Best referred to in research articles as ‘the western
dietary pattern’, it credits a diet that is high in refined
grains, red meat, butter, processed meats, high-fat
dairy, sweets and desserts, pizza, potato, eggs, hydrogenated
fats, and soft drinks. This pattern of eating is
positively related to an increase in circulating blood
CRP levels and higher risks for chronic diseases, obesity
and cancers. These foods, termed ‘pro-inflammatory’
may increase inflammation, thus increasing a
persons risk for chronic diseases as well as exacerbate
symptoms from these chronic conditions.
There is some support for the belief that food
sensitivities or allergens to foods may be a trigger for
inflammation. Often hard to detect with common
blood tests, some people have seen alleviation of
symptoms of chronic diseases, such as arthritis, when
the aggravating foods are removed from their diet.
Common allergic foods are milk and dairy, wheat,
corn, eggs, beef, yeast and soy.
Other pro-inflammatory foods have been shown
to have substances that activate or support the inflammatory
process. Unhealthy trans fats and saturated
fats used in preparing and processing certain foods are
linked to increased inflammation. Processed meats
such as lunchmeats, hot dogs and sausages contain
chemicals such as nitrites that are associated with
increased inflammation and chronic disease.
Saturated fats naturally found in meats, dairy
products and eggs contain fatty acids called arachidonic
acid. While some arachidonic acid is essential
for health, excess arachidonic acid in the diet has been
shown to worsen inflammation.
Research supports that diets high in sugar produce
acute oxidative stress within the cells, associating
it with inflammation. Elimination of high sugar foods
such as sodas, soft drinks, pastries, presweetened cereals
and candy has been shown to be beneficial. As well
as switching from refined grains to whole grains.
