A doctor I know is working on a diet handout, and wants input. This is
for a broad selection of patients at a new family practice clinic. I
would appreciate any input on this.

An Anti-inflammatory Diet

What is it?  A way to eat which is aimed at minimizing inflammation in
the body, a condition associated with heart disease, diabetes,
metabolic syndrome, dementia, arthritis, and other chronic
degenerative diseases.

What is the basic idea? Reducing consumption of rapidly-digested
highly-processed carbohydrates with the goal of normalizing insulin
levels, avoiding unhealthy fats such as trans-fats and polyunsaturated
vegetable oils, and increasing the intake of foods and supplements
that naturally decrease inflammation, such as non-starchy vegetables,
fish oil, turmeric, and coenzyme Q10.

AVOID:
Trans-fats (“partially hydrogenated” oils), still found in many food products.
High fructose corn syrup, found in sweetened beverages and food products.
Empty calories… sweetened food products with no nutrients except sugar
and/or flour.
Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) such as those found in safflower
and sunflower oil.

MINIMIZE:
Rapidly-digested or highly-processed carbohydrates, such as sugars,
corn syrup sweeteners, flour, and starchy vegetables.

MODERATE:
Coffee or other sources of caffeine.
Alcohol.
Grains, especially in the form of flour (rapidly digestible particles).

INDULGE IN:
Healthy unprocessed real foods, such as naturally-raised fowl, beef,
lamb, fish, nuts, seeds, eggs, fresh vegetables – especially
cruciferous (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage) and colorful vegetables
and dark leafy greens, and fresh fruits – especially berries, and
healthy fats such as that in olive oil, nuts, avocadoes, and coconuts.
Anti-inflammatory supplements, such as fish oil, turmeric (curcumin),
coenzyme Q10, alpha lipoic acid, acetyl L-carnitine, a daily
multi-vitamin/mineral.

OTHER POINTS:  Consider trying an elimination diet to discover any
food sensitivities which may adversely affect your digestive tract.
Ask me for information on this if you are interested.