Inflammation and diet

Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury and sickness. But it can also be caused by poor diet and once chronic can give rise to some undesirable long-term health impacts. So how do we avoid chronic inflammation? 

A Mediterranean style diet is one answer. 

There have been a number of studies which have demonstrated that this kind of diet can reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes. It may also help prevent cognitive decline and reduce the risk of depression and anxiety. 

So what is this diet? 

One of the key components of the Mediterranean diet is its emphasis on plant-based foods. Fruit and vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation in the body.

Whole grains are another important part of the Mediterranean diet. Unlike refined grains, which have had their fibre and nutrients removed, whole grains are rich in fibre, vitamins, and minerals. They have been shown to reduce inflammation in the body and can also help regulate blood sugar levels, which can reduce the risk of diabetes and other inflammatory conditions.

Lastly such a diet emphasises the benefits of healthy fats, which can be found in olive oil, nuts and such fish as salmon. These foods are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to reduce inflammation. 

Here are some links to websites explaining the Mediterranean diet should you want to research further:-

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/16037-mediterranean-diet

https://www.olivetomato.com/category/med-diet-101

https://www.themediterraneandish.com/mediterranean-diet-2

How easy is it to adopt this diet? If you have any experiences you would like to share let us know.