United States – A new study reveals that most Americans are consuming food that leads to inflammation that is dangerous to cancer, heart disease, and other illnesses.
“Overall, 57% of U.S. adults have a pro-inflammatory diet, and that number was higher for Black Americans, men, younger adults, and people with lower education and income,” according to Meadows, from Ohio State University College of Public Health, as reported by HealthDay.
The Dietary Inflammatory Index
Her team opted for a tool familiar to many nutritionists known as the dietary inflammatory index, which encompasses 45 elements.
Meadows said that, unlike other dietary measures which use food groups such as fruits, vegetables, or dairy or nutrients such as fats, proteins, or carbohydrates, inflammation is a key consideration.
With the help of the tool, they set the following inflammation levels: -9 and 8; the indicator 0 reflects a balanced diet.
In reference to the major nutrients, Meadows pointed out that the overall balance of the diet is critical.
“Even if you’re eating enough fruits or vegetables, if you’re having too much alcohol or red meat, then your overall diet can still be pro-inflammatory,” she stated, emphasizing the need for individuals to consider anti-inflammatory foods as tools to improve their health.
Anti-Inflammatory Foods to Consider
Essential oils from herbs such as garlic, ginger, turmeric, and green and black tea target inflammation, according to Meadows.
Other anti-inflammatory food products include cereals, green leafy vegetables, beans, lentils, fatty fish like salmon, and berries which form the Mediterranean diet.
Barriers to Healthier Eating
“Moving toward a diet with less inflammation could have a positive impact on a number of chronic conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and even depression and other mental health conditions,” Meadows said in an Ohio State news release.
There are many barriers to preparing a less inflammatory diet, she said; available ways to get the food, the price was mentioned; and lack of access to the fresh product, price – two facts which lower-income people cannot always afford. Many people also have chronic inflammation, which is not necessarily related to their diet, she mentioned, as reported by HealthDay.
“There are a lot of factors that contribute to chronic inflammation, and they all interact — even sleep is a key component,” Meadows said. “Diet can be used as a tool to combat that.”