In order to preserve our organism in good health it is necessary to maintain the right balance between antioxidants e free radicalsboth are produced by our bodies but the antioxidantscan also be taken with a diet rich in these substances to better counteract the harmful effects of free radicals.
An excess of free radicals leads to oxidative stress conditions resulting in acceleration of cellular ageing and activation of inflammatory processes. The chronicisation of this process, weakens the immune systemwho, struggling to fight against virusesbacteria or external damage.
In this regard, we can state that a anti-inflammatory dietshould be based on a diet whose cornerstone should be effective calorie reduction, at least by 30% (1), but at the same time, a diet rich in antioxidants useful in counteracting the damaging effects of free radicals, such as, ageing, simple infections or actual diseases such as diabetes, obesity, metabolic disorders, cardiac, neurodegenerative and tumour outbreaks. (2)
Antioxidants: an aid for the anti-inflammatory diet
The antioxidants most important to include in the daily diet and which are also often used in the pharmaceutical industry to create health-supporting supplements or products anti-ageing for cosmetics, are:
- The Glutathione: the most powerful antioxidantsis produced by our bodies, in particular by the liver. Under pathological conditions and, in any case, after the age of 45, its synthesis, and thus its protective action, may be impaired. It is advisable to supplement the deficiency by eating foods rich in glutathione such as spinach, asparagus, avocado, peaches and apples (2)
- La Vitamin B2It is a useful vitamin for the Glutathione regeneration by the liver, Vitamin B2 also plays an important role in the maintenance of the nervous system, in iron metabolism resulting in reduced fatigue, and in the maintenance of mucous membranes, skin and eyesight. Foods rich in Vitamin B2 are milk, cheese, eggs, brewer's yeast and green leafy vegetables.
- La Vitamin Eis an important antioxidant useful in combating degenerative diseases, particularly of the eyes; deficiency can lead to retinopathy and visual disturbances as well as ataxia, i.e. degeneration of muscle coordination. It is present in oil seeds such as pumpkin and sunflower seeds, nuts, hazelnuts, almonds, peanuts, vegetable oils, olives, green leafy vegetables, wheat seeds and cereals.
- La Vitamin C: a powerful antioxidant vitamin, it contributes to iron absorption, the reduction of fatigue, good mental functioning and the neurodegenerative system, energy metabolism and finally to the functioning of the immune system. Foods rich in Vitamin C are: cabbage, broccoli, lettuce, spinach, tomatoes, peppers, citrus fruits, grapes, blackcurrants, thyme, coriander, chives and parsley (3)(4)
- The Seleniumis a mineral with antioxidant properties that, although present in very small quantities, is essential for the body's proper functioning; it contributes to the normal functioning of the body. the thyroid, the immune system, skin, hair. Selenium-rich foods are: the cereals, Brazil nuts, egg yolk, oysters, pork and beef(5)
- Lo ZincZinc is also a mineral with antioxidant properties useful in supporting our body to counteracting inflammatory processes, maintain the good condition of our skin and hair. Foods rich in Zinc are: ostriche, beans, lentils, chickpeas, millet, bran, almonds, cashews, sunflower and pumpkin seeds.
- La Vitamin DThis vitamin is mostly synthesised by the body through absorption of the sun's rays by the skin. Vitamin D is a metabolism regulator of calcium and phosphorus is therefore important for the calcification of bones and teeth during formation, it also has a preservative action over time. It is useful in preventing rickets in children and osteoporosis in the elderly. It has an active action against inflammation, supporting the immune system. Its deficiency has been associated with several types of diseases, from diabetes to heart attacks, Alzheimer's to asthma, multiple sclerosis as well as tumours, as it slows down the growth of cells and promotes their differentiation. The foods richest in Vitamin D are: cheeses, fatty fish such as tuna, mackerel, salmon, sardines, cod liver oil, prawns and egg yolk.
More tips for an anti-inflammatory diet
La anti-inflammatory dietIt must also be rich in prebiotics, substances found in food that are not digestible, that stimulate the growth of good bacteria called probiotics and that are essential for the proper functioning of our intestines.
It is important to adopt a varied diet, taking care to consume foods rich in substances antioxidantsalso reduce the amount of fat intake, both saturated and hydrogenated, refined flours, avoid excessive consumption of carbohydrates, sugars, dairy products and sausages, moderate consumption of red meat and avoid excess alcohol and smoking.
Learning to healthy eating and balanced is not just a question of aesthetics but means helping us to maintain our healthy bodyinhibit the onset of neurodegenerative, metabolic, cardiovascular, diabetes, organ and tissue ageing diseases. Do-it-yourself diets, it is now well established, do not lead to good results, weight loss is soon regained and food restriction usually results in general damage to the body. Rely on MedikalBeauty Institute, a team of experts will be able to offer you the right advice for you, for your lifestyle and according to your personal taste, to find your best form, in health, starting with a healthy diet and using state-of-the-art medical-aesthetic equipment to see your improvement right away.
MedikalBeauty Institute puts personal care first, which is why it provides all-round care for your health, well-being, beauty and harmony.
Bibliography
(1) U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025. 9th Edition. December 2020. https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/
(2) Review: In vivo models for measuring placental glutathione-S-transferase (GST-P 7-7) levels: a suitable biomarker for understanding cancer pathogenesis Juliana Noguti 1, Luis Fernando Barbisan, Augusto Cesar, Camilo Dias Seabra, Rodrigo Brasil Choueri, Daniel Araki Ribeiro
(3) Vitamin C and vitamin E supplement use and bladder cancer mortality in a large cohort of US men and womenEric J Jacobs 1, Amy K Henion, Peter J Briggs, Cari J Connell, Marjorie L McCullough, Carolyn R Jonas, Carmen Rodriguez, Eugenia E Calle, Michael J Thun
(4) Does Vitamin C Influence Neurodegenerative Diseases and Psychiatric Disorders? Kocot J, Luchowska-Kocot D, Kiełczykowska M, Musik I, Kurzepa J
(5) Rayman, Margaret P. (2000). 'The importance of selenium to human health'. The Lancet. 356 (9225): 233-41
(6) Bjelakovic, G.; Nikolova, D.; Gluud, L. L.; et al. (2012). Bjelakovic, Goran, ed. Antioxidant supplements for prevention of mortality in healthy participants and patients with various diseases. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 3 (3): CD007176