Cracking the Code on Chronic Inflammation
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted October 13, 2024
Inflammation and obesity are the evil tag team at the heart of nearly every major disease we face—from diabetes to obesity.
What starts as a normal, healthy process to fend off dangerous invaders can quickly fan into the flames of chronic inflammation… and that includes in your gut.
The trouble is almost no one has short-term inflammation. Instead, most folks have a nearly permanent case of damaging low-level inflammation.
But scientists say they’ve uncovered a tasty treat that could significantly dial down chronic inflammation and boost your gut health.
I’ve written many times before about the importance of gut health. It’s linked to everything from your immune system to your mental well-being.
Now, researchers report that a common nut can slash signs of chronic inflammation AND deliver some vital gut benefits.
Their study, published in The Journal of Nutrition, focused on the effects of Brazil nuts on women who were dieting.
The researchers divided participants into two groups: one that added Brazil nuts to their diet and a control group. Both followed calorie-restricted meal plans.
Here’s what they discovered…
The women who ate Brazil nuts daily had significant reductions in inflammatory markers such as CRP, TNF, IL1-β, and IL-8. These are all indicators of chronic inflammation in the body.
But that’s not all.
The Brazil nut group also had significant improvements in gut health, as measured by decreased urinary lactulose excretion and a lower lactulose-mannitol (LM) ratio – signs of enhanced gut barrier function.
What makes Brazil nuts so unique?
Well, experts believe the secret might be the mineral selenium that Brazil nuts are packed with. The study found that as serum selenium levels increased in the Brazil nut group, proinflammatory cytokines (specifically IL-8 and IL1-β) decreased.
This suggests there’s a selenium-dependent mechanism behind the powerful anti-inflammatory effects of Brazil nuts.
Your body needs selenium for various functions, including thyroid hormone production and DNA synthesis. However, this research points to its potential role in managing inflammation and supporting gut health.
To incorporate this nutty inflammation-fighter into your diet, try ONE of these tips daily:
- Eat one or two Brazil nuts for a snacky snack.
- Chop a Brazil nut or two up and sprinkle it over yogurt or oatmeal for a crunchy breakfast boost.
- Use a couple ground-up Brazil nuts in your coating for fish or chicken for a selenium-rich dinner option.
Be sure not to overindulge in Brazil nuts because you can easily get more selenium than you need.
And, as always, if you have any nut allergies or concerns about adding Brazil nuts to your diet, consult with your healthcare provider first.
P.S. Discover how to REVERSE age-related inflammation NATURALLY.
Source:
Silveira, B. K. S., Silva, A. D., Rocha, D. M. U. P., Waskow, K., Martino, H. S. D., Bressan, J., & Hermsdorff, H. H. M. (2024). Brazil Nut (Bertholletia excelsa H.B.K.) Consumption in Energy-Restricted Intervention Decreases Proinflammatory Markers and Intestinal Permeability of Women with Overweight/Obesity: A Controlled Trial (Brazilian Nuts Study). The Journal of Nutrition, 154(9), 2670-2679.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
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