Imbalance of type of fats may lead to inflammation

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Imbalance of type of fats may lead to inflammation JoAnn Guest Dec 13, 2004

20:54 PST

 

 

 

HEALTH & WELLNESS:

Imbalance of type of fats may lead to inflammation

Provided by Charlotte Observer on 12/12/2004

by FRED LOWRY

 

 

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Q. I heard that eating red meat can increase the risk of getting

arthritis. I eat red meat daily and don't understand how it could make

my arthritis worse. If I stop eating it, will my arthritis get better?

 

A lot of information has been in the news lately about a British study

involving people who kept detailed food journals. As a result, 42

percent of inflammatory arthritis patients reported eating at least 58

grams of red meat per day.

 

It was reported that an increase in other meats also had a higher

incidence of inflammatory arthritis. Of participants eating meat from

all sources, their risk of inflammatory arthritis almost tripled.

 

The media reported possible explanations that included increased animal

collagen, additives, or even infectious agents.

 

One explanation that seems to have been overlooked is the type of fat

found in meats. Meats are rich in omega 6 fats, which form arachidonic

acid that turns into inflammatory prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are

hormone-like chemicals that regulate cellular activity on a

moment-to-moment basis.

 

Many other types of these prostaglandins are made from omega 3 or omega

6 fats. Conversely, the prostaglandins formed from omega 3 fats decrease

inflammation, prevent degenerative cardiovascular changes and can

prevent water retention. Good sources of omega 3 fats are fish and cod

liver oil.

 

All prostaglandins are needed, as they perform various necessary

functions. The problem is that most people consume too many omega 6 fats

from meat and too little omega 3 fats. Therefore, the prostaglandins are

out of balance. This imbalance throws the body chemistry toward the

inflammation side. It is interesting that many anti-inflammatory drugs

aim to decrease prostaglandins and their byproducts.

 

While many other possible health aspects exist related to the excess

consumption of meat, you may want to make some changes:

 

** Decrease your consumption of meat and increase the consumption of

fish.

 

** Avoid processed meats, including lunch meats, hot dogs and sausage.

 

** Avoid pork, as it may be more pro-inflammatory.

 

** Recognize that wild game, or free range meat, can be higher in omega

3 fats because of the animal's diet.

 

** Choose lean, reasonable portions of good meat.

 

** Flax oil or cod liver oil may also be helpful. Cod liver oil has a

greater amount of omega 3 fats.

 

Try to follow these guidelines for one month to see if they make a

difference. The results of a one-month experiment might surprise you.

 

I have known people who have not needed their anti-inflammatory

medications after making changes, including the use of one tablespoonful

of cod liver oil daily.

 

Fred Lowry

 

For more news or to , please visit http://www.charlotte.com

 

2004 Charlotte Observer. .

 

 

 

 

AIM Barleygreen

" Wisdom of the Past, Food of the Future "

 

http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Diets.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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