Understanding how daily foods influence systemic inflammation
Systemic chronic inflammation can arise from the foods people commonly consume. In a discussion with socialbites.ca, Yuri Poteshkin, a neuroendocrinologist and head of the Scientific Council at Atlas clinics, explained how certain carbohydrates play a role in this process. He noted that the way carbohydrates are chosen and consumed matters for the body’s inflammatory responses.
Poteshkin pointed to a group of foods that are high in simple sugars and refined starches. Sugary drinks, confections, desserts, sweetened dairy products, and refined grain products such as white bread, pastries, white rice, and barley were cited as examples. These items can appear in a diet, but Poteshkin advised keeping them to about 10 percent of daily calories. Their high glycemic index can raise oxidative stress and trigger genes that promote inflammation, he explained.
Alongside glucose-rich items, the doctor highlighted the impact of trans fats, which are linked to higher mortality rates and increased cardiovascular risk due to their influence on inflammatory pathways. He also warned that excess salt intake poses dangers to health and can perturb the balance of gut bacteria involved in inflammation control.
Poteshkin suggested a practical guideline for salt consumption: limit added salt in ready-made meals, sauces, and processed meats to roughly 5–6 grams per day. He noted that excessive salt can reduce populations of Lactobacillus in the gut, a group of bacteria known to help counter inflammation overall.
The physician described inflammation as a defensive response by the immune system to harmful stimuli. When tissues suffer damage, an acute inflammatory reaction often begins as the body tries to repair itself. If negative factors persist beyond a few weeks, the inflammation can become chronic and may contribute to the breakdown of the body’s own cells and tissues, potentially leading to fibrosis over time.
According to Poteshkin, there is no single treatment that cures systemic inflammation. The most reliable and safest strategy focuses on reducing risk factors through regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and wholesome lifestyle choices. By addressing these elements, individuals may see a decline in inflammatory markers and a better overall prognosis.
In a broader note on nutrition, the discussion touched on the role of frozen vegetables in everyday meals. A nutrition professional suggested that frozen produce can, at times, provide health benefits that rival or surpass those of fresh options, depending on storage and preparation conditions. This perspective adds another layer to making informed choices about how best to nourish the body while keeping inflammation in check.