A half-dozen or more diet books are based on the anti-inflammatory idea — and numerous web sites promote “anti-inflammatory” eating. Each has its own spin. But experts concede that anti-inflammation eating is more effective for some health problems than others — and that the scientific evidence for the disease-reduction benefits of these eating plans is still being gathered.
While each plan has its own twist, all are based on the general concept that constant or out-of-control inflammation in the body leads to ill health, and that eating to avoid constant inflammation promotes better health and can ward off disease.
An exact description of the anti-inflammatory diet varies, depending on whom you ask. The anti-inflammatory diet is “probably very close to the Mediterranean diet,” says Christopher Cannon, MD, associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and a cardiologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston.
Dr. Andrew Weil, founder, professor, and director of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona, created this anti-inflammatory food pyramid. Dr. Weil received both his medical degree and his undergraduate degree in biology from Harvard University.
It’s not surprising that anti-inflammatory diets have gotten popular, says Elisa Zied, RD, a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association and a dietitian in New York City. While they may have some merit, she cautions: “Individual foods should not be the focus. “Maintaining a healthy body weight is the best thing you can do to reduce inflammation,” Zied says.
Patience White, MD, the chief public health officer for the Arthritis Foundation, agrees, particularly when it comes to patients with arthritis.”The link between weight and osteoarthritis in the lower extremities is very close,” she says. “The heavier you are, the more likely you are to get arthritis. We don’t have enough data one way or the other to prove following that diet helps your arthritis,” White says. Until more research is in, get enough sleep, exercise, and maintain a healthy weight.
I hope this article has helped clear up some of your questions about this now popular diet.
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Sources :
CNN Health
Huff Post Health
WebMD.com
DrWeil.com
