Continued, regular intake of fried, fatty and refined foods can cause chronic systemic inflammation within the body. Studies are currently under way to determine if this inflammation can also be linked to disruption in the delicate balance of our gut function – eventually leading to diabetes, weight gain and heart disease. Inflammatory markers in the blood were measured as elevated up to five hours after consuming a meal high in sugar and fat in one study. This new research has the potential to drastically change how obesity and related health conditions are approached and treated.
To decrease systemic inflammation:
- Reduce your consumption of processed, fatty and refined foods.
- Eat plenty of fiber rich foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These foods assist the gut in decreasing inflammation.
- If you do eat “junk food”, accompany it with fiber and vitamin rich whole foods (fruits and vegetables). Add color to your diet!
Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, maintains offices in Tampa and Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida. Dr. Hermann is also board certified in nutrition. Please contact the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
This post was written by Anne Hermann. Follow Anne Hermann on Google, Facebook, Twitter & Linkedin.
