Inflammation and Its Impact on Performance and Chronic Disease
Presented by Leslie Bonci
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The hallmark of acute and chronic disease is an increase in the inflammatory response. The pathophysiology of the inflammatory response is an advanced concept and not always included in formational course content. Understanding the acute and chronic responses to inflammation can assist clinicians in developing intervention strategies. Traditionally, pharmaceutical agents have been used. Nutrition and strategic supplementation provide an additional treatment modality not often used in clinical practice. This course is relevant for all healthcare professionals to complement clinical recommendations and augment treatment outcomes.
Meet your instructor
Leslie Bonci
Leslie Bonci is a registered dietitian; a board-certified specialist in sports dietetics; the owner of Active Eating Advice (Be fit, fed and fearless!), a nutrition consulting company; and a cofounder of Performance 365, a sports nutrition consulting company. She is currently the sports nutrition consultant for the Kansas…
Chapters & learning objectives
1. Chronic vs. Acute Inflammation
The standard American diet has been linked to increased risk of inflammation and increased prevalence of chronic diseases and disorders. Nutrition strategies should not be centered around food elimination without medical justification. The inflammatory response is a normal adaptive process, and treatment modalities should minimize damage and optimize training adaptation.
2. Dietary Interventions to Mitigate the Inflammatory Response: The Role of Phytonutrients
There are several phytonutrients (plant chemicals) that act as anti-inflammatory agents. The mechanism of action can be to reduce markers of inflammation, decrease pain, decrease delayed-onset muscle soreness, increase vasodilation, and prevent cartilage destruction. Synergy between and among plant compounds is the rationale for choosing food sources of phytonutrients over supplements.
3. Dietary Interventions to Mitigate the Inflammatory Response: The Role of Macro- and Micronutrients
Research has demonstrated the anti-inflammatory benefits of omega-3 fatty acids. Whey protein and branched-chain amino acids play a role in preventing muscle protein breakdown—a consequence of inflammation. Optimizing vitamin D intake may downregulate the production of hepcidin. Dietary recommendations should be emphasized with strategic use of supplementation for those whose diets are deficient.
