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Today I will discuss
factors that influence inflammation in our
bodies. Research is finding chronic
inflammation to be a factor in conditions
such as chronic pain, cancer, heart disease,
and Alzheimer’s disease. Atherosclerosis is
now viewed as a chronic smoldering
inflammatory state that develops slowly and
unnoticed. A recent easy to read review of
this subject can be read under the title “A
Fire Within: Inflammation’s Link to Heart
Disease,” published in the May 2002 edition
of Scientific American.
We all have inflammation
to some extent and inflammation in and of
itself is a natural mechanism that we cannot
live without. Chronic subclinical
inflammation however, can drive a host of
diseases we would rather live without.
Depending on one’s genetic predisposition,
some may develop atherosclerosis, others
cancer, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s disease,
etc.
Considering we cannot
control our genetics, we can make better
dietary choices thereby reducing some
inflammatory effects. You might ask how can
diet reduce my inflammation? That is a good
question and I intend to answer the question
in a series of emails so you don’t become
overloaded with information.
Certain foods are
pro-inflammatory and others are
anti-inflammatory. Pro-inflammatory come in
the form of some grains and foods made from
them including but not limited to: bread,
muffins, pasta, cereal, chips, pretzels and
desert foods. We are genetically and
therefore biochemically adapted to consume
wild game, fruits and vegetables1.
The modern diet of copious grains and grain
fed animals is an all out assault on our
genetic composition.
Grains are not all
unhealthy and not all whole grains are
completely healthy. All grains with few
exceptions contain excessive amounts of
inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids, gluten and
lectins that inflame the gut and promote
systemic disease through subclinical
inflammation. The pH of grains is acidic,
which you will remember from the last email
can be problematic. That is not to say
grains cannot be consumed or you will become
inflamed and die of an inflammatory based
disease. It is to say grains should be
consumed in moderation and replaced with
servings of fruits and vegetables.
Not to leave you
hanging, but next week we will discuss
Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids as well as
their roll in balancing inflammation.
Start substituting a
piece of fruit for that grain based
breakfast or in addition to your Oatmeal.
You won’t be sorry you did.
Yours In Health,
Kevin S. Barton,
D.C.
Texas Spine Clinic
1. Cordain L. Cereal
grains: humanity’s double-edge sword.
World Rev Nutr Diet 1999; 84:19-73.
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