One of AFN’s most popular podcasts is The Inflammation-Food Connection.
What is Inflammation?
According to naturopath Dr. Audrey Sasson, inflammation is essentially the body’s response to any damage, internal or external. In a Q & A published by Harvard Health Publishing, Dr. Deepak Bhatt, M.D., M.PH. states that inflammation is the body’s natural response to protect itself against harm and there are two types: acute and chronic. According to Dr. Bhatt, acute inflammation occurs “when you bang your knee or cut your finger. Your immune system dispatches an army of white blood cells to surround and protect the area, creating visible redness and swelling.” Dr. Bhatt continues to explain that chronic inflammation can occur “in response to other unwanted substances in the body, such as toxins from cigarette smoke or an excess of fat cells”.
Anti-inflammatory Diet
In AFN’s podcast, Dr. Sasson asserts that one’s diet can truly help combat inflammation. Examples of inflammatory foods are dairy, alcohol, artificial sweeteners, processed meats, foods high in trans and saturated fats and refined sugar. Ultimately these are the foods we should try to avoid to decrease inflammation and the negative effects that come along with it. Instead, Dr. Sasson suggests to opt for antioxidants as they help counteract inflammation. Having more whole grains and “the good” fatty foods such as salmon and olive oils are also an excellent choice. In Canada and the United States, foods that contribute to inflammation are seen more on peoples’ tables. Western diets are higher in omega 6’s and low in the essential omega 3’s, and according to Dr. Audrey, this needs to be the opposite.
Whether you have irritable bowel disease, sore joints or skin problems, take a look at your diet. Perhaps some changes in the foods you eat will be beneficial. Love your body and watch what you put in it.
All content or opinions expressed in this blog are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please seek advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare practitioner.