Food and well-being have always gone hand in hand, even if in recent times it seems that this awareness has been a bit lost, thanks to a lot of misinformation, especially on the topic food intolerance. Food is not an enemy to be opposed and it is clear that the only two intolerances accepted by science are gluten and lactose. That said, there are some foods that affect, among other things, the regulation of inflammatory processes and can bring an increase in the blood of some cytokines, those proteins produced by different types of immune cells.

Inflammation from food
"Inflammation is perceived by everyone – explains the Dr. Attilio Speciani, allergist and immunologist, expert in food intolerances – and all have a fair sense of the existence of a relationship between what is eaten and the state of well-being". Numerous studies, in recent years, have allowed us to accurately assess the relationship between what we eat and the rise of cytokines very specific, a precise connection between food-related symptoms and increase of BAFF (important inflammatory substance) both in blood and intestinal.

"The inflammatory response is in many cases individual – Speciani continues – and must be carefully studied to help the nutritional resolution of many diseases. Typically, it depends on the systematic repetition of some foods. A 2014 Cai study showed that while in Europe "inflammatory" foods for people suffering from inflammatory bowel diseases are Milk, Gluten and Yeast, in China, for the same disorders the foods involved are Rice, Soy and Corn".

What is the Food Inflammation Test?
There is a very simple test, the Food Inflammation Test, able to assess the level of inflammation present in the body and its personal food profile. Two particular cytokines are dosed BAFF is PAF and the results become key tools to identify a personalized diet that aims to reduce the inflammatory state and therefore, the incidence of certain diseases such as some types of migraines, arthritis or colitis. The test consists of a small sample of capillary blood from the fingertip, performed in a subsidiary center Recaller or Biomarkers and analyzed in a specialized laboratory, with based in Rome at the University of Tor Vergata whose results are processed to obtain a final report.

Are anti-inflammatory foods available?
"The variety is already anti-inflammatory in itself – replies the dott. Attilio Speciani – then there are other aspects that help to define the inflammatory or anti-inflammatory value of a series of foods. Their richness in isoflavones, in phytofenols, in minerals and vitamins. The more a food is rich in raw and vital substances the more anti-inflammatory it is in general. For example, the tomato lycopene, which develops only when cooked, makes some exceptions. From recent studies it has also been seen that foods super-refined have a pro-inflammatory action. We use them only occasionally, giving preference to foods, even industrial ones, which have undergone few changes. And on the anti-inflammatory choice we remember that the sweetened products have a value that promotes inflammation and that since 2006 the Harvard School of Medicine has defined the correct distribution of carbohydrates and proteins in the same meal as one of the most important anti-inflammatory actions independently managed to feel better , lose weight, stimulate the metabolism and control the inflammatory levels of the whole organism".

The rotation diet
To reduce inflammation e promote food tolerance It is essential to set up a rotation diet. Within the week, some days are established in which one abstains from foods taken in excess or to which one has a reactivity, and of the days during which the same foods are progressively reintroduced. A way to discover valid food alternatives find a relationship of friendship with food. A little 'as happens with the technique that is put in place during child weaning. The test report indicates a personalized diet to be followed in total autonomy with the support of a free online MD4.me platform (Medical Doctor for Me) dedicated to patients.

To stay fit and regain general well-being it is clear that every choice should be studied on the individual subject, but the variety of daily nutrition, the dominance of fresh and rich in bioactive substances, together with the control of excess sugar and the balancing of proteins and carbohydrates in every meal, represent a good food practice to prevent food inflammation.

Mariacristina Coppeto
January 2019