Inflammation is a killer:
https://drtracygapin.com/chronic-inflammation/
http://content.time.com/time/covers/0,16641,20040223,00.html
This tells you how far behind the times I was. Time Magazine was writing about this in 2004! Oh if only I had a time machine.
One of the worst things that poor blood control can lead to is chronic inflammation. Readers will know I work hard to keep my blood glucose levels in a tight range. I also believe in regular fasting which can fight inflammation and promote ketosis and autophagy.
I also take a variety of supplements that have purported anti-inflammatory benefits.
Moreover, there are certain foods I avoid like the plague.
Yet, as important as the above measures are, I believe it is important to eat foods that will not raise my blood glucose and fight inflammation.
These are my mainstays:
- Grass fed beef
- Roast chicken with skin
- Tuna
- Salmon
- Egg yolks
- Lamb
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Brussels sprouts
- Kale
- Chard
- Rocket
- Dandelions
- Cos lettuce
- Garlic
- Walnuts
- Pecans
- 90% Dark chocolate and above
- Cheese – cheddar, parmesan and Red Leicester
- Full fat cream
According to recent research the only food above that may be mildly inflammatory is the beef. However, the linked study does not say what kind of beef? Grass fed? Grain fed? My view is that grass fed beef is a healthy option in moderation.
As an aside, one of the really inflammatory foods pointed out in the above study is bacon due to the amount of nitrates. I think I’ll have to reconsider this as a treat. Fortunately, there is a non-nitrate bacon on the market.
Conclusion
Diabetics are more susceptible to inflammation. Anything that can help lower the inflammation load, whilst keeping blood glucose down, is crucial for optimal health. That means that my diet needs to be reasonably limited. That said, the above list shows that with some creativity anyone following the paleo/keto lifestyle, even one as strict as mine, can enjoy a varied diet.
