Back to Anti-inflammatory Diet: Road to Good Health?

It's not surprising that anti-inflammatory diets have gotten popular, says Elisa Zied, RD, a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association and a dietitian in New York City.

While they may have some merit, she cautions: "Individual foods should not be the focus. You need to pay attention to your overall pattern." And reducing inflammation is not just about what you eat, she says.

"Maintaining a healthy body weight is the best thing you can do to reduce inflammation," Zied says.

Patience White, MD, the chief public health officer for the Arthritis Foundation, agrees, particularly when it comes to patients with arthritis. "The link between weight and osteoarthritis in the lower extremities is very close," she says. "The heavier you are, the more likely you are to get arthritis."

What about the anti-inflammatory diet for arthritis symptoms? "We don't have enough data one way or the other to prove following that diet helps your arthritis," White says.

Until more research is in, she suggests eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep and exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and being supervised by a doctor.

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