A precursor to diabetes, metabolic syndrome can also lead to coronary heart disease and other serious illnesses. In the past, patients were advised to eat a low-fat diet, but we now know that carbohydrate restriction is more effective at reducing specific markers, like those for high triglycerides. Studies indicate that following a low-carb diet can help reduce markers of inflammation by reducing saturated fatty acids in the blood. It has been discovered that eating a low-carb diet is naturally low in sugar, and it can not only help combat heart disease and aid in weight-loss, but it also has the ability to reduce inflammation in the body. Because of this, we like to think of the low-carb diet as the anti-inflammatory diet.
A ketogenic-like response is experienced by a person on the low-carb diet. When this occurs, ketone bodies are used as an energy source, and can even help improve memory and ward off forms of dementia. Glucose levels are reduced, which can cause the body to produce the compound β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), which has quite the effect on inflammatory diseases. An endogenous metabolite, β-hydroxybutyrate is made by the body when a low-carbohydrate diet is followed and can help block NLRP3. NLRP3 is classified as a subset of proteins that are often associated with chronic conditions, such as type-2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, autoimmune disease, and other inflammatory disorders. In a study performed at the Yale School of Medicine, mice with inflammatory diseases were observed and it was discovered that an association between the ketogenic diet and high levels of BHB in the bloodstream does exist. Researchers also discovered that fasting and intensive workouts can increase BHB levels, meaning that both of these methods can also help reduce inflammation.
Following a low-carb diet, or a ketogenic diet can offer remarkable health results. Proving that what you ingest has a huge effect on your quality of life. So if you are suffering from chronic inflammation, improve your health by following the anti-inflammatory diet. This easy-to-follow, yet effective diet can help you with a variety of health issues, such as depression and migraine headaches.
