There is “good” inflammation (acute inflammation in response in injury) and “bad” inflammation (chronic inflammation) that we keep hearing we should try to get rid of. Dr. Kellyann says, “The biggest take-home and reason why you shouldn’t have chronic inflammation on your radar is because hidden inflammation is the root of all chronic illness, like heart disease, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, cancer, and even obesity.”

“C-reactive protein (CRP) is a substance produced by the liver in response to inflammation. Other names for CRP are high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and ultra-sensitive C-reactive protein (us-CRP). A high level of CRP in the blood is a marker of inflammation” (May 22, 2017).” I asked my doctor about this test and he said it is virtually useless, because the level of inflammation varies a lot from day to day and even throughout the same day.

Registered dietitian Franziska Spritzler gives a list of foods that cause inflammation. Table sugar (sucrose) and high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) are at the top of the list! Next come trans fats, vegetable and seed oils, refined carbohydrates, excessive alcohol, and processed meats. She says, “Of all the diseases linked to processed meat consumption, its association with colon cancer is the strongest.”

Many experts believe intermittent fasting can help treat inflammation. “A team from The Mount Sinai Hospital reports fasting improves chronic inflammatory diseases such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, and cardiovascular disease…. Studies have shown fasting to help lower HbA1c in people with type 2 diabetes, with a study published [July 2019] also showing that intermittent fasting could prevent a build-up of fat in the pancreas which could protect against type 2 diabetes.”

References

Petrucci, Dr. Kellyann. “Spotting Inflammation,” Dr. Kellyann (January 08, 2014). https://drkellyann.com/blogs/news/can-sneaky-inflammation-be-keeping-you-from-enjoying-life? (accessed on 8/2/2020).
General information about inflammation, causes, and foods that cause inflammation and foods that prevent inflammation.

Donovan, Robin, and Kathryn Watson; medically reviewed by Judith Marcin, MD. “C-Reactive Protein Test,” Healthline (updated on March 7, 2019). https://www.healthline.com/health/c-reactive-protein (accessed on 8/2/2020).

Spritzler, Franziska, RD, CDE. “6 Foods That Cause Inflammation,” Healthline (November 12, 2019). https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/6-foods-that-cause-inflammation (accessed on 8/2/2020).

“Intermittent fasting could help treat inflammation,” Diabetes.co.uk (August 23, 2019). https://www.diabetes.co.uk/news/2019/aug/intermittent-fasting-could-help-treat-inflammation-92032013.html (accessed on 8/2/2020).