The one thing that’s making you sick, depressed and overweight
<p>Been feeling down? Gained a few kilos? Has your immune system taken a hit? Well, there’s one thing that may just be responsible for all your health woes – inflammation.</p>
<p>Usually, inflammation is actually a good thing – it simply shows that our body is successfully defending itself against infection and repairing itself. When it works, inflammation keeps us healthy and happy. When it doesn’t, problems can start to arise.</p>
<p>To find out more about the risk factors, signs, dangers and treatment of inflammation, Over60 spoke to dietician, health coach and author of <em>The Complete Anti-Inflammatory Diet for Beginners</em>, Lulu Cook.</p>
<p><strong>1. What are the risk factors associated with inflammation?</strong></p>
<p>Dietary risks include high intake of added sugars and refined carbohydrates, more significantly than any other factor. High temperature grilling of meats is another dietary risk factor.</p>
<p><strong>2. What are the symptoms of inflammation?</strong></p>
<p>Symptoms of inflammation may certainly include localised redness, tenderness, and swelling, but more chronic inflammation can be less visible.</p>
<p>Diagnosis with auto-immune diseases (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis) as well as conditions such as Type 2 diabetes are good indicators that there is likely to be systemic inflammation as well.</p>
<p>Skin conditions such as acne, digestive disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease, and overweight (especially in the mid-section) are more good reasons to have a doctor check your labs for indicators such as blood sugar levels and CRP (C-reactive protein, one of the best indicators of inflammation).</p>
<p><strong>3. What are the long-term dangers of inflammation?</strong></p>
<p>Long term dangers of ongoing chronic inflammation include development or exacerbation of diseases such as Type 2 diabetes, auto-immune disease, and even some cancers and dementias (e.g. “Type 3 diabetes”, a newly differentiated form of Alzheimer’s disease).</p>
<p><strong>4. How can inflammation be prevented and treated?</strong></p>
<p>The foundational line of defence for preventing and treating inflammation should be dietary, as the aspects that make a good anti-inflammatory diet are completely complementary with the standards of <em>any</em> healthy dietary pattern.</p>
<p>This includes reducing or eliminating added sugar and refined carbohydrate intake, and increasing consumption of vegetables and whole grains, as healthful fibres that help decrease inflammation.</p>
<p>Omega-3 fats should be included as well, such as from salmon and walnuts, whilst sources of saturated fats, such as high fat red meat and full fat dairy, should be reduced.</p>
