A diet that reduces inflammation in the body can help reduce cancer. Take it to the bank. That’s what the Cleveland Clinic says.
Normally, when your body recognizes something as being foreign or potentially dangerous — alcohol, bacteria, or pollen — inflammation helps the immune system fight off these invaders. What actually happens is that damaged cells start releasing chemicals like histamines that sound off an alarm. They cause blood vessels to leak fluids into tissues. The tissues start swelling. Then white blood cells rush toward the damaged cells and help get rid of the toxins and dead tissue.
But if your body stays inflamed this way, it can be a problem. Chronic inflammation is linked to several diseases. It can lead to cancer. It also causes heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and Alzheimer’s, according to Krista Maruschak, a registered dietician at the Cleveland Clinic.
The encouraging news here is that you can reduce inflammation by reducing your intake of foods that cause inflammation. These so-called “pro-inflammatory” foods include white breads, pastas, pastries, sodas, red meats and processed meats.
You’ve heard it before, but the science is there.
Eat more “anti-inflammatory” foods instead, Maruschak recommends.
- Incorporate as many fruits and vegetables as you can throughout the day.
- Replace refined carbohydrates with whole grains like whole wheat bread and brown rice.
- Replace high-fat red meats with lean meats like chicken, turkey and fish.
- Incorporate more plant-based proteins, like beans and lentils,
- Add spices to your diet that have various anti-inflammatory properties, like cinnamon and turmeric.
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.
Krista Maruschak MS, RD, LD is a registered dietitian at the Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center. Read More
A diet that reduces inflammation in the body can help reduce cancer. Take it to the bank. That’s what the Cleveland Clinic says.
Normally, when your body recognizes something as being foreign or potentially dangerous — alcohol, bacteria, or pollen — inflammation helps the immune system fight off these invaders. What actually happens is that damaged cells start releasing chemicals like histamines that sound off an alarm. They cause blood vessels to leak fluids into tissues. The tissues start swelling. Then white blood cells rush toward the damaged cells and help get rid of the toxins and dead tissue.
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But if your body stays inflamed this way, it can be a problem. Chronic inflammation is linked to several diseases. It can lead to cancer. It also causes heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and Alzheimer’s, according to Krista Maruschak, a registered dietician at the Cleveland Clinic.
The encouraging news here is that you can reduce inflammation by reducing your intake of foods that cause inflammation. These so-called “pro-inflammatory” foods include white breads, pastas, pastries, sodas, red meats and processed meats.
You’ve heard it before, but the science is there.
Eat more “anti-inflammatory” foods instead, Maruschak recommends.
- Incorporate as many fruits and vegetables as you can throughout the day.
- Replace refined carbohydrates with whole grains like whole wheat bread and brown rice.
- Replace high-fat red meats with lean meats like chicken, turkey and fish.
- Incorporate more plant-based proteins, like beans and lentils,
- Add spices to your diet that have various anti-inflammatory properties, like cinnamon and turmeric.
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.
Krista Maruschak MS, RD, LD is a registered dietitian at the Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center. Read More
