An anti-inflammatory diet may be about the buzziest diet of the year right now. And with good reason– the Mediterranean Diet (the most basic anti-inflammatory diet) has been heavily studied the past decade and has tons of research on its effectiveness in managing inflammation and helping to reverse insulin resistance. This also means managing chronic conditions like prediabetes, diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, IBS, and PCOS (among others).

Normally inflammation occurs through the body’s immune response, which can be a healthy thing if your body is being attacked by a virus or bacteria.

But when you consistently have poor lifestyle choices like smoking, drinking too much alcohol, or eating a typical Western diet (which is high in pro inflammatory compounds), the body creates chronic inflammation.

This is where the large majority of Americans are, and why– seeing the staggering statistics on rising numbers of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes and heart disease– implementing dietary interventions through an anti-inflammatory diet and lifestyle is crazy important.

Benefits of anti-inflammatory foods

Although many people are advised to stick to an Anti-Inflammatory diet due to health conditions and chronic disease, more and more people are discovering that following an anti-inflammatory diet is the BEST way to keep inflammation in check and boost the immune system to help prevent those chronic conditions in the first place.

Foods with anti-inflammatory properties can be potent anti-oxidants and polyphenols which not only prevent low grade inflammation, but also slow down aging, keep weight under control, and help you have natural boundless energy every day.

These types of foods also prevent diseases that include heart disease, type 2 diabetes, autoimmune conditions, asthma, arthritis, lupus, cancer, and even high blood pressure.

How an anti-inflammatory diet works

Although the Mediterranean Diet usually comes to mind first when Anti-Inflammation Diet is mentioned, it’s really a very broad basic guideline for a true anti-inflammatory diet. So let’s start with the basics.

The main things to start out with knowing are that:

• Being overweight can create inflammatory markers in the body, so weight loss is recommended if overweight or obese
• Since blood sugar spikes (hyperglycemia) is inflammatory in the body (and cause weight gain), sugars and refined carbohydrates are one of the first things to go
• Alcohol can be inflammatory in high amounts, but there is a bell curve effect– meaning studies have shown no alcohol to have higher inflammatory rates than moderate consumption (1-2 drinks per day), and then higher amounts than this also bring the inflammatory markers back up. Red wine is the preferred drink of the Mediterranean diet.
• Oxidated fats (those heated repeatedly) are extremely inflammatory, as well as trans fats (hydrogenated, including margarine), omega 6s, and saturated fats from feed-lot animals.
• Processed foods usually contain unhealthy fats, refined carbs and sugar, little to no fiber, and artificial colors and preservatives- meaning they should be eliminated from your eating plan as well.

Here are the breakdowns in terms of macronutrients:

Proteins

Proteins should include lots of fatty fish, soy, organic eggs, and white meat. Red meat is discouraged unless it’s an occasional protein option that is organic and grass-fed.

Fats

The types of fats that are recommended are healthy fatty acids higher in omega 3’s, lower in omega 6’s, and are either monounsaturated or polyunsaturated (like avocado oil and extra virgin olive oil). The ideal ratio is 1:1 for omega 6 to omega 3 fatty acids to get anti inflammatory benefits. However,  most people are way over that, at 14x more omega 6 than omega 3 fatty acids. Saturated fats from red meat should be limited, but when eaten should be organic and grass-fed. This includes butter and dairy.

Coconut oil, although a saturated fat, has been shown in studies to be an extremely powerful antioxidant and contains anti-inflammatory compounds as long as it is virgin and unrefined.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates can be tricky to weed through. So let’s start with the basics.

Sugar and refined carbs

First and foremost, sugar and refined carbohydrates are extremely inflammatory and should be eliminated in all forms. This can be a really big deal for those who have been on a high sugar and carb diet for a while, and some even feel a true addiction to sugar when they try to eliminate it. An occasional treat of added raw honey or pure maple syrup isn’t that big of a deal.

Fiber

Fiber is the main thing you’ll look for in any carbohydrate food choice. This is pretty easy to accomplish with whole vegetables and fruits that are on the lower end of the glycemic impact scale.

Grains

People usually get confused, however, when it comes to grains. There are 2 main grains I recommend avoiding: corn and wheat. Corn is high in omega 6 fats and is inflammatory. Wheat, in this day and age, has been hybridized so many times over that it has an unbalanced glutenin to gliadin ratio (within the gluten protein) which creates inflammation in the gut.

Whole grains

Whole grains in this application is also pretty confusing. The reason is that we hear over and over that we should be eating whole grains because of the fiber.

While this is technically true, any time even a whole grain is ground into a flour, the carbohydrates are absorbed extremely fast and end up causing a blood sugar spike that rivals that of straight sugar.

For this reason, it’s recommended to eat grains only in their whole form (not ground into a flour as in bread or pasta–unless prepared a certain way), or cracked.

What diets are considered anti-inflammatory?

Although the Mediterranean diet is the most recognized dietary style to reduce inflammation, there are several other options for anti-inflammatory diets. Which one you choose really depends on what condition/s you may need to manage, your goals for your health, and what foods you may have an allergy or intolerance to.

The main dietary styles that can help create some structure in an anti-inflammatory framework are the Paleo diet, Mediterranean diet, Keto (with a reduction in red meat and possibly dairy and an increase in fiber), Pescatarian (with a reduction in ground flours), and plant-based or vegan with modifications in terms of the grains allowed.

An elimination diet, again, is a really great way to truly get to know your body better and discover how different foods make you feel so you can make informed decisions before you start eliminating foods that might otherwise give you needed nutrients.

What should I expect when I start an anti-inflammation diet?

The first thing you may experience when starting this dietary style is a feeling of what is sometimes called ‘keto flu’ or sugar withdrawal symptoms. This is because most people come from a Western diet very high in sugar, refined carbs, and highly processed foods.

When you shift your diet this dramatically, your metabolism has to shift as well. However, many people find that their bodies seem to feel strange in this shift initially. It is absolutely temporary, and shouldn’t be of huge concern unless you’re having large swings in blood sugar levels or blood pressure.

Another thing to expect is a huge change in digestion. You should become way more regular. Many people, however, who have GI issues may not even know they do until starting this type of dietary style because of the larger amounts of fiber.

In this case, it’s a good idea to back off the grains and dairy and see your physician or specialist to have some testing done. They usually recommend an elimination diet to weed out any foods you may be allergic or sensitive to.

Overall you should start seeing a huge difference in 2 to 3 weeks, and a really large difference within 12 weeks.

What foods to Eat and Avoid on an Anti-Inflammatory Food List

Since we’re starting out with a basic anti-inflammatory dietary style, it’s easier to get a little more specific in terms of which foods to eat that are:

1. Health-promoting in general,
2. Which foods have anti-inflammatory effects beyond general health and actually fight inflammation,
3. And which foods to avoid.

General healthy foods to eat in an anti-inflammatory dietary style

General healthy foods include healthy lean protein like organic and grass-fed or pastured white meats, organic eggs, red meat on occasion, and only if organic and grass-fed, wild fish, and soy.

A huge increase in plant-based foods is really recommended because of the phytochemicals and antioxidants that they provide have, not to mention the huge increase in fiber. This is especially true for beans and legumes. A fiber-rich diet feeds the beneficial gut bacteria that help control inflammation starting in the gut.

Nearly all vegetables in their least processed forms are great choices, but nonstarchy ones are the best because of the lesser impact on blood sugar. Fruits, especially darker and brighter colored ones, are also fantastic choices as long as they are lower on the glycemic load scale. (Remember that high blood sugar equals inflammation.)

Grains should be limited to truly whole grains (not ground into flour) but may be cracked and still acceptable. The 2 main grains I recommend avoiding are wheat and corn because of the inflammatory components they contain.

Nuts and seeds are also great options that include healthy fats and carbohydrates as well as a small amount of healthy protein.

Healthy fats include avocado and extra virgin olive oil, expeller-pressed grapeseed, as well as virgin unrefined coconut oil. Butter can also be used as long as it is organic and from grass-fed cows. Other good options would be goat milk and cheese.

Foods that fight inflammation

Although eliminating foods that cause inflammation is the best place to start, you have to remember that most people still have lifestyle choices that promote inflammation, as well as conditions that increase it as well. This is why it’s also a really good idea to incorporate as many foods as possible that have anti-inflammatory effects.

Plants with higher levels of antioxidants and polyphenols

There are certain plants and berries that have been studied for their higher polyphenol and antioxidant content and ability to lower inflammation in the body. These include blueberries, pomegranate, red grapes, apples, and leafy greens for vegetables and fruit.

Another vegetable category shown to reduce inflammation is the cruciferous family that includes broccoli, cauliflower, and kale.

Studies have also linked nuts to reduced markers of inflammation and lower risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Coffee and certain teas (like ginger, white, oolong, and green tea) can also fight inflammation.

High fiber foods

Studies have consistently shown that high-fiber foods are super important in helping a healthy gut bacteria colony grow. Healthy gut bacteria control weight, inflammation, the immune system, and many neurotransmitters that relate to mental health and hormone regulation.

These can be found in all vegetables and fruit, but a larger portion of fiber comes from whole grains like brown rice, basmati rice, quinoa, and steel-cut oats, as well as beans and legumes, including soy.

Herbs and spices

The most popular herbs and spices with anti-inflammatory effects include turmeric, curcumin, holy basil, ginger, garlic, cardamom, rosemary, chili peppers, thyme, and black pepper. Although this isn’t an all-inclusive list, these herbs and spices should be abundant in your kitchen and in your recipes. (Fresh is always best!)

Healthy fats

Healthy fats are usually included in many of the foods already recommended. However, omega 3 is an especially powerful anti-inflammatory. These can be found in fatty fish like wild caught salmon or tuna.

Other healthy fats are those that naturally occur in foods like soy, hemp, flax, and nuts (including walnuts, almonds, and cashews).

Pro-inflammatory foods to avoid

In starting this type of dietary style, there are some main foods to avoid that induce inflammation. Let’s break them down (again) by macronutrient.

Proteins that are inflammatory

Red meats and processed meats are extremely inflammatory in the body, with a bit of a caveat. Part of the problem of red meat lies in the saturated fat content. However, it’s been shown in studies that red meat that is organic and grass-fed has proper ratios of omega 3 to omega 6, making this type of red meat ok to eat on occasion. Otherwise, processed meats like hot dogs, deli meats, sausage, pepperoni and the like, are inflammatory proteins.

Fats that are inflammatory

The major fats that are inflammatory include trans fats (like margarine and hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oils), oxidized fats (those that have been highly heated and repeatedly heated–like those used for fried foods), and saturated fat from feedlot animals.

Other oils that should be avoided include corn oil, palm or palm kernel oil, cottonseed oil, lard, safflower, sunflower, vegetable oil, soybean oil, and vegetable shortening.

Carbohydrates that are inflammatory

As said before, sugar is enemy number one. This includes ALL forms of sugar. (Raw honey and pure maple syrup are ok on occasion). The problem with this is that there are a thousand and one different names for sugar that are allowed on food labels. The best way to get around this is to eat as many whole foods as possible.

Eliminating sugar includes eliminating fruit juice, sodas, other sugary beverages, and anything that contains a sugar (that are usually named other things to throw you off), as well as fructose. This will also include fruits that are on the higher end of the glycemic load index.

Other carbohydrates that are inflammatory are refined grains. These come in the form of flours used to make breads, bakery items, desserts, and even breading for fried foods. Refined grains break down like sugar in the body and create those blood sugar spikes that induce inflammation.

Sodium

This isn’t talked about a ton unless there’s a factor of high blood pressure. However, many people find that they are sensitive to sodium. Not only does this increase the ‘puffiness’ factor, it can also induce a level of inflammation as well. It’s best to cut down on your sodium content when you begin your anti inflammatory diet to see if it helps.

Foods that you are intolerant or allergic to, or need to avoid because of a condition

It should go without saying that you should avoid foods you are allergic to. The problem is that many people don’t even know what these are. Years of an inflammatory diet have created such chronic inflammation that it can be very difficult to discern which foods you are specifically reacting to.

The same goes for foods that you aren’t technically allergic to, but have an intolerance to.

These types of foods can usually indicate a certain condition, like IBS.

If you’ve already been diagnosed with a specific condition, there are most likely a handful of foods or categories of foods that you should be avoiding already to alleviate your symptoms.

An elimination diet for inflammation

The last thing I want to discuss is an elimination diet to truly nail down which foods are inflammatory to YOUR body. The reason this is important is that there are a few different food categories that have controversial data behind it, and there are also foods that may be beneficial for you to eliminate to alleviate symptoms based on a condition you have (or may not know you have)!

These categories include: grains, gluten-containing grains, nightshades, dairy, FODMAPS, fructans, lectins, nuts, soy, shellfish, coconut, and coconut oil.

Overall, consistent research has shown that there are a number of health benefits of following an anti-inflammatory diet for people suffering from inflammatory conditions, but also for nearly everyone on the planet.

These include reduced inflammation leading to pain reduction and the ability to manage chronic pain, increased insulin sensitivity which is beneficial for diabetics, reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, reduced risk of alzheimer’s disease, lower blood pressure levels due to improved lipid profiles, and reduced chance of having a heart attack or stroke because of improved blood lipid profiles.

It is nearly the opposite of the Western style of eating, but can happen by following a few specific steps.

My CHEAT codes to wellness framework guides you through these steps so you can achieve an anti-inflammatory lifestyle without it taking over your life.

Get started on an Anti-Inflammatory Diet with a free Quick-Start Guide HERE! 👇👇👇

Discover My Unique 4-Pronged Approach to the Anti-Inflammatory Diet So You Can Get Started Immediately (Without Getting Overwhelmed or Cleaning Out Your Entire Pantry)

• Why a full-scale pantry clean out is NOT the best way to start your anti-inflammatory journey, and the steps you can take instead to make sure you’re fueling your body with foods that love you back
• The essential foods you MUST add into your diet if you want to nourish and heal your body naturally
• How to personalize your journey based on your unique symptoms so you can stop relying on cookie-cutter strategies that aren’t specific to your body
• My anti-inflammatory shopping list so you can quickly fill your cart with the right foods (no googling in the produce aisle or wasting hours staring at ingredient lists)

As the last two decades have increased interest in dietary styles like Paleo and keto, questions and criticism surrounding their healthfulness have followed. After all, they promote a significant increase in meats and are considered a high-fat diet.

Outdated research on saturated fats

We’ve been fed the line that fats make you fat and unhealthy, but sugar is ok since a published study (funded by the sugar industry) in the ’70s infiltrated every health outlet available, shaping the dramatic (and detrimental) increase in sugar consumption. This myth alone has been suggested to be a huge contributor to the rise in insulin resistance, chronic inflammation, and other metabolic disorders.

A typical high-fat Western diet has been linked to potential harm by academics for years. A low-fat diet had long been recommended in the past as the healthiest strategy to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, diet-induced obesity, insulin resistance, and other inflammatory conditions.

In reality, your body requires dietary fats from nutrition to function correctly.

Nutritional benefits of dietary fat

Dietary fat is a significant energy source that aids in absorbing specific vitamins and minerals. Fat is utilized in cell membranes, each cell’s essential exterior, and the sheaths surrounding nerves. It is required for blood clotting as well as muscular action.

As mentioned before, saturated fat is no longer seen as an evil character. In reality, some fats, such as monounsaturated fat and omega-3 fatty acids (which is a polyunsaturated fatty acid), are necessary for a healthy diet. On the other hand, some fats may exacerbate chronic inflammation and impair your general health.

Trans fats

Trans fats are, by far, the worst. They are a byproduct of the hydrogenation process, which is used to transform saturated oils into liquids and keep them from going stale. There are no proven health advantages associated with trans fats, and there is no safe ingestion threshold. As a result, trans fats have been banned in many countries.

Saturated fats

According to new research, saturated fat is not necessarily harmful and may be incorporated into a health-promoting diet.

It’s not surprising to be perplexed as a result of decades of contradictory information.

Let’s discuss saturated fatty acids and highlight the most recent findings of saturated fats in nutrition research to know the truth and debunk the myths. But also to understand if it has a role in chronic inflammation and even has a place in the anti-inflammatory diet.

What are saturated fats?

The molecular structure of all fats is the same: a chain of carbon atoms connected to hydrogen atoms. However, the length and form of the carbon chain and the number of hydrogen atoms attached to the carbon atoms distinguish one fat from another.

Apparent slight structural variations result in significant differences in function and appearance.

Saturated fats are abundant in our daily diet. These fats have only single bonds between carbon molecules and are saturated with hydrogen molecules, as the name implies. Therefore, they are solid at normal temperatures due to the saturation of hydrogen molecules.

Saturated fat may be found in red meat, whole milk, whole-milk dairy dishes, cheese, coconut oil, and many commercially prepared baked goods.

Saturated fats have commonly referred to as “bad fats” by healthcare practitioners and academics. Keeping saturated fat consumption to a minimum and substituting it with nutrient-dense food alternatives has been suggested by health organizations throughout the world for decades to help reduce heart disease risk and boost general health.

However, a flurry of new research has complicated the link between saturated fat and heart disease. According to a systematic review of 21 studies, there is insufficient evidence to prove that saturated fat increases the risk of heart disease. However, replacing saturated fat with polyunsaturated fat may reduce the risk of heart disease.

Additional studies indicated that replacing saturated fats with polyunsaturated fat in healthy oils (such as olive oil, expeller-pressed canola oil, and avocado oil) while reducing unhealthful oils (like peanut oil, corn oil, and sunflower oils) and increasing high-fiber carbohydrates is the best way to reduce heart disease risk.

This issue lacks concrete solutions. Although saturated fat increases some heart disease risk factors, there is no solid evidence that saturated fat is the sole cause of cardiovascular disease.

What is the saturated fat-inflammation link?

Processed meals high in saturated fats, such as fast food and fried foods, have been related to several health problems, including an increased risk of obesity.

As per the researchers, inflammation in obesity can be induced by a fundamentally different system from the one that regulates normal immune responses. According to a 2010 study, saturated fats “short-circuit” both mouse and human immune cells, resulting in an abnormal inflammatory response.

This potential inflammatory mechanism can be stopped without interfering with immune cells’ normal response to infection-like signals, implying that medications to lower inflammation and diabetes risk in obesity might be developed without inhibiting the immune response.

To resolve a problem, we must first identify its core cause. This relation provides a completely new way to learn about how to prevent metabolic diseases caused by excess saturated fatty acids, which may be prevented by reducing their consumption.

Get your free ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DIET 🌿 QUICK-START GUIDE! Keep reading!! 👇👇👇

How could saturated fats increase inflammation?

Saturated fat consumption influences a significant inflammatory cell type in the immune system, which then affects inflammatory gene expression.

Macrophages are often regarded as the immune system’s first-responders to infection or injury. For example, when fat-storing cells get loaded with fat and start to fail in the case of obesity, macrophages jump in to clean up the mess.

The researchers revealed that saturated fatty acid activates a different set of genes in macrophages than those responsible for infection detection. They discovered that one gene, which produces the protein IRE1alpha, is particularly sensitive to the presence of saturated fats in macrophages.

IRE1alpha detects the buildup of saturated fats and reacts by interacting with the inflammasome, a protein complex within the cell. This protein complex causes the generation of a major inflammatory signal known as IL-1beta, which has long been studied in diabetes.

The additional saturated fats that macrophages must quickly digest under obesity-like conditions effectively short-circuit IRE1alpha, whose typical function is to provide quality control and remodeling in the endoplasmic reticulum.

The researchers observed that blocking this fat-sensing function of IRE1alpha inhibited macrophages from activating this inflammatory pathway in response to dietary fat but had no effect on macrophages’ capacity to release IL-1beta in response to infection-related signals.

Do saturated fats fit in an Anti-Inflammatory Diet?

Although saturated fats have long been considered harmful, newer research has shown that it really is more about quality than strictly labeling all saturated fat as bad or inflammatory.

That being said, if you’re considering including them in your anti-inflammatory diet, it’s recommended that you do so with those quality guidelines in mind.

What foods contain saturated fats?

The following are some examples of common foods high in saturated fats:

Full-Fat Dairy Products

A 1-cup portion of whole milk has 4.5 grams of saturated fat, while the same quantity of 1% milk comprises just 1.5 grams. Creams have the highest content in this case, having 28 g of saturated fat per cup. (Also in this category are full-fat sour cream, yogurt, cottage cheese, and ricotta).

Butter

The high saturated fat content of butter is one of the reasons why many baked items have been considered unhealthy. A spoonful of butter contains around 7 grams of saturated fat.

Tropical oils

Even though there are certain medical advantages to tropical oils (which include palm oil and coconut oil), they are also heavy in saturated fat. Saturated fat in coconut oil is higher than in butter, beef fat, or lard. It contains around 90% saturated fat, with one tablespoon providing 12 grams.

Red Meat

Saturated fat levels are high in beef, lamb, and pork. Moreover, even the lean slices of beef comprise 4.5 grams of saturated fat per 100 grams.

However, red meat does contain other sources of fats. And depending on the source, that can balance the omega 3 to 6 ratio, which has an effect on whether or not that cut of meat is inflammatory. (Keep reading to see why!)

Recommended sources

Grass-fed beef

When most people hear the word red meat, they typically think of beef, which is often thought to be unhealthy as part of a high fat diet, but it can bring certain advantages when consumed from the right sources.

According to research, an animal’s diet can influence the nutritional value of the meat on the consumer’s plate.

Grass-fed beef has been demonstrated to be lower in fat, higher in healthy fatty acids, higher in vitamins, and a rich source of a range of minerals. According to 2009 research, consumers benefit substantially from grass-fed beef.

Organic butter or ghee

As newer research is indicating that quality is the main differentiating factor, butter or ghee can be consumed when from organic and grass-fed sources. This is because the milk fats contain those balanced omega 3:6 ratios that help control inflammation.

Coconut oil

Although coconut oil is nearly completely composed of saturated fat, it has the reputation of being a healthy alternative, especially in the Paleo diet. It is commended for its health advantages, which include antibacterial and antioxidant capabilities, enhanced skin and oral health, and the possibility of weight loss.

Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), a kind of saturated fatty acid, are abundant in coconut oil. Consuming MCTs may boost the number of calories your body burns, and consequently, it may aid in weight loss.

Research has shown that virgin, unrefined coconut oil is able to reduce inflammation, whereas refined (possibly because of the refining process) has the opposite effect.

Palm oil

Palm oil has a comparatively high saturated fat content compared to other liquid oils at around 34%.

However, palm oil is high in antioxidants, including vitamin E. This vitamin is essential for maintaining the function of your immune system and allowing your cells to communicate with one another.

According to research, consuming enough vitamin E in your diet can lower your risk of cardiovascular disease.

It is worth noting that reheating changes the chemical composition of the oil. It is recommended that these tropical oils not be reheated because, if consumed, they increase free radicals in the body, which can cause inflammation.

Replacements

As per Mediterranean diet guidelines, sufficient replacements would depend on how you’re using it. For example, olive oil has a lower smoke point, so if you plan to saute something, avocado or grape-seed oil may be a better option.

To avoid oxidation of olive oil, choose extra virgin from trusted sources and reserve its use for non-heated foods like salad dressings or vinaigrettes.

Guidelines for the Mediterranean Diet also confirm that consuming saturated fatty acids in moderation and consuming them from the right sources can bring many health benefits and minimize the risk of inflammation, obesity, heart disease, chronic diseases, and other health complications.

Discover My Unique 4-Pronged Approach to the Anti-Inflammatory Diet So You Can Get Started Immediately (Without Getting Overwhelmed or Cleaning Out Your Entire Pantry)

• Why a full-scale pantry clean out is NOT the best way to start your anti-inflammatory journey, and the steps you can take instead to make sure you’re fueling your body with foods that love you back
• The essential foods you MUST add into your diet if you want to nourish and heal your body naturally
• How to personalize your journey based on your unique symptoms so you can stop relying on cookie-cutter strategies that aren’t specific to your body
• My anti-inflammatory shopping list so you can quickly fill your cart with the right foods (no googling in the produce aisle or wasting hours staring at ingredient lists)

When starting a diet to reduce inflammation, it doesn’t matter how many anti-inflammatory foods you use if you’re priming your body with the most inflammatory foods every day. It’s really essential to eliminate the cause of the problem in the first place.

What is chronic inflammation?

Inflammation is the body’s defense system kicking into gear when it senses something has gone awry. Inflammation can be a good thing if you’ve had an injury or an infection. But it becomes a bad thing when chronic inflammation is present from poor diet and lifestyle choices.

Chronic inflammation is linked to certain disorders and may cause plaque buildup in arteries, which causes stroke and heart disease.

How do unhealthy foods cause inflammation?

What I’ve determined after years of research is that there is no one-size-fits-all Anti-Inflammatory Diet.

What that means is that there are some foods that cause inflammation and there are other foods that are pretty controversial. This is because when we have different types of studies and different ways of interpreting those (with a little bias thrown in), you come up with different outcomes unless most of the science points in one direction.

So let’s discuss each category and unpack what those are and what it means for YOU.

KNOWN inflammatory foods

These are the foods that the overwhelming majority of scientific studies, trials, and reviews have determined to be inflammatory to the body.

Sugar

Sugar is one of the most inflammatory foods, and I listed it first because there’s a pretty large population of people (especially those trying to get on an Anti-Inflammation Diet) that are hooked on sugar and refined carbohydrates and feel completely stuck and hopeless.

Why sugar is bad

First and foremost, the majority of sugars available at the grocery store and in processed foods is highly refined. Each different form (especially high fructose corn syrup) is dangerous in its own right. Sugar causes a blood sugar spike and then crash, which has been shown to damage our metabolism, leading to weight gain and chronic disease with repeated use. This can also lead to chronic inflammation, cancers, obesity, chronic kidney disease and fatty liver disease.

Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) has been shown to induce and increase the inflammatory response. What that means is that if you have regular excessive sugar intake, you have a constant rollercoaster of hyperglycemia and then subsequent blood sugar crashes all day long.

Natural Sugars vs Added Sugar

Many people who start an Anti-Inflammation Diet want to know what the difference is between ‘sugar’ and ‘added sugar’.

Added sugar (on a food label) indicates the amount of additional sugar that was added into the packaged food. When you have a food that has natural ingredients that inherently have carbohydrates then it will show ‘sugars’ on the label. Food companies must now distinguish between which of those sugars are natural sugars in the product and which ones have been added.

Be aware that even natural sugars can be inflammatory foods even if they’re in fruits. Also be wary of natural sugars from maple syrup, honey, and agave. They’re still sugar.

Most common places to find sugar

Honestly anything that’s processed or packed these days will most likely have sugar in it. Obvious foods are breakfast items, snacks, and desserts. Lately several natural food companies have been introducing snack and breakfast bars with minimal ingredients that are promising.

Hidden sources of sugar

Where sugars get overlooked is 2 different places:

• Disguised sugars: This is when they’re listed as the 50-something and growing different variations of sugar on the food label.
• Not-so-obvious foods: This is where sugar is getting added into foods that you’d never expect (like bacon, spaghetti sauce, BBQ sauce, etc).

Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners have been under fire a lot the last few years, and with good reason. Aside from anecdotal accounts, studies have shown that the compounds in artificial sweeteners wreck gut health and induce pro-inflammatory changes, which is vital to a diet that will reduce inflammation.

**These are NOT the same as natural zero-calorie sweeteners.

Examples of artificial sweeteners are:

• saccharin (brand name Sweet N Low- the pink packet)
• aspartame (brand name Nutrasweet- the blue packet)
• sucralose (brand name Splenda- the yellow packet)

Trans fats

Artificial trans fats are highly inflammatory and should be avoided at all costs. They’ve been connected with hardening of the arties and heart disease. These are fats that have been chemically altered to stay fresh for longer and are banned in many countries.

Sources of trans fats

Most trans fats are found in bakery-type items but can really be in anything processed.

How to recognize trans fats

On food labels, you’ll know if trans fats are present because the label will use the word ‘hydrogenated’ or ‘partially hydrogenated’ or ‘partially hydrogenated oils’ (something to that effect).

One thing to look out for is labeling on the package that says, “0 grams trans fats per serving”. What that usually means is that they’ve made the serving size on the label so small that they’re using a labeling loophole to be able to state that there are no trans fats when in fact there are. Read the ingredients list always.

Refined grains

Refined carbohydrates in the form of grain flours are inflammatory foods because of the effect on blood sugar levels. In fact, they can raise glycemic levels as much as a candy bar. They also have all the nutrition stripped away, leaving very little in its place except a substance that will put you on the same rollercoaster as sugars.

Where to find refined carbs

Refined grains are in bread, bakery items, cereals, and even things you wouldn’t think about like breaded (and especially breaded and fried) foods.

Alcohol

Alcohol is an interesting inflammatory food because studies have shown that moderate consumption can have a more positive effect depending on the source. Usually this is limited to red wine.

But alcoholic drinks can have a two-fold punch. If the drink is a cocktail full of sugar, you’re getting a double dose of inflammatory foods in a single drink.

CRP is an inflammation-associated marker showing elevated inflammatory levels among people who drink more than safe amounts.

Processed meats

Processed meat refers to meats that have been mechanically ‘put together’. Processed meat consumption has been linked to chronic inflammation and disease, including cancer.

These include deli meats, beef jerky sticks, and other processed meats that you’d expect to find on a charcuterie board.

Vegetable oils and seed oils

These types of oils are highly inflammatory because they’re super refined, and then are usually oxidized by the time they make it into processed foods, or get reheated many times over which also causes oxidation. Oxidation induces the inflammatory response.

Vegetable oils and seed oils to avoid include corn oil, vegetable oil, peanut oil, cottonseed oil, and canola oil that isn’t organic and expeller pressed.

Saturated fats

Although most data until the last few years has indicated saturated fats trigger inflammation, all the studies done (apart from recent ones) never differentiated between sources of the animal saturated fats.

Animal based saturated fats

Saturated fats from animals have different omega 3:6 ratios depending on how they were raised and fed, which can offset the inflammatory response. What this means is that occasional consumption of saturated fat may be ok when the source and quality is taken into account.

Sources of animal-based saturated fat includes meat and dairy products.

Plant based saturated fats

Saturated fat from plant sources includes palm oil and coconut oil. Again- the quality of these is what matters as refined sources have been shown to have inflammatory compounds. (Read more about these below) 👇.

KNOWN foods that you have an allergy or intolerance to

These fall into two different categories really: Foods you already know you’re allergic to, and foods that science has shown you should avoid if you have certain conditions.

Allergies and intolerances

Foods that you know you’re allergic to absolutely promote inflammation in the body. The same goes for foods you have an intolerance or sensitivity to because they induce inflammatory markers when ingested, and you have a subsequent reaction to the food.

If you’re not sure if you’re allergic or intolerant to any given food, this can be determined with a blood test, a prick test, or by doing an elimination diet.

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Foods to avoid based on condition

Depending on your given condition that you’re trying to manage, several have studies backing up avoiding certain foods that cause inflammation. These would include:

• metabolic conditions like type 2 diabetes, PCOS, and insulin resistance
• GI conditions like IBS and IBD
• respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD
• rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory arthritis
• autoimmune conditions/disease (like celiac disease)
• endocrine/hormonal conditions like thyroid or adrenal conditions

That being said, there are specialty subsets of foods that could cause inflammation for some of these conditions. These include lectins, FODMAPS, and fructans.

CONTROVERSIAL foods that could cause inflammation

These are the foods where science has studies showing results that are inconclusive.

This could be because the study size was very small, it was done on animals instead of humans, funding of the study creating bias on the outcome, or the data collection methods relied on study participants remembering things versus having a more concrete data collection method (for example).

Whole grains

With the slurry of new dietary styles comes criticism for different food groups for one reason or another. With low carb diets and keto picking up the pace in the last decade or so, this means carbohydrates are getting a lot of flack. Especially whole grains.

Science shows that when in their whole or cracked forms, whole grains are full of nutrients and needed fiber (because gut health is crucial on an Anti-Inflammatory Dietary Style), but that doesn’t mean that any given grain won’t disagree with you.

Legumes

Also in line with new dietary styles, especially Paleo or the caveman diet, legumes have also come under fire. Again, studies show that these are full of nutrients, protein, and fiber. But legumes can absolutely disagree with some people.

Soy

Soy has come under fire because of the connection to hormones, specifically- estrogen. Soy has been shown to have effects on hormones, but the changes have been fairly small. Again, studies on this go back and forth in that aspect, but in regard to inflammation specifically, the science shows that soy can fight inflammation.

The variable that could make it promote inflammation is for it to NOT be organic (because it is heavily sprayed with glyphosate if not organic), and when it’s in oil form because it’s most likely to also not be organic, and also is heavily refined and oxidated.

Dairy

Historically, studies on dairy products have been heavily criticized because of the amount of lobbying done by the dairy association in the last few decades. Some studies show no change in inflammation when consuming dairy, and others show inflammatory markers increase, especially with GI conditions like IBS.

So here’s the breakdown: milk has lactose (which is a sugar) and should be avoided.

But other dairy foods like plain, unsweetened yogurt have been shown to be beneficial in boosting gut health, and also have a few studies showing anti-inflammatory effects. Especially when they come from organic grass-fed sources as the dairy products from those animals have the same balanced omega 3:6 ratios as red meat that comes from organic grass-fed sources.

Red meat

This was covered a bit under saturated fats, but red meat has been shown in the past to trigger and affect inflammatory markers. The problem with these studies was that the quality and source of the meat wasn’t considered.

Recent studies have shown that there is a difference based on those factors. When the sources are organic grass-fed, there was an increase in anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.

Nightshades

Nightshades have been villainized heavily because of claims that they create an inflammatory response. Studies have shown this isn’t actually the case (except in some GI conditions), and in fact, the Arthritis Foundation actually recommends including them in your diet because of their high nutritional value.

Saturated fats

Again, saturated fats now have more recent studies backing them up if they come from organic, grass-fed, pastured sources. This is because it balances the omega 3:6 ratios, which controls inflammatory markers.

How to know if these are foods that cause inflammation for me

Really the only way to know for sure if these foods promote inflammation in your body is to do an elimination diet. This is when you eliminate certain food groups (listed above) all at once, or even if varying chunks, then add them back one at a time to see how you react.

All in all, you should absolutely eliminate the obvious offenders (the foods shown to induce inflammation and your personal food allergies and intolerances).

But the remainder are up to you. The foods listed in the last category of controversial foods have been shown to have a ton of nutrients, but that’s not to say you won’t personally react to them.

Again, the bottom line recommendation is to adhere to the basic Mediterranean diet guidelines, do an elimination diet if you’re having symptoms still, and then create an eating plan from there.

Discover My Unique 4-Pronged Approach to the Anti-Inflammatory Diet So You Can Get Started Immediately (Without Getting Overwhelmed or Cleaning Out Your Entire Pantry)

• Why a full-scale pantry clean out is NOT the best way to start your anti-inflammatory journey, and the steps you can take instead to make sure you’re fueling your body with foods that love you back
• The essential foods you MUST add into your diet if you want to nourish and heal your body naturally
• How to personalize your journey based on your unique symptoms so you can stop relying on cookie-cutter strategies that aren’t specific to your body
• My anti-inflammatory shopping list so you can quickly fill your cart with the right foods (no googling in the produce aisle or wasting hours staring at ingredient lists)

After a long day at work (which is pretty much most days), many people aren’t too keen on hearing they can’t have a drink when trying to stick to an Anti-Inflammatory Diet. After all, stress triggers inflammation, but a drink after work should help alleviate that.

A little contradictory, no? This begs the question: does alcohol cause inflammation or does alcohol use help stress, which thereby reduces inflammation?

This is a fantastic question since most people are drinking alcohol to ‘take the edge off’ on a regular basis. But also because the Mediterranean guidelines (which are the basic blueprint of an Anti-Inflammatory Diet) stipulate that moderate alcohol consumption is ok.

So let’s break these down to understand the relationship between inflammation and alcohol consumption, and if it’s possible to reduce inflammation while drinking alcohol, or if you should stop drinking alcohol altogether.

What is the cause of inflammation?

Your immune response is activated when your body is exposed to harmful agents such as viruses, bacteria, poisonous substances, or when you are injured.

Inflammatory cells and cytokines are sent out by your immune system as first responses, stimulating additional inflammatory cells called c reactive protein (crp), which is acute inflammation.

These cells initiate an inflammatory response to trap microbes and other harmful substances or start recovering the wounded tissue. Pain, swelling, bruising, and redness may happen due to this.

Chronic inflammation

However, inflammation has an impact on physiological systems that are not visible when poor lifestyle habits turn into low-grade and chronic inflammation.

During chronic inflammation, the immune system keeps an alert state. Under these pressures arterial walls and organs could collapse, creating diseases. This is an extremely broad occurrence that can include asthma, inflammatory arthritis, ulcers, periodontitis, inflammatory arthritis.

The gut inflammation that occurs during prolonged alcohol consumption may also cause inflammation throughout the person’s system.

Prolonged chronic inflammation has been shown to increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, heart disease, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and even autoimmune conditions.

How does drinking alcohol contribute to chronic inflammation?

The increase of gut microflora-derived lipopolysaccharide is just one way that drinking alcohol can cause inflammation.

This is because excessive alcohol consumption triggers the release of LPS, which are normally kept in check by a feedback loop in the central nervous system in conjunction with other organs in the body. Alcohol can thereby throw all of these systems out of whack, leading to systemic inflammatory effects.

However, it has also been shown that alcohol reduces other inflammatory markers in the body, including c-reactive protein, interleukin-6, and TNF-alpha receptor 2.

What health conditions can develop from alcohol inflammation or be exacerbated?

Alcohol inflammation in certain people is associated with numerous health concerns. These can manifest as symptoms made worse when a condition is present, or can actually develop due to chronic alcohol use. Alcohol-related medical conditions include:

• Alcohol-induced fatty liver disease occurs most frequently with long-term alcohol misuse. Since alcohol is processed in the liver, it’s recommended that anyone with liver disease abstain from alcohol consumption.
• Gout is a condition more frequently found in those with other chronic conditions, but can be significantly worsened with alochol use. Excessive alcohol consumption is thought to be a prime contributor of symptoms of gout attacks because of the increase in uric acid from alcohol. This can cause increased joint inflammation and pain.
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS) have been shown to significantly increase the occurrence of stomach bleeding and breeching the intestinal barrier due to alcohol consumption. Intestinal inflammation in these two conditions are the primary cause of pain and triggering flare-ups of symptoms.

Is alcohol bad for your health overall?

Obviously, alcohol abuse is one of these health factors that could tip either way depending on whether there is excessive alcohol consumption or not. But studies have shown specific effects alcohol consumption can have on systems in the body.

Alcohol and the brain

Alcohol can be an addictive chemical depending on several factors for each person.

In the brain, it blocks the neurons and blocks the body’s essential behavior to maintain the regular and healthy status, which alcohol interferes by blocking the neurons and leaving the person vulnerable. The interplay of all these factors in addition to genetic components is what makes certain people more prone to alcohol addiction.

Alcohol leads to intoxication, nausea, slurred speech, slower reflexes, and poor performance, with terrible memory blocking the myriad nerves controlling different body functions.

It also affects how decisions are made. So if someone is trying to stay away from certain foods (for example, to stay on an Anti-Inflammatory Diet), alcohol can affect decisions in refraining from certain foods that could make inflammation worse.

How alcohol affects the liver

The liver plays the most important role in removing alcohol from the body. The prolonged use of alcohol affects the liver regeneration ability and can leave scarring in the liver by disturbing the scar tissue removal enzymes from prolonged usage.

The first signs of liver damage through alcohol usage are abdominal pain and mouth dryness. Other accompanying symptoms include fatigue, jaundice, increased thirst, loss of appetite, and nausea.

Alcohol and blood sugar

Although alcohol intake has been shown to reduce blood sugar levels, this can actually be rebounded with alcohol use. This can be dangerous for those with insulin resistance or other metabolic disorders (especially when taking medications that affect blood sugar levels.)

When there are issues with blood sugar regulation, adding alcohol to the mix can cause spikes or drops in blood sugar that can become an immediate health threat.

Alcohol and lipid markers

Although many people don’t connect alcohol use with lipids, it actually has a big connection. Especially if alcohol use is heavy.

Alcohol can elevate triglycerides and have a negative effect on the HDL to LDL cholesterol in the blood.

How much alcohol is bad for you?

This is where alcohol and inflammation get tricky. Studies have been done in terms of amount consumed and the amount of inflammatory markers in the body.

What was found was interesting, considering the physiologic cascade of inflammatory events that can happen with alcohol intake.

On the contrary, what was found is called a bell curve effect (or J-curve effect).

The bell curve effect in studies

The bell curve effect in studies refers to data showing that no-to-limited consumption of alcohol can be inflammatory, and excessive drinking can also be inflammatory, but moderate alcohol consumption actually has anti-inflammatory effects.

Guidelines when consuming alcohol

Aside from the number of drinks per day, here is more information you should consider when deciding on alcohol consumption for your body, situation, and long term health:

Enjoying alcohol with friends and family

Although the ‘bell curve effect’ seems to be a paradox for some in the scientific community, one suggestion is that it actually doesn’t have anything to do with the physical effects of alcohol.

It has been suggested that alcohol intake with friends and family and in social situations having a positive effect on health has more to do with the actual socialization factor. Being around people you love and care about is a really effective way to reduce stress, which could be the primary factor in moderate alcohol consumption having anti-inflammatory benefits.

Relieve stress

Alcohol in a limited and controlled dose has been shown to trigger dopamine release and lift the mood. Although this tends to be the number one reason people generally partake in alcohol consumption, this can be a slippery slope leading to alcohol abuse, so it’s advised to take precautions when using alcohol for this purpose.

Healthiest Types of alcohol

Although there are particular guidelines available for specific conditions regarding alcohol use, these tend to be the least benign choices for alcohol:

• Red wine
• Champagne
• Tequila
• Rum
• Gin
• Vodka
• Whiskey

I would like to point out that for the liquor options, drinking straight, on the rocks, or with unsweetened sparkling water (or club soda) is always the best option since cocktails frequently have high sugar content, which is highly inflammatory.

Counteracting the effects of alcohol

Even while drinking alcohol within Anti-Inflammatory Diet guidelines, you may want to do what you can otherwise to counteract the effects of alcohol.

Stay hydrated

As alcohol dehydrates, it is imperative to drink lots of water while consuming alcohol. The day after drinking alcohol it’s important, but it’s also imperative to keep hydrated while drinking alcohol as well.

One reason more people pay attention to this now is that dehydration plays a major part in the hangover feeling the next day.

A good rule of thumb to avoid this is to have one glass of water per alcoholic beverages.

Exercise (at least 20 minutes)

Although working out has been shown to reduce inflammation anyway, studies are also showing exercise has the ability to cancel out the effects of alcohol on the system.

Working out even for 20 minutes can increase metabolism by the liver of the compounds that can otherwise be oxidative.

Make healthy food choices

Make sure to eat healthy even during drinking alcohol or when you are going through a hangover. It’s all too easy to fall back into unhealthy habits from alcohol-induced poor choices in the moment.

This includes getting enough and quality protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats.

Drink soy milk to counteract a hangover

Interestingly, soy milk has been shown in studies to counteract a hangover. This is due to compounds called asparagines that bind to oxides formed from alcohol metabolism.

Options other than alcohol

Many people who have determined that alcohol has enough of an inflammatory effect on their bodies commonly begin to seek different alternatives to help ‘take the edge off’ after a long day, or even when socializing.

A wide range of more flexible and relatively healthy options can help you opt for a healthy lifestyle and excellent mental health, like:

• Supplements like valerian root, ashwaganda, or schizandra
• CBD oil
• Mocktails (sugar-free)

Takeaway

Although many forms and quantities of alcohol have been shown to have negative effects on the body, studies have also shown the bell curve paradox. This information allows for a few drinks per day (moderate alcohol consumption) as a benefit to healthy individuals, as long as no conditions are present in which the risk outweighs the benefit.

With that, I say, “Be responsible, know your body, and Cheers!”

Get started on your Anti-Inflammatory Diet with the Quick-Start Guide! 👇

Discover My Unique 4-Pronged Approach to the Anti-Inflammatory Diet So You Can Get Started Immediately (Without Getting Overwhelmed or Cleaning Out Your Entire Pantry)

• Why a full-scale pantry clean out is NOT the best way to start your anti-inflammatory journey, and the steps you can take instead to make sure you’re fueling your body with foods that love you back
• The essential foods you MUST add into your diet if you want to nourish and heal your body naturally
• How to personalize your journey based on your unique symptoms so you can stop relying on cookie-cutter strategies that aren’t specific to your body
• My anti-inflammatory shopping list so you can quickly fill your cart with the right foods (no googling in the produce aisle or wasting hours staring at ingredient lists)