When Hay House published Meals That Heal Inflammation, readers were astonished when they learned that virtually every health condition from asthma to Alzheimer’s is linked to inflammation. This information was later validated in an article posted in The Wall Street Journal entitled, “The New Science Behind America’s Deadliest Diseases.” Here, author Julie Daniluk—leading nutritionist and inflammation expert—responds to the scientists’ findings and offers more tips and startling facts about chronic inflammation. 

It is great to see such a reputable media source as The Wall Street Journal cover this important health topic. Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, irritation or imbalance causing the symptoms of redness, soreness, heat, swelling or loss of function. We must resolve the infection, remove the irritation, or correct the hormonal imbalance in order to reduce the destruction of cells.  The good news is that by following an anti-inflammatory diet – focusing on phytonutrients in fruit and vegetables, and essential fatty acids and amino acids plentiful in everything from seeds to seafood – we are able to quench the flames of inflammation and turn on cell repair.

If you’re one of the millions of people who have been affected by allergies, diabetes, skin disorders, heart disease, arthritis, or any other condition ending in “-itis,” then you know firsthand what havoc inflammation can cause.

I have been researching inflammation for 7 years and have collected thousands of studies that show how food can powerfully heal inflammatory conditions.

I agree with Dr. Christopher Cannon that there is not one diet that would work on everyone but rather there are 7 billion diets for 7 billion people and we need to investigate what personal food prescription would alleviate a condition.

It is important to point out Dr Cannon’s statement, There is little evidence to support any specific diet to protect against inflammation. In fact, there are thousands of fantastic studies that support the healing properties of individual anti-inflammatory foods. Check out the reference section from the well-researched book, Meals That Heal Inflammation, for a detailed list of these studies: http://www.juliedaniluk.com/meals-that-heal/meals-that-heal-inflammation-references.html.

For example:

Avocados have the ability to boost levels of glutathione (a powerful antioxidant) and ramp up your body’s innate immune system by bolstering its own natural defenses and warding off invading pathogens.

Radishes are part of the cruciferous family that provides a unique molecule called indol-3-carbinol (I3C). I3C reduces inflammatory intermediates in the blood. These intermediates are what signal increased blood flow to an injured area, causing inflammatory symptoms.

Pomegranates have been shown to halt the enzyme reactions the body uses in triggering inflammation and ultimately pain.

Shiitake mushrooms are very high in polyphenols – nutrients that are effective in protecting liver cells from damage. Supporting the liver is critical in fighting inflammation in the body as it where we breakdown our hormones.

Ginger has the ability to beat painful inflammation by inhibiting the effects of arachadonic acid, a necessary fat that is responsible for triggering the inflammation involved in the immune response, and ultimately leads to pain at that site. Boosting your ginger intake can reduce the feelings of pain caused by inflammation.