Inflammation: Bad or good?

Grand Forks Herald - When inflammation goes unchecked because of nutrient deficiencies or health issues, chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, arthritis and Alzheimer’s disease can take hold. Forrest Nielsen, a research nutritionist at the Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center, explored the topic of inflammation and general well-being in a piece for the Grand Forks Herald.

The basic inflammatory response is the body’s reaction to infection or injury, and occurs as blood flow allows infection-fighting compounds to reach tissues and cells in need of healing; part of the process involves the production of free radicals, which cause oxidative damage to the damaged tissues and cells. However, Nielsen noted chronic inflammation, triggered by improper nutrition, induces excessive oxidative damage. Such nutritional practices can include deficient intakes of nutrients that regulate the inflammatory response or antioxidants to fight excess oxidative damage; obesity is also associated with chronic inflammation.

Nielsen called out one particular common nutrient deficiency associated with low-grade inflammation—magnesium deficiency. In fact, about 60 percent of U.S. adults do not consume enough magnesium. Animal studies have shown magnesium has a role in regulating inflammation, while deficiency increases oxidative stress and inflammation in humans. In addition, low magnesium status is common in people with conditions linked to chronic inflammation, including heart disease, hypertension and diabetes.

There are other nutritional factors that affect inflammatory response, Nielsen added. Nutrients including omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFAs), coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), vitamin C, vitamin E and flavonoids also exert anti-inflammatory or antioxidant effects. Low intakes of omega-3s, vitamin C or vitamin E could exacerbate inflammation and oxidative stress levels.

Nielsen noted the oxidative stress and chronic inflammation common to many disease states appear to induce each other, and require an integrated approach to address both components. His suggestion is to maintain a healthy body weight and to ensure dietary intake of essential nutrients that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.