Recipe for Health: Anti-inflammatory Diet

Inflammation is the new holistic buzzword. It stands at the forefront of health concerns. Because research has shown that subclinical inflammation is at the core of many health problems, Time Magazine has called inflammation a “secret killer.”Inflammation appears to be associated with many chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, obesity, and musculoskeletal degeneration. Diet can be a major contributor to subclinical inflammation, which is not readily detectable.Some of the causes of chronic inflammation include: a poor diet, lack of exercise, stress, hidden food allergens, bacterial or viral infections, environmental toxins, and faulty movement patterns. Inflammation leads to aging and chronic diseases. It is also by far the leading contributor to obesity.A properly functioning digestive system is critical to good health. Furthermore, research has confirmed the effectiveness of a regimen called the 5 R program:Remove the offending substances from a patient’s diet including grain, containing gluten and dairy products.Replace digestive enzymes. Add betaine HCL and bile acids required for proper digestion.Re-inoculate the gut tract with probiotics. These well-researched probiotics are specific strains of acidophilus and bifidus bacteria to help promote an optimal balance of GI microflora. Probiotics should be taken with a prebiotic such as inulin or fructooligosaccherides. Prebiotics are specific fibers that are a food source for friendly probiotic organisms.Regenerate the GI mucosa lining by adding such nutrients as antioxidants, selenium, zinc, L-glutamine, turmeric, ginger, pantothenic acid, omega-3 fish oil, vitamin E, glycines, humulus lupulus, and rice protein.Retain the health and function your GI tract with proper lifestyle.Chronic and degenerative conditions can be prevented and controlled by adhering to an anti-inflammatory protocol. Proper diet and nutritional supplements remain the cornerstone for reducing subclinical inflammation and promoting optima health. Implementing the 5R program has been shown in research to be an effective way to treat subclinical inflammation.