May 12, 2023

Your body is a complex marvel of biology that runs different systems and processes at the same time. Each is dependent on the other. One such group of systems and processes is the immune system and inflammation.

The immune system kicks in when the body identifies a rogue or foreign element in the body. It works to protect the body. But as it does, it causes inflammation and sometimes reacts against the body.

Inflammation and Diet

Inflammation is a natural body process accompanying the immune system, presenting as a common symptom in many conditions. But doctors discovered that some foods could worsen the inflammation, which can affect people with specific conditions.

Some of these conditions affect the immune system's function, leading to persistent or chronic inflammation. While some foods can worsen inflammation, some can help reduce and even prevent it.

DeFlame diets are designed to combat inflammation by avoiding foods that cause it and increasing the intake of foods that help reduce it. These diets usually discourage or limit the intake of foods like red meats, processed foods, and alcohol.

What Is Inflammation?

The immune system usually springs into action when it identifies foreign bodies, called antigens, in the body. These antigens take different forms, like a nail you step on, pollen that triggers allergies, and sometimes the food you are sensitive to. When the immune system responds to antigens, it releases cytokines, essential signaling proteins.

Cytokines are the primary cause of inflammation in the body and affected tissues. Cytokines induce inflammation in response to an infection, and the body attempts to isolate affected cells. It helps keep other cells close to the affected cells from becoming infected.

What Is Chronic Inflammation?

In a healthy body, inflammation is a good thing. But when it is caused by something else, it becomes an enemy. A common cause of chronic inflammation is chronic diseases, usually in symptoms like fatigue and abdominal pain. In such conditions, a DeFlame diet can significantly reduce the inflammation's impact.

Conditions That Can Cause Chronic Inflammation
 

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Asthma

• Psoriasis

• Colitis

• Lupus

• Metabolic syndrome

• Eosinophilic esophagitis

• Inflammatory bowel disease

• Hashimoto's thyroiditis

• Crohn's disease

What Is a DeFlame Diet?

Many foods available today can trigger or worsen inflammation for some people with certain conditions. The most common culprits are sugary and processed foods. The alternatives are fresh whole foods. These foods are primarily found in a DeFlame diet and have critical nutrients and minerals that help them accomplish this.

DeFlame diets usually comprise:
 

• Fruits

• Vegetables

• Foods rich in antioxidants, like the DASH and Mediterranean diets

Antioxidants are critical in eliminating free radicals that occur naturally from some body processes like metabolism. Free radicals often lead to cell damage when left in the body, contributing to inflammation and various conditions. 

Dietary antioxidants help the body eliminate these free radicals. Fiber and omega-3 fatty acids in fish can also help decrease the number of inflammatory proteins in the body.

For more on the DeFlame diet and chronic inflammatory conditions, visit Graber Chiropractic Center at our office in Parsippany, New Jersey. Call (973) 335-1100​​​​​​​ to book an appointment today.