How The Anti-Inflammatory Diet Works To Decrease the Risk of Cancer and Cardiovascular Disease
An Anti-Inflammatory Diet Increases the Risk of Death Due to Cardiovascular Disease and Cancer
The anti-inflammatory diet includes foods like fruits, vegetables, coffee, and yes, red wine (see the full list here). Many tout the benefits of an anti-inflammatory diet in lowering the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, Alzheimer’s and cancer, but is there any proven science? Yes there is! A recent study found that people who ate an anti-inflammatory diet eaten in high amounts had a lower risk of death by 18% (from any cause), death from cardiovascular disease by 20%, and death from cancer by 13%. [1]
But how does an anti-inflammatory diet work to lower the risk of these diseases? The answer lies in looking at the markers of inflammation. A pro-inflammatory diet increases the makers of chronic inflammation, such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). This pro-inflammatory diet, which is high in red meat, processed meat, and potato chips, also increases insulin resistance, another marker of chronic inflammation.
Insulin is Key to Why An Anti-Inflammatory Diet Works
Insulin is a hormone produced by your pancreas that controls the level of sugar in your blood. When the body has a lower sensitivity to the presence of insulin (i.e., it does not respond to its presence by lowering blood sugar), there is an increase in blood sugar. This increase in blood sugar can persist and lead to chronic conditions like pre-diabetes, type II diabetes, and possibly heart disease and cancer.
The underlying mechanism of these chronic diseases is insulin resistance. Studies in adults with insulin resistance show that the pro-inflammatory diet continued to decrease their sensitivity to the presence of insulin (i.e., they increased insulin resistance). However, when they switched to an anti-inflammatory diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, and olive oil, their insulin resistance decreased. [1]
Scientists postulate that it’s the insulin sensitivity that is the mechanism behind the anti-inflammatory diet working to reduce the risk of chronic diseases. A decrease in insulin resistance means a decrease in chronic, systemic inflammation in the body. Remember, high blood sugar = insulin resistance = inflammation!
Couple eating anti-inflammatory diet
Thanks for reading this article “How The Anti-Inflammatory Diet Works And Decreases the Risk of Cancer and Cardiovascular Disease.” If you have any thoughts or comments share them below.
FREE RESOURCES
Have more cancer prevention questions? We may have the answers in our free resources. Read or download them now:
1. Download the FREE eBook “HEALTHY FOOD SWAPS” if you’re ready to ditch processed and ultra-processed foods (which are linked to chronic inflammation) with healthier snack options. You’ll also get a list of healthy snacks according to weight and health goals (heart, brain focus, energy)
2. READ about the 10 foods that prevent cancer and our article on 6 Foods for Cancer Prevention
3. Read the article 4 Tips to Improve Breast Cancer Survival along with The Breast Cancer Diet that Increases Survival, then DOWNLOAD the FREE breast cancer survival kit that includes questions to ask your doctor, 8 tips to help lower your risk of a new or recurring breast cancer diagnosis, and 3 days of easy plant-based recipes.
4. Read the article Prevent a Colon Cancer Recurrence and The Optimal Colon Cancer Diet
ABOUT THE CANCER DETOX
Hi! I am Dee Grace Ph.D., scientist, author, and health coach based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Cancer Detox helps cancer patients, survivors, and those wanting to stay ahead of the curve prevent a new or recurring cancer with science-based health coaching.
Is the fear of cancer keeping you up at night? Is what you’re eating putting you at risk for cancer? What if you’re doing everything wrong and don’t even know it? Schedule a complimentary 15-min call with me to get clear on what modern, science-based prevention looks like.
Purchase my book “Cancer Prevention: Diet and Lifestyle Factors that Reduce Your Risk” on Amazon. Pulling from over 100 science-based studies, I provide the case for why cancer isn’t always random and often preventable. You’ll get 24 Prevention Habits that hold you accountable for implementing a cancer prevention lifestyle. along with over 40 cancer prevention guidelines for fighting breast, lung, colon, and prostate cancers.
DISCLAIMER
The information in this article is for educational purposes and is not meant to treat, diagnose, or prescribe medications or herbs. For questions on the information contained in this article, please consult with your healthcare provider. This information is intended for educational purposes only, and you should consult with your healthcare provider and a licensed dietician or certified nutritionist for additional information related to the content of this article.
