Gabe Mirkin, M.D.
The latest data from the Multi-Ethnic Study of
Atherosclerosis (MESA) shows that an unhealthy diet causes
inflammation, which in turn causes heart attacks (American
Journal of Clinical Nutrition, June 2006). Doctors can measure
how active your immunity is with blood tests such as CRP,
homocysteine, and IL-6. MESA showed that a diet high in fatty
and processed meats, flour, high-fat diary products, fried
potatoes, salty snacks or desserts is associated with high levels
of blood markers for inflammation. In contrast, whole grains,
fruits, nuts, green vegetables and fish were associated with very
low levels of these markers.
When a germ gets into your body, your immunity is
supposed to make proteins called antibodies that attach to the
germs and paralyze them and cells that gobble them up.
However if your immunity stays active, these same antibodies
and cells start to destroy your body. An overactive immunity is
called inflammation, and it increases your risk for heart attacks,
strokes, diabetes, arthritis, asthma and many other diseases and
conditions. Here is more evidence that eating plenty of fruits,
vegetables, whole grains, beans and other seeds reduces
inflammation, for a longer and more healthful life. See my modified DASH diet
September 15, 2006