Why an Anti-Inflammatory Diet is Good for Everyone

It's not as hard - or restrictive - as you think, and the benefits are numerous.

Maybe it’s just a coincidence, or perhaps part of the fun and glamour of being in your (ahem, early) 40’s, but it seems like nearly everyone I know is dealing with some sort of health issue these days. Some of these ailments are more serious and chronic in nature, while others are seemingly a passing annoyance/inconvenience. Given my profession, I’m often asked for dietary advice (which always humbles me), but it’s hard to give prescriptive counseling when A) we’re otherwise having casual conversation, with little privacy and time really get into things B) I usually don’t have detailed knowledge the person’s health history, ailment specifics, etc. C) I don’t know how willing the person is to make major dietary/lifestyle changes, and don't want things to get awkward. No one wants to be lectured!

Taking all of these things into consideration, I find that the best, all-around advice to give is to suggest an anti-inflammatory diet. Inflammation is one of your body’s defense mechanisms against foreign substances or bacteria, and can help to heal damaged tissue - so, initially, it’s a good thing. However, when inflammation persists long after your body has taken care of the initial threat, it is called chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation can be extremely hazardous to your health and is at the root of countless health conditions, including Long COVID, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, cancer, and many others. Reducing inflammation can also help reduce pain of all kinds, including chronic pain (from arthritis, fibromyalgia, etc.), injury pain, or surgical pain.