About this episode
Inflammation is a complicated topic. Short-term inflammation plays an essential role in fighting infections and healing injuries. But too much inflammation can be a catalyst for chronic ailments, like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, autoimmune disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, and obesity. What we eat can influence our inflammatory responses and contribute to chronic, low-grade inflammation. In today’s episode, Prof. Philip Calder helps us understand the science behind inflammation, how it impacts our health and what food has to do with it. Philip is head of the School of Human Development and Health, as well as a Professor of Nutritional Immunology, in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Southampton. He’s also an internationally recognised researcher on the metabolism and functionality of fatty acids. His work focuses on the roles of omega-3 fatty acids and the influence of diet and nutrients on immune and inflammatory responses. 🌱 Try our new plant based wholefood supplement - Daily 30 *Naturally high in copper which contributes to normal energy yielding metabolism and the normal function of the immune system Learn how your body responds to food 👉 zoe.com/podcast for 10% off Follow ZOE on Instagram . Timecodes 00:00 Introduction 01:20 Quickfire questions 02:55 The role of inflammation in immunity 05:30 Chronic inflammation and disease 08:30 How to measure inflammation 09:53 Low-grade inflammation and disease risk 12:30 What causes blood vessel inflammation? 15:23 What creates the narrowing of blood vessels? 17:20 How inflammation can cause blood clots, heart attacks and strokes 19:15 Inflammation and aging 21:40 Inflammation and lifestyle factors 25:07 Obesity and inflammation 28:45 Muscle loss and inflammation (sarcopenia) 30:52 The impact of meals, sugar and fats on inflammation 33:35 How diet could reduce inflammation 34:42 Why we all respond to food differently 38:42 Dietary choices to manage inflammation 40:00 What are omega-3s? 41:17 Anti-inflammatory foods 43:40 Health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids 45:55 Challenges with farmed salmon 📚 Books from our ZOE Scientists: Every Body Should Know This by Dr Federica Amati Food For Life by Prof. Tim Spector Mentioned in today's episode: Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and inflammatory processes: Nutrition or pharmacology? in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology Omega-6 fatty acids and inflammation in PLEFA Omega-3 fatty acids and inflammatory processes in Nutrients Another relevant study: Health relevance of the modification of low-grade inflammation in ageing and the role of nutrition in Ageing Research Reviews Have feedback or a topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know here Episode transcripts are available here .