Welcome to Dr.Sears.com. Dr. Sears prides himself on providing the latest breaking research regarding the role of an anti-inflammatory diet, like the Zone Diet, and its implications for overall health and wellness. Inflammation is at the root of chronic disease and how we control inflammation through diet and lifestyle determines our ability to age successfully.

Cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells begin to multiply out of control. Calorie restriction has been shown to be effective in the prevention and/or treatment of cancer, however, this is difficult to accomplish if hunger is not kept at bay. Controlling the levels of insulin through diet, not only controls hunger, but by keeping calories low, insulin is reduced causing decreased production of eicosanoids known to promote tumor growth . In addition, fat intake is reduced thereby decreasing the intake of saturated fats that may potentially lead to insulin resistance. Omega 3 supplementation is believed to be beneficial as EPA limits the enzyme responsible for the conversion of DGLA (Dihomo Gamma-Linolenic Acid) to arachidonic acid (involved in production of “bad” eicosanoids).

Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas that promotes glucose uptake into the cells following a meal. With insulin resistance, cells do not respond the way they should to this hormone, causing the pancreas to secrete even more. After a prolonged period of time, the pancreas can no longer produce enough insulin to overcome this insulin resistance, and the elevated levels of sugar in the blood lead to the development of Type II diabetes. By taking high-dose fish oil to reduce silent inflammation (the molecular cause of insulin resistance) and following an anti-inflammatory diet, these high levels of insulin in the blood will decrease, and begin to reverse the risk factors for Type II Diabetes.

The first trimester of pregnancy is the most critical in terms of development. Evidence suggests that omega 3 fatty acid supplementation during pregnancy, supports optimal visual and cognitive development. Studies have shown that mothers with high blood levels of omega 3’s during pregnancy have children who at 2 years of age show greater attention spans. The benefits of omega 3’s in brain development, especially DHA, are well known, although it is believed that most pregnant mothers are not getting enough omega 3s in their diets.

Although cholesterol tends to be the major focus when it comes to reducing the risk for heart disease, greater emphasis is now placed on the role of inflammation in heart disease. Studies such as the GISSI trial and the Lyon Diet Heart Study show the importance that both fish oil and a low-glycemic load diet play in reducing inflammation, reversing heart disease risk, and decreasing the reoccurrence or severity of another heart attack. By controlling insulin levels through diet and eliminating foods high in arachidonic acid (organ meats (like liver), fatty cuts of red meats and egg yolks), a reduction in triglycerides, blood pressure and production of heart-damaging eicosanoids (hormones synthesized from fatty acids) will result, decreasing overall risk for disease.

Most immunological disorders are the result of an imbalance of eicosanoids (hormones that play a role in the inflammatory response). By the time these conditions get to the point of diagnosis, a strong pain component almost always exists (eg, arthritis). Supplementation with essential fatty acids- GLA (Gamma-Linolenic Acid) and EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) has been shown to reduce the pain and inflammation that underlie these conditions. Consuming a low-glycemic load diet, rich in omega 3 fatty acids, may reduce inflammation and pain, decrease or eliminate the amount of medication needed to control these conditions, and reduce excess body fat, decreasing the load on weight bearing joints.

The brain is extremely sensitive to silent inflammation. Pending the type of disease or condition, in the time it takes to manifests itself, the brain may never return to its normal functioning state (eg, Alzheimers). High dose fish oil is a great way to combat underlying silent inflammation in the brain. What makes it even more attractive than using medication is its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier effortlessly. Therapeutic doses of fish oil also have implications for other conditions of the brain including Multiple Sclerosis, Attention Deficit Disorder, Parkinson’s Disease, and Depression due to their anti-inflammatory properties, ability to stimulate serotonin and dopamine levels and reduce arachidonic acid levels in the blood.