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. 2012 May 10;9:E95. doi: 10.5888/pcd9.110301

Table. Pro- and Anti-inflammatory “Inducers” of Metaflammation.

Evidence Level Pro-Inflammatory (“Anthropogens”)a Anti-Inflammatory (or Neutral)
Strong

  • Aging

  • Exercise, too little (inactivity)

  • Nutrition

    • Excessive energy intake

    • Fat intake

      • saturated

      • trans fatty acids

      • high-fat diet

  • Obesity/weight gain

  • Particulate matter

  • Smoking

  • Sleep deprivation

  • Stress/anxiety/depression/“burnout”

  • Exercise/physical activity/fitness

  • Intensive lifestyle change

  • Nutrition

    • Restricted energy intake

    • Fish/fish oils

    • Fruits/vegetables

    • Nuts

  • Weight loss
Moderate

  • Nutrition

    • Fast food/Western-style diet

    • High omega 6:omega 3 ratio

    • Fiber (low intake)

    • Fructose

    • Glucose

    • High-glucose/glycemic-index foods

    • High glycemic load

    • Glycemic status

  • Air pollution (indoor/outdoor)

  • Inequality/economic insecurity

  • Nutrition

    • Alcohol (moderate intake)

    • Capsaicin

    • Cocoa/chocolate (dark)

    • Fiber (high intake)

    • Garlic

    • Grapes/raisins

    • Herbs and spices

    • Low omega 6: omega 3 ratio

    • Mediterranean diet

    • Olive oil

    • Tea/green tea

    • Vinegar

  • Smoking cessation
Limited

  • Exercise, excessive

  • Nutrition

    • Starvation

    • Alcohol (excessive/bingeing)

    • Meat (domesticated)

    • Sugar-sweetened drinks

  • Endocrine disrupting chemicals

  • Low perceived workplace fairness

  • “Sick building syndrome”

  • Secondhand smoke

  • Thermal comfort (eg, air conditioning)

  • Low socioeconomic status

  • Nutrition

    • Breast milk

    • Dairy calcium

    • Eggs

    • Lean game meats

    • Low-glycemic-index foods

    • Monounsaturated fats

  • Soy protein
a

Pro-inflammatory inducers are typically man-made, lifestyle- and/or environment-related and have been labeled anthropogens (10).