Scientists have shown a pathological link between chronic inflammation and heart disease, cancer and even depression. Now, several large studies have shown an association between chronic inflammation and the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
There are two types of inflammation: acute and chronic. Acute, short-term inflammation is a normal, healthy process within the body that helps protect us from infection, pathogens, and pollutants, and accelerates healing. The inflammatory response involves immune cells and blood vessels that work along with special molecules to eliminate damaged tissue and support the production of healthy new tissue.
Problems arise when, instead of being acute and short-term, inflammation is low-grade and chronic, meaning it persists beyond the need to heal an injury or to fight a pathogen. In our day-to-day lives, however, we may be unaware of our chronic, low-grade inflammation because it produces no obvious signs of its presence. Nevertheless, we should work to avoid it. Here’s how:
1. Eat More Plants. Perhaps the most important strategy, a diet that is full of dark leafy greens, such as spinach, kale, and collards, and brightly colored fruits (especially berries) and vegetables, as well as nuts like walnuts and almonds, is associated with lower levels of inflammation. Conversely, steaks, burgers, fried foods, soft drinks and other sugary beverages, margarine, and white bread are foods that lack these protective substances and tend to promote inflammation.
2. Maintain a Healthy Weight. We know that levels of inflammation increase as excess body weight increases, because the visceral fat that accumulates around internal organs produces inflammatory compounds. As excess weight is lost, blood markers of inflammation invariably drop.
3. Skip Alcohol and Tobacco. Alcoholic beverages increase levels of inflammation, first in the gut and then systemically. Alcohol use is associated specifically with neuroinflammation in the brain. Smoking triggers an inflammatory response in the blood. There are numerous additional benefits to eliminating both alcohol and tobacco.
4. Get Enough Sleep. There is also evidence that insufficient sleep results in a rise in blood markers for inflammation. This may be because the normal reduction in blood pressure that occurs in our sleep has been hampered. As a result, cells in our blood vessels that can initiate inflammation may be activated. According to the American Sleep Association, up to 70 million Americans are affected by a sleep disorder. For help addressing sleep deficits and sleep quality, visit sleepfoundation.org
5. Take a Walk. At least ten large studies have shown a lasting anti-inflammatory effect from regular, moderate-intensity exercise. A study from the UC San Diego School of Medicine found that just 20 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise resulted in an anti-inflammatory response in subjects.
Chronic inflammation poses a serious risk to health and may significantly increase our risk of experiencing cognitive decline and developing Alzheimer’s dementia. But by making a few key lifestyle choices, we can help keep it under control.
Joseph Keon
Joseph Keonis an investigative writer in the field of preventive medicine. He holds fitness expert certifications from both the Cooper Institute for Aerobics Research and the American Council on Exercise. In his work as a wellness consultant in the public and private sphere for over 20 years, Keon focused on chronic degenerative diseases and their relationship to modifiable lifestyle choices. He is a past member of the Board of Directors of the Wild Oats Wellness Foundation and Dr. Helen Caldicott’s Nuclear Policy Research Institute as well as the Marin Health Council, an advisory to the Marin County Board of Supervisors. Keon is currently a member of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. Keon is the author of The Alzheimer's Revolution as well as three other books including Whitewash: The Disturbing Truth about Cow’s Milk and Your Health.
