by WEDNESDAY, Oct. 2, 2024 (HealthDay News) — A new study shows that most Americans’ food intake increases inflammation, putting them at risk for cancer, heart disease and other serious health problems.
“Overall, 57% of U.S. adults have a pro-inflammatory diet, and this number was higher among black Americans, men, younger adults, and people with lower education and income,” said study lead author Rachel Meadows, a visiting associate professor at Ohio State University College of Public Health.
Her team used a tool called the Dietary Inflammatory Index, which includes 45 components, to examine the self-reported eating habits of more than 34,500 adults who participated in a federal health and nutrition survey between 2005 and 2018.
While other dietary interventions focus on intake of food groups such as fruits, vegetables or dairy, or nutrients such as fats, proteins and carbohydrates, Meadows says it is important to consider inflammation.
Using the tool, they assigned inflammation scores ranging from -9 to 8, with 0 representing a neutral diet.
A total of 34% of respondents followed an anti-inflammatory diet, according to results published Sept. 27 in the journal Public Health Nutrition.
Meadows said overall nutritional balance is important.
“Even if you eat enough fruits or vegetables, consume too much alcohol or red meat, your diet overall can be pro-inflammatory,” she said, adding that she wants people to think about anti-inflammatory foods as a way to promote it of health.
Garlic, ginger, turmeric, and green and black tea all have anti-inflammatory properties, Meadows said.
Other anti-inflammatory foods include whole grains, green leafy vegetables, legumes such as beans and lentils, fatty fish such as salmon and berries – all components of the popular Mediterranean diet.
“Transitioning to a lower-inflammatory diet could have a positive impact on a range of chronic diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease and even depression and other mental illnesses,” Meadows said in an Ohio State news release.
She cited several barriers to a less inflammatory diet, including poor access to fresh produce and the costs associated with it – a barrier for low-income people. Many people also suffer from chronic inflammation that is not related to diet, she said.
“There are many factors that contribute to chronic inflammation, and they all interact — even sleep is a key component,” Meadows said. “Diet can be used as a tool to combat it.”
More information
Johns Hopkins Medicine has an anti-inflammatory diet guide.
SOURCE: Ohio State University, press release, October 1, 2024
