Monica Reinagel: Hi there and welcome everyone.
Monica Reinagel: We're a minute or so early but why don't we jump into the first question!
oldnus: I went on a Bruchetta kick in January which meant lots of extra virgin olive oil. I also eliminated butter and cheese from my diet. I felt great better than I've ever felt. Is feeling great an expectation of a positive IF nutrition plan? Does a negative IF rating of a meal correspond to the bloated feeling that some meals create?
Monica Reinagel: There are a few things that might contribute to that feeling, including a lot a fiber, a lot of fluids, or even foods that you might be a little sensitive to.
Monica Reinagel: But an inflammatory response would have a longer turn around time so I don't think there is a direct correlation.
rakroft: So, what's the story with walnuts? Good or bad?
Monica Reinagel: But the changes you made, reducing butter and cheese and increasing olive oil was definitely a step in the anti-inflammatory direction.
Monica Reinagel: Hi rakroft.
Monica Reinagel: I would have to consider walnuts to be a healthy food, high in fiber, and with some good essential fatty acids. However, they are also relatively high in omega-6 fatty acids, which can fuel inflammation in the body...
rakroft: So, it's better to go with almonds?
Monica Reinagel: So while you can enjoy walnuts, almonds are more anti-inflammatory. (you took the words out of my fingers!)
rakroft: Thanks, it is reassuring to hear it from an expert!
oldnus: Thank you. Makes sense that IR would take time. Another question: Does CRP or some other blood test reflect the IF effectiveness of a nutrition plan for a specific individual?
Monica Reinagel: That's a great question. Give me a second to type...
Monica Reinagel: CRP, or C-reactive protein, is a good measure of inflammation in the body. It's a blood test. If you have had a CRP test and it is elevated, you could gauge the effectiveness of an anti-inflammatory diet by rechecking after six to eight weeks. Does that answer your question?
Monica Reinagel: In a couple of minutes, we'll select the first recipient of a free copy of the book...
oldnus: Yes it does. It's hard to know what is working or not... tests are wonderful. Thanks
Monica Reinagel: Also, how you feel is a good indication. You said when you made some changes, you FELT a lot better. Do you have symptoms of inflammation, like joint pain?
Stanruff: Do almonds contain the high omega-3 that walnuts do?
oldnus: No, just tired. With the Olive oil I was much more energetic. Two hours of tennis - no problem.
Monica Reinagel: Yup! The difference is that they also contain monounsaturated fats and are relatively low in the omega-6 fats. That's why they rate so much higher in the IF system.
Monica Reinagel: Do any of you actually have the book already? If not, I can explain what the IF Rating system is.
christelhall: Nope, don't have it.
aetoole703: Monica, are there any plans to create a PDA program so you can consult IF ratings and grocery shop on the go?
Monica Reinagel: The book talks a lot about the effects of foods and their effects on inflammation, which turns out to be a fairly complicated issue...(more)
Monica Reinagel: So to make it easier to choose anti-inflammatory foods (and avoid inflammatory ones), I created a rating system...(more)
Stanruff: Tis quite contrary to what I have read...Have read walnuts at top of "Hype" thank you
Monica Reinagel: The IF Rating system evaluates over 20 different factors to calculate the net inflammatory effect of over 1600 common foods.
christelhall: Monica, I'm very unaware of the whole inflammation issue, but am newly experience stiff joints. Are there natural products to address this or are OTC products safe?
Monica Reinagel: You can get more details at inflammationfactor.com. Let me answer some of these questions.
Monica Reinagel: Hi aetoole, we ARE talking about ways to create software that would not only make it easier to look things up on the go (more)
Monica Reinagel: but that would also help you keep a tally of your daily intake. Would that be something you would be interested in?
rakroft: Even a little wallet card would be useful!
aetoole703: Definitely, I have tried a few on my PDA and it works for me
Monica Reinagel: Ok Christelhall, let me tackle that question and while I'm typing, Shereen, would you like to roll the die and select a book winner?
Shereen: singmarcia is the winner of the first book
Monica Reinagel: Of course, a lot of my research has to do with reducing inflammation through diet, but there are some natural supplements that can also help. (more)
Monica Reinagel: Congratulations singmarcia! If you will send me an email to book@inflammationfreediet.com I will get your address!
Monica Reinagel: Back to supplements...
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