Inflammation refers to an immune response triggered within the body as a result of exposure to a foreign substance or a perceived stressor. While acute inflammation is a vital part of the immune response in the short term, sustained inflammation over weeks to months (called chronic inflammation) can have detrimental effects. Many of the foods in the standard American diet both cause and perpetuate chronic inflammation, such as processed foods, trans fats, and refined sugars. However, other foods are actually anti-inflammatory, and their consumption helps combat inflammation with the food itself. With many different names, a true anti-inflammatory diet focuses on whole, real foods with antioxidants and micronutrients, while minimizing processed foods and other proinflammatory ingredients.
When the inflammatory response continues beyond the short-term, chronic inflammation results. This is marked by chronically elevated levels of stress hormones that have blunted effects, which necessitates the production of higher and higher levels of stress hormones. As chronic inflammation continues, dysregulations in stress hormones lead to further metabolic derangements and downstream organ dysfunctions. This is the inflammation and disease connection, as it leads to autoimmune diseases, reduced ability to fight off illnesses, and metabolic diseases, such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, elevated cholesterol levels, fatty liver disease, prediabetes and diabetes, and obesity.
How Can Lab Testing Help Determine Chronic Inflammation in The Body?
On the other hand, some of our best food choices are anti-inflammatory, foods that reduce current and future inflammation. Fruits and vegetables contain polyphenols, which are potent antioxidants, preventing cell damage and fighting many other downstream effects of inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids (like those found in fatty fish, chia seeds, and avocados) are both anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating, meaning they fight inflammation and boost your immune health at the same time. Furthermore, many herbs, spices, and food forms help reduce inflammation too, like turmeric, garlic, fermented foods, and others. By focusing on anti-inflammatory foods, you can manage, reduce, and even prevent chronic inflammation.
Common Pro-Inflammatory Foods
Many foods are proinflammatory, meaning their breakdown and metabolism induce an inflammatory response within the body. High amounts and long-term consumption of proinflammatory foods lead to chronic inflammation and negative downstream effects. Common pro-inflammatory foods are refined sugars, high-fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, refined carbohydrates, trans fats, some saturated fats, processed meats, and excessive alcohol.
Refined sugars are highly pro-inflammatory. High-fructose corn syrup is a common sweetener and texture agent in shelf-stable processed foods and beverages. It is particularly dangerous for overall health, as studies show it causes inflammation, insulin resistance, and obesity. Refined sugars (including high-fructose corn syrup) trigger the release of proinflammatory cytokines, thus promoting oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. When refined sugars are consumed in large amounts, it can lead to dysregulated blood glucose levels, prediabetes, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Eating excessive refined sugars also causes dysbiosis, which is a disruption of the balance of gut microbiota. This leads to further inflammation, poor digestion, lowered immunity, altered metabolism, and more.
Artificial sweeteners also cause significant proinflammatory effects. These include aspartame, sucralose, saccharin, erythritol, acesulfame potassium, and xylitol. Artificial sweeteners can cause dysbiosis, which leads to inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, immune dysregulation, and digestion problems. The pro-inflammatory nature of artificial sweeteners is known to cause exaggerated inflammatory responses in some people, so tolerance levels may vary.
Trans fats are unsaturated fats that have a hydrogen atom added (called hydrogenated oils) to make them solid at room temperature for the purposes of extending the shelf-life of foods and enhancing food texture. Trans fats, which are commonly found in fried foods, baked goods, margarine, and shelf-stable processed foods, are well-known for their negative pro-inflammatory properties. Not only do trans fats increase levels of harmful low-density lipoprotein cholesterol but they also promote inflammation by upregulating the production of inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress markers. Similarly, certain saturated fats, particularly those from processed and red meats, can also contribute to inflammation and cardiovascular disease risk. Limiting the intake of trans fats and some saturated fats, and instead opting for healthier sources of unsaturated fats like omega-3 fatty acids, can help reduce inflammation and support overall health.
Refined carbohydrates take many forms. From bread to crackers to chips to cookies, most processed foods that are found in the middle aisles of the grocery store are high in refined carbohydrates. During the heavy processing that occurs, these refined carbohydrates are not only stripped of their healthful ingredients, like dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals, but they also have more harmful ingredients added to them, like additives, preservatives, and artificial flavorings. The resulting products are proinflammatory, inducing an inflammatory response as the body tries to break down synthetic ingredients.
There is growing recognition of the role of diet in the development and progression of chronic diseases. Proinflammatory foods are known to cause inflammation, and evidence suggests they are significant contributors to various chronic diseases. Proinflammatory foods trigger the release of proinflammatory cytokines and other immune mediators, leading to a state of chronic inflammation.
The detrimental effects of proinflammatory foods on cardiovascular health are detailed in numerous peer-reviewed publications. High intake of processed meats and sugary snacks has been associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, and hypertension. These foods promote endothelial dysfunction, arterial stiffness, and plaque formation, contributing to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases.
Proinflammatory foods play a significant role in the development of obesity, which is itself a major risk factor for numerous chronic diseases. The excessive consumption of processed foods disrupts the hormonal regulation of appetite and energy balance, leading to increased caloric intake and adiposity. Adipose tissue itself is proinflammatory, further contributing to insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and metabolic syndrome.
Increasing evidence suggests correlations between proinflammatory diets and certain types of cancer. A diet high in processed meats, sugary snacks, and refined carbohydrates is associated with an elevated risk of colorectal, breast, and prostate cancers. Chronic inflammation triggered by these foods promotes oncogenic processes such as DNA damage and abnormal cell proliferation.
A high intake of proinflammatory foods and the resulting chronic inflammation are each implicated in the development of neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Proinflammatory diets worsen neuroinflammation and neuronal damage via increased oxidative stress and the formation of free radicals.
Proinflammatory foods have a fundamental role in the development of chronic diseases, and understanding the role of diet-induced inflammation in chronic diseases is paramount. Functional medicine emphasizes the importance of dietary modifications as both a preventive and treatment strategy. Adopting an anti-inflammatory diet, characterized by whole foods, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats, is the first step in reducing chronic disease risk and promoting overall health and well-being.
Identifying Hidden Sources of Pro-Inflammatory Ingredients
Some pro-inflammatory foods are more obvious, like refined sugars, high fructose corn syrup, and trans fats. However, some proinflammatory ingredients may be hidden in processed foods, making them harder to spot. In general, if a food is heavily processed, it likely has many sources of proinflammatory ingredients. Some of the common proinflammatory ingredients include additives, preservatives, flavor enhancers, colors and dyes, and other food production chemicals, like glyphosate.
Many preservatives are commonly used in processed meats to prevent contamination and enhance color and texture. However, nitrates and nitrates are pro-inflammatory and carcinogenic. A high intake of sodium nitrate/nitrite is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers.
Synthetic food dyes are added to many processed foods, beverages, and snacks to enhance both their color and their appeal. However, these dyes, most commonly Red 40 and Yellow 5, can cause allergic reactions and inflammation. They are also known to contribute to hyperactivity in children and bladder disorders. In children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, these synthetic dyes are known to exacerbate symptoms.
Alternatives to Pro-Inflammatory Foods
Fatty fish is one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids, an incredible source of the benefits that omega-3 fatty acids provide. By reducing inflammation, the omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish like eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) lower your risk of metabolic syndrome, heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses. Other concentrated sources of omega-3 fatty acids outside of fatty fish include flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts.
Extra virgin olive oil contains healthy monounsaturated, anti-inflammatory fats, including omega-3 fatty acids. Olive oil is pressed directly from the olives and includes no other ingredients to make it overly processed. Extra virgin olive oil is even less processed. It is mechanically extracted from olives without using high heat or solvents, which helps preserve its antioxidants and polyphenols.
The benefits of regularly eating extra virgin olive oil include reduced risk of heart disease, certain types of cancers, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and many others. Using extra virgin olive oil as part of an overall anti-inflammatory eating lifestyle provides beneficial fats for healthy cell structure and function and important antioxidants and polyphenols to reduce inflammation.
Leafy green vegetables, like kale, spinach, Swiss chard, bok choy, and lettuces, are anti-inflammatory vegetables. They are full of antioxidants and phytochemicals that are particularly adept at fighting inflammation. They also contain vitamin K, which helps support circulation, vitamin C, which helps fight infection, selenium, which also boosts immunity, and beta-carotene, which helps eliminate free radicals and decreases the risk of cancer.
Cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts, contain isothiocyanates. Derived from the breakdown of sulfur-containing compounds, isothiocyanates are functional foods that are linked to significantly lower rates of certain types of cancers in those who eat higher amounts.
Because whole grains are high in phytochemicals, antioxidants, and fiber, many studies support their anti-inflammatory properties, thus reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
Dark chocolate is highly anti-inflammatory because of the many antioxidants from the flavanols in cacao. Flavanols are high-protective for the endothelial cells within your arteries. This helps protect against endothelial damage, which is the start of plaque formation and coronary artery disease. If the endothelial lining of the arteries remains intact, plaque can’t stick to the arterial walls and instead continues to flow through the blood. Dark cacao can also help to reduce blood pressure. Choose dark cocoa without added heavy cream, refined sugars, and other additives and preservatives.
When looking for alternatives to proinflammatory foods, choose organic whenever possible, especially for animal products and the dirtiest types of produce. Include at least one serving of fatty fish per week, and prepare your meals with anti-inflammatory unsaturated fats, like extra virgin olive oil and avocado oil. Utilize herbs and spices with anti-inflammatory impacts like turmeric, ginger, garlic, and cinnamon to add flavor and nutrition.
Incorporating Anti-Inflammatory Foods into Your Diet
The foundations of antiinflammatory eating truly are basic. Opt for whole, real foods, as close to their natural states as possible. The challenge is in both our modern lifestyles and our modern food supply, where schedules are busier than ever, and processed foods are the rule and not the exception! This makes incorporating an anti-inflammatory eating lifestyle much more complex.
Aim for 75% of your plate to be plant-based foods at most meals. Choose organic as much as possible, especially for animal products and the dirtiest types of produce. Include at least one serving of fatty fish per week, and prepare your meals with anti-inflammatory unsaturated fats, like extra virgin olive oil and avocado oil. Utilize herbs and spices with anti-inflammatory impacts like turmeric, ginger, garlic, and cinnamon to add flavor and nutrition.
Meal planning is a huge factor in success with anti-inflammatory eating. Knowing what you will eat for each meal enables you to make good food choices and helps you avoid the drive-thru, takeout lines, or delivery, which often offer less anti-inflammatory food options. Variety is important in anti-inflammatory eating, as it provides a wide array of health benefits from different foods. Choose fruits and vegetables of different colors to get different vitamins and minerals.
Base your diet on fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats, and whole grains.
Other factors for success are adequate water intake and regular exercise. Being properly hydrated is crucial for a healthy lifestyle. Drinking enough water helps optimize your metabolism, control your appetite, regulate your circulation, and improve your mental clarity.
Drink at least 64 ounces (8 cups) of water per day. Regular exercise is another crucial component of maintaining optimal metabolic health. A combination of strength training and cardiovascular exercise provides optimal fitness benefits. Exercise is a great way to help maintain a healthy weight, promote lean body mass, and prevent bone loss.
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Pro-Inflammatory Foods: Key Takeaways
Proinflammatory foods are known to both cause and perpetuate chronic inflammation. By minimizing foods like refined sugars, artificial sweeteners, trans fats, refined carbohydrates, processed meats, and alcohol, you can avoid some of the main causes of chronic inflammation. The functional medicine approach to root-cause medicine hinges on eliminating pro-inflammatory foods and focusing on incorporating anti-inflammatory foods to promote overall health and longevity.
Inflammation refers to an immune response triggered within the body as a result of exposure to a foreign substance or a perceived stressor. While acute inflammation is a vital part of the immune response in the short term, sustained inflammation over weeks to months (called chronic inflammation) may have negative effects. Many of the foods in the standard American diet may contribute to chronic inflammation, such as processed foods, trans fats, and refined sugars. However, other foods are considered anti-inflammatory, and their consumption may help manage inflammation. A true anti-inflammatory diet focuses on whole, real foods with antioxidants and micronutrients, while minimizing processed foods and other proinflammatory ingredients.
When the inflammatory response continues beyond the short-term, chronic inflammation may result. This is marked by chronically elevated levels of stress hormones that may have reduced effects, which necessitates the production of higher levels of stress hormones. As chronic inflammation continues, changes in stress hormones may lead to further metabolic changes and potential organ dysfunctions. This is the inflammation and health connection, as it may contribute to autoimmune conditions, reduced ability to manage illnesses, and metabolic conditions, such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular issues, elevated cholesterol levels, fatty liver, prediabetes and diabetes, and obesity.
How Can Lab Testing Help Determine Chronic Inflammation in The Body?
On the other hand, some of our best food choices are anti-inflammatory, foods that may help manage current and future inflammation. Fruits and vegetables contain polyphenols, which are potent antioxidants, potentially supporting cell health and helping manage many other effects of inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids (like those found in fatty fish, chia seeds, and avocados) are both anti-inflammatory and immune-supporting, meaning they may help manage inflammation and support your immune health at the same time. Furthermore, many herbs, spices, and food forms may help manage inflammation too, like turmeric, garlic, fermented foods, and others. By focusing on anti-inflammatory foods, you may help manage, reduce, and even prevent chronic inflammation.
Common Pro-Inflammatory Foods
Many foods are considered proinflammatory, meaning their breakdown and metabolism may trigger an inflammatory response within the body. High amounts and long-term consumption of proinflammatory foods may lead to chronic inflammation and potential negative effects. Common pro-inflammatory foods are refined sugars, high-fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, refined carbohydrates, trans fats, some saturated fats, processed meats, and excessive alcohol.
Refined sugars are often considered pro-inflammatory. High-fructose corn syrup is a common sweetener and texture agent in shelf-stable processed foods and beverages. It is particularly concerning for overall health, as studies suggest it may contribute to inflammation, insulin resistance, and obesity. Refined sugars (including high-fructose corn syrup) may trigger the release of proinflammatory cytokines, thus promoting oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. When refined sugars are consumed in large amounts, it may lead to changes in blood glucose levels, prediabetes, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Eating excessive refined sugars may also cause dysbiosis, which is a disruption of the balance of gut microbiota. This may lead to further inflammation, digestive issues, lowered immunity, altered metabolism, and more.
Artificial sweeteners may also have significant proinflammatory effects. These include aspartame, sucralose, saccharin, erythritol, acesulfame potassium, and xylitol. Artificial sweeteners may cause dysbiosis, which may lead to inflammation, metabolic changes, immune system changes, and digestive problems. The pro-inflammatory nature of artificial sweeteners is known to cause exaggerated inflammatory responses in some people, so tolerance levels may vary.
Trans fats are unsaturated fats that have a hydrogen atom added (called hydrogenated oils) to make them solid at room temperature for the purposes of extending the shelf-life of foods and enhancing food texture. Trans fats, which are commonly found in fried foods, baked goods, margarine, and shelf-stable processed foods, are well-known for their potential pro-inflammatory properties. Not only do trans fats increase levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol but they may also promote inflammation by upregulating the production of inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress markers. Similarly, certain saturated fats, particularly those from processed and red meats, may also contribute to inflammation and cardiovascular health concerns. Limiting the intake of trans fats and some saturated fats, and instead opting for healthier sources of unsaturated fats like omega-3 fatty acids, may help manage inflammation and support overall health.
Refined carbohydrates take many forms. From bread to crackers to chips to cookies, most processed foods that are found in the middle aisles of the grocery store are high in refined carbohydrates. During the heavy processing that occurs, these refined carbohydrates are not only stripped of their healthful ingredients, like dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals, but they also have more harmful ingredients added to them, like additives, preservatives, and artificial flavorings. The resulting products may be proinflammatory, potentially inducing an inflammatory response as the body tries to break down synthetic ingredients.
There is growing recognition of the role of diet in the development and progression of chronic conditions. Proinflammatory foods are known to potentially cause inflammation, and evidence suggests they may be significant contributors to various chronic conditions. Proinflammatory foods may trigger the release of proinflammatory cytokines and other immune mediators, leading to a state of chronic inflammation.
The potential effects of proinflammatory foods on cardiovascular health are detailed in numerous peer-reviewed publications. High intake of processed meats and sugary snacks has been associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, and hypertension. These foods may promote endothelial changes, arterial stiffness, and plaque formation, potentially contributing to cardiovascular conditions.
The consumption of proinflammatory foods has been linked to insulin resistance, impaired glucose regulation, and ultimately, type 2 diabetes mellitus. Evidence-based studies suggest diets rich in refined grains, sugary beverages, and fried foods may elevate inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) and fasting insulin levels, potentially worsening insulin resistance and increasing pancreatic β-cell dysfunction.
Proinflammatory foods may play a significant role in the development of obesity, which is itself a major risk factor for numerous chronic conditions. The excessive consumption of processed foods may disrupt the hormonal regulation of appetite and energy balance, leading to increased caloric intake and adiposity. Adipose tissue itself may be proinflammatory, further contributing to insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and metabolic syndrome.
Increasing evidence suggests correlations between proinflammatory diets and certain types of cancer. A diet high in processed meats, sugary snacks, and refined carbohydrates is associated with an elevated risk of colorectal, breast, and prostate cancers. Chronic inflammation triggered by these foods may promote oncogenic processes such as DNA changes and abnormal cell proliferation.
A high intake of proinflammatory foods and the resulting chronic inflammation are each implicated in the development of neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Proinflammatory diets may worsen neuroinflammation and neuronal changes via increased oxidative stress and the formation of free radicals.
Proinflammatory foods may have a fundamental role in the development of chronic conditions, and understanding the role of diet-induced inflammation in chronic conditions is important. Functional medicine emphasizes the importance of dietary modifications as both a preventive and supportive strategy. Adopting an anti-inflammatory diet, characterized by whole foods, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats, is a step in supporting overall health and well-being.
Identifying Hidden Sources of Pro-Inflammatory Ingredients
Some pro-inflammatory foods are more obvious, like refined sugars, high fructose corn syrup, and trans fats. However, some proinflammatory ingredients may be hidden in processed foods, making them harder to spot. In general, if a food is heavily processed, it likely has many sources of proinflammatory ingredients. Some of the common proinflammatory ingredients include additives, preservatives, flavor enhancers, colors and dyes, and other food production chemicals, like glyphosate.
Many preservatives are commonly used in processed meats to prevent contamination and enhance color and texture. However, nitrates and nitrites are considered pro-inflammatory and carcinogenic. A high intake of sodium nitrate/nitrite is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular conditions and certain cancers.
Synthetic food dyes are added to many processed foods, beverages, and snacks to enhance both their color and their appeal. However, these dyes, most commonly Red 40 and Yellow 5, may cause allergic reactions and inflammation. They are also known to potentially contribute to hyperactivity in children and bladder issues. In children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, these synthetic dyes are known to potentially exacerbate symptoms.
Alternatives to Pro-Inflammatory Foods
Fatty fish is one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids, an incredible source of the benefits that omega-3 fatty acids provide. By potentially reducing inflammation, the omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish like eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) may lower your risk of metabolic syndrome, heart conditions, diabetes, and other chronic issues. Other concentrated sources of omega-3 fatty acids outside of fatty fish include flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts.
Extra virgin olive oil contains healthy monounsaturated, potentially anti-inflammatory fats, including omega-3 fatty acids. Olive oil is pressed directly from the olives and includes no other ingredients to make it overly processed. Extra virgin olive oil is even less processed. It is mechanically extracted from olives without using high heat or solvents, which helps preserve its antioxidants and polyphenols.
The potential benefits of regularly eating extra virgin olive oil include reduced risk of heart conditions, certain types of cancers, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and many others. Using extra virgin olive oil as part of an overall anti-inflammatory eating lifestyle provides beneficial fats for healthy cell structure and function and important antioxidants and polyphenols to help manage inflammation.
Leafy green vegetables, like kale, spinach, Swiss chard, bok choy, and lettuces, are considered anti-inflammatory vegetables. They are full of antioxidants and phytochemicals that may help manage inflammation. They also contain vitamin K, which helps support circulation, vitamin C, which helps support immune function, selenium, which also supports immunity, and beta-carotene, which helps manage free radicals and may decrease the risk of cancer.
Cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts, contain isothiocyanates. Derived from the breakdown of sulfur-containing compounds, isothiocyanates are functional foods that are linked to significantly lower rates of certain types of cancers in those who eat higher amounts.
Because whole grains are high in phytochemicals, antioxidants, and fiber, many studies support their potential anti-inflammatory properties, thus potentially reducing the risk of chronic conditions.
Dark chocolate is considered highly anti-inflammatory because of the many antioxidants from the flavanols in cacao. Flavanols are high-protective for the endothelial cells within your arteries. This may help protect against endothelial changes, which is the start of plaque formation and coronary artery disease. If the endothelial lining of the arteries remains intact, plaque may not stick to the arterial walls and instead continues to flow through the blood. Dark cacao may also help to manage blood pressure. Choose dark cocoa without added heavy cream, refined sugars, and other additives and preservatives.
When looking for alternatives to proinflammatory foods, choose organic whenever possible, especially for animal products and the dirtiest types of produce. Include at least one serving of fatty fish per week, and prepare your meals with anti-inflammatory unsaturated fats, like extra virgin olive oil and avocado oil. Utilize herbs and spices with potential anti-inflammatory impacts like turmeric, ginger, garlic, and cinnamon to add flavor and nutrition.
Incorporating Anti-Inflammatory Foods into Your Diet
The foundations of antiinflammatory eating truly are basic. Opt for whole, real foods, as close to their natural states as possible. The challenge is in both our modern lifestyles and our modern food supply, where schedules are busier than ever, and processed foods are the rule and not the exception! This makes incorporating an anti-inflammatory eating lifestyle much more complex.
Aim for 75% of your plate to be plant-based foods at most meals. Choose organic as much as possible, especially for animal products and the dirtiest types of produce. Include at least one serving of fatty fish per week, and prepare your meals with anti-inflammatory unsaturated fats, like extra virgin olive oil and avocado oil. Utilize herbs and spices with potential anti-inflammatory impacts like turmeric, ginger, garlic, and cinnamon to add flavor and nutrition.
Meal planning is a huge factor in success with anti-inflammatory eating. Knowing what you will eat for each meal enables you to make informed food choices and helps you avoid the drive-thru, takeout lines, or delivery, which often offer less anti-inflammatory food options. Variety is important in anti-inflammatory eating, as it provides a wide array of potential health benefits from different foods. Choose fruits and vegetables of different colors to get different vitamins and minerals.
Base your diet on fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats, and whole grains.
Other factors for success are adequate water intake and regular exercise. Being properly hydrated is crucial for a healthy lifestyle. Drinking enough water may help optimize your metabolism, manage your appetite, regulate your circulation, and improve your mental clarity.
Drink at least 64 ounces (8 cups) of water per day. Regular exercise is another crucial component of maintaining optimal metabolic health. A combination of strength training and cardiovascular exercise provides potential fitness benefits. Exercise is a great way to help maintain a healthy weight, support lean body mass, and help prevent bone loss.
[signup]
Pro-Inflammatory Foods: Key Takeaways
Proinflammatory foods are known to potentially cause and perpetuate chronic inflammation. By minimizing foods like refined sugars, artificial sweeteners, trans fats, refined carbohydrates, processed meats, and alcohol, you may help avoid some of the main contributors to chronic inflammation. The functional medicine approach to root-cause medicine focuses on reducing pro-inflammatory foods and incorporating anti-inflammatory foods to support overall health and well-being.
The information in this article is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. This information should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting a doctor. Consult with a health care practitioner before relying on any information in this article or on this website.
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Lab Tests in This Article
C-Reactive Protein, Inflammation (CRP) by Access Med Labs
Serum
This is a single-marker test measuring C-reactive protein (CRP). It is used to test for inflammation, infections, and neoplastic diseases.
C-Reactive Protein, Inflammation (CRP) by Access Labcorp Draw
Serum
This is a single-marker test measuring C-reactive protein (CRP). It is used to test for inflammation, infections, and neoplastic diseases.
Sedimentation Rate (ESR) by Access Labcorp Draw
Whole Blood
This is a single-marker test measuring the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). This test can be used to evaluate the nonspecific activity of infections, inflammatory states, autoimmune disorders, and plasma cell dyscrasias.
Cortisol (C) by ZRT Laboratory
Blood Spot
This is a single-marker test measuring cortisol. It can help you diagnose conditions such as adrenocortical insufficiency, Addison's disease, adrenocortical hypersecretion, and Cushing's syndrome.
Cortisol (C) by ZRT Laboratory
Serum
This is a single-marker test measuring cortisol. It can help you diagnose conditions such as adrenocortical insufficiency, Addison's disease, adrenocortical hypersecretion, and Cushing's syndrome.
Cortisol (C) by ZRT Laboratory
Saliva
This is a single-marker test measuring cortisol.
Insulin (In) by ZRT Laboratory
Blood Spot
This is a single-marker test measuring insulin.
Comprehensive Thyroid Assessment by Genova Diagnostics
Serum
The Comprehensive Thyroid Assessment provides a thorough analysis of thyroid hormone metabolism, including central thyroid gland regulation and activity, thyroid hormone production and secretion, peripheral thyroid conversion, and thyroid autoimmunity.
Estradiol (E2) by ZRT Laboratory
Serum
This is a single-marker test measuring estradiol (E2). It is used to help diagnose infertility issues, hormone imbalances, and other reproductive conditions.
Estradiol (E2) by ZRT Laboratory
Saliva
This is a single-marker test measuring estradiol (E2). It is used to help diagnose infertility issues, hormone imbalances, and other reproductive conditions.
Testosterone (T) by ZRT Laboratory
Serum
This is a single-marker test measuring total testosterone. It can be used to evaluate androgen excess or deficiency related to gonadal function, adrenal function, or tumor activity.
Testosterone (T) by ZRT Laboratory
Saliva
This is a single-marker test measuring total testosterone. It can be used to evaluate androgen excess or deficiency related to gonadal function, adrenal function, or tumor activity.
Progesterone (Pg) by ZRT Laboratory
Saliva
This is a single-marker test measuring progesterone.
Progesterone (Pg) by ZRT Laboratory
Serum
This is a single-marker test measuring progesterone.
DHEA-Sulfate by Access Med Labs
Serum
This is a single-marker test measuring DHEA-S. DHEA-S is used to evaluate androgen imbalances.
Vitamin D, 25-OH, Total by Access Labcorp Draw
Serum
This is a single-marker test measuring 25-hydroxy Vitamin D. It can be used to monitor the effectiveness of supplementation and to assess patients with low calcium levels or symptoms of vitamin D deficiency.
Vitamin D, 25-OH, Total by Access Med Labs
Serum
This is a single-marker test measuring 25-hydroxy Vitamin D. It can be used to monitor the effectiveness of supplementation and to assess patients with low calcium levels or symptoms of vitamin D deficiency.
Interleukin-6 by Boston Heart Diagnostics
Serum
This is a single-marker test measuring interleukin-6. Please be advised that Boston Heart Diagnostics policy states that practitioners cannot order labs on themselves or their immediate family members.
SNP Add-On: TNF-a by Genova Diagnostics
Swab
This test detects variations in the TNF gene. Add this to any "Initial SNP" to create a custom panel.
1. Allen MD, Springer DA, Burg MB, Boehm M, Dmitrieva NI. Suboptimal hydration remodels metabolism, promotes degenerative diseases, and shortens life. JCI Insight. 2019;4(17):e130949. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6777918/
2. Arnold LE, Lofthouse N, Hurt E. Artificial food colors and attention-deficit/hyperactivity symptoms: conclusions to dye for. Neurotherapeutics. 2012;9(3):599–609. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3441937/
4. Bodén S, Myte R, Wennberg M, et al. The inflammatory potential of diet in determining cancer risk; A prospective investigation of two dietary pattern scores. PLoS One. 2019;14(4):e0214551. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6461253/
14. Islam MA, Amin MN, Siddiqui SA, Hossain MP, Sultana F, Kabir MR. Trans fatty acids and lipid profile: A serious risk factor to cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes. Diabetes Metab Syndr. 2019;13(2):1643–1647. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31336535/
16. Kurowska A, Ziemichód W, Herbet M, Piątkowska-Chmiel I. The Role of Diet as a Modulator of the Inflammatory Process in the Neurological Diseases. Nutrients. 2023;15(6):1436. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10057655/
20. Milesi G, Rangan A, Grafenauer S. Whole grain consumption and inflammatory markers: a systematic literature review of randomized control trials. Nutrients. 2022;14(2):374. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8778110/
23. Pagliai G, Dinu M, Madarena MP, Bonaccio M, Iacoviello L, Sofi F. Consumption of ultra-processed foods and health status: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Br J Nutr. 2021;125(3):308–318. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32792031/
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