplies an assortment of antioxidants too. Moreover, two seasonings—turmeric (found in curry) and ginger—have anti-inflammatory properties and are therefore beneficial. Lastly, not smoking, controlling blood pressure and getting adequate sleep all help to combat chronic inflammation.

The bottom line

Whether curbing chronic inflammation is the cure-all or cornerstone of disease risk reduction or not, embracing a healthy lifestyle as described above affords the best chance of thwarting or at least controlling a variety of chronic illnesses.