Inflammation III: Anti-inflammatory diets

I tried an anti-inflammatory diet—thought it might help with my occasional joint pain. After a few days of it, I couldn’t stand it. These diets vary, but in general you’re not supposed to eat sweeteners, anything with gluten (wheat, barley, etc.), dairy products, eggs, caffeine, alcohol, and odds and ends of other things, including certain soy products, nuts, oils, and so forth. I can’t argue with eliminating certain foods, such as sugar and other refined carbohydrates (not that I do). But alcohol? Cheese? Butter? Caffeine? I just couldn’t do it. Life is too short.

Some scientists undertook a comprehensive review of studies in which they looked for evidence that certain diets reduced inflammatory bowel disease. They found only two that reduced inflammation: both were liquid mixtures of amino acids, simple sugars, and triglycerides that were administered with a tube through the nose. No eating regular meals in between. Other studies have not found any data that foods either cause inflammation or block inflammation. One study also showed that vitamins don’t counter inflammation and that they may increase your risk of developing cancer.

Apparently, plenty of people say they feel better as a result of following these diets. But so far there is only anecdotal evidence that the diets work. That is, no studies (except the liquid one I mentioned above), could prove a link between an anti-inflammatory diet and reduced inflammation. I do believe that eliminating certain foods help some people feel better—most probably because they were allergic or intolerant of certain substances, especially lactose and gluten. 

Like everything else, the nature of inflammation varies almost from person to person, and involves interactions among DNA, many kinds of gastrointestinal cells, and the peculiarities of a person’s gut microbiome. 

Remember that inflammation serves a vital role in the body. It’s a primary mechanism selected by nature to maintain the integrity of our bodies against the thousands of environmental attacks we receive every day. In the words, of Dr. Luigi Ferrucci, the scientific director of the National Institute on Aging, “Inflammation is part of our maintenance and repair system. Without it, we can’t heal.”

Next week: GMO foods: What? Me worry?

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