Anti-Inflammatory Diet - Patient Education (FC Version)

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DIET:\nThe gut (intestine) is made of a semi-permeable lining, which allows some substances through to be absorbed by our bloodstream, and the rest to be excreted. The degree of permeability fluctuates in response to a variety of conditions. For example, if cortisol levels are high (in times of stress or in adrenal dysfunction), or if thyroid function is not optimal, the gut can become more permeable. Thus, toxins, viruses, bacteria, and yeast have the opportunity to pass through the intestines and access the bloodstream. This is known as Leaky Gut Syndrome. As more exposure occurs, the body initiates an attack on these foreign invaders. It responds with inflammatory cytokines. These inflammatory triggers are sent throughout the body where they effect organs, nerves, connective tissues, joints, and muscles. The majority of inflammatory diseases start in the gut with an autoimmune reaction which progresses into systemic inflammation. These may include allergies, Alzheimer's, arthritis, digestive disorders, endometriosis, eczema, Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, heart disease, and PCOS.\n\nAn anti-inflammatory diet can decrease inflammation in the body by simply eliminating the toxins entering the body that trigger the inflammatory response. An anti-inflammatory diet eliminates grains (wheat, corn, oats), legumes (soy, peanuts, beans), dairy, refined sugar, processed foods, and refined vegetable oils (corn, peanut, or soybean oils). It encourages grass-fed beef, free range fowl, fish and seafood, vegetables (green leafy and root), good fats (coconut oil, olive oil), and fruits (in moderation).\n\nResources include:\n- Paleo Diet: Practical Paleo by Diane Sanfilippo\n- Paleo AIP: http://Autoimmune-paleo.com\n- Whole30\n- Dr. Weil's Anti-Inflammatory Diet\n- GAPS diet\n\nOther sources of chronic inflammation that may or may not be corrected are psychological stress (job, relationships, long-term illness), sleep deprivation, lack of Omega-3 vitamins, and adrenal gland or thyroid dysfunction.\n\nFurther recommendations include:\n- Decrease stress (eliminate a life stressor, counseling, meditation/prayer) and increase exercise (in moderation)\n- Ensure 7-8 hours of sleep each night\n- Add Omega-3 vitamins (2000 mg/day)\n- Get a full thyroid system dysfunction panel drawn\n- Take Probiotics! Probiotics are vital in decreasing inflammation in the gut.