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Inflammation is our body’s reaction to irritants. Certain areas of the body are more prone to inflammation than others like the skin, our abdomen… but any tissue can become inflamed. 

Bacteria, pollution, stress… and food intolerances along with poor digestion are two very common irritants. Diet is therefore a key factor in preventing inflammation.

Chronic inflammation is when it persists over a long period of time. And in fact, there are already many studies that link chronic inflammation of tissues with many current diseases such as dementia, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, chronic pain, fatty liver, digestive problems such as irritable bowel syndrome, Helicobacter Pylori infection, or Crohn’s disease. 

An anti-inflammatory diet is recommended to prevent and reduce inflammation in our body: it is rich in vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, dietary fiber, and antioxidants. It is very simple to follow and includes all vegetables and fruits, quality proteins, and healthy fats.

This diet also restricts some food groups such as processed meats, gluten, and refined flours. We will take a look at this in more detail in next month’s post.  

“The key to the anti-inflammatory diet is more fresh foods and less processed ones”

Gut Microbiota 

Microbiota, also knowns as gut flora or microorganisms in the gut, have a lot to do with a healthy diet and thus inflammation. If our diet is rich in fiber, then good bacteria will proliferate, but if our diet is high in processed foods, gluten and sugar, our intestines will have more pathogenic bacteria that unbalances the flora. This imbalance is known as dysbiosis and is what’s behind the development of these chronic inflammatory intestinal problems.

These days there is more talk and emphasis on the importance of microbiota which is where most of the body’s defenses reside. Think of it as a protective shield that keeps us safe from disease. The health of the microbiota is dependant on the proper absorption of nutrients. Keep reading if you want to know more! 

Who Should Follow An Anti-inflammatory Diet? 

The Anti-inflammatory Diet is perfect for everyone, but especially for people already suffering from inflammatory diseases such as arthritis, sclerosis, or gastric pathologies such as acid reflux or Crohn’s disease.

The Anti-inflammatory Diet is not a weight loss diet, although in many cases, it has that effect. 

The Benefits of an Anti-inflammatory Diet 

• Anti-aging: Inflammation is a precursor of aging.

• It takes care of the microbiota.

• Provides energy and prevents fatigue.

• Reduces anxiety.

• Reduces headaches.

• Reduces abdominal inflammation.

• Less menstrual pain.

• Lowers risk of diseases.

• Decreases gas.

• Increased life expectancy.

• Feeling of physical and mental well-being.

Don’t miss our upcoming posts where we dive deeper into the Anti-inflammatory diet. We will go over the foods that are most and least likely to cause inflammation and we will continue to give you some great tips and interesting ideas. In the meantime, a good place to start kicking that sugar habit is by trying our Cocoa and Hazelnut Spread, it’s ideal for breakfast and good for you; what’s more to like?