Managing diet when dealing with chronic illnesses, autoimmune disorders, and potential hereditary concerns is like walking a tightrope. For those of us with conditions like Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA), Hughes Syndrome (Antiphospholipid Syndrome), Fibromyalgia, possible Lupus, and other autoimmune disorders, an anti-inflammatory diet can make a world of difference.

However, there’s more to consider—like blood sugar balance, especially if diabetes runs in the family. While I am not diabetic, I have close family members on both sides who are, so monitoring my blood sugar is just as crucial as managing inflammation.

Tracking the Inflammation Index

Today, I got back to tracking my diet’s inflammation index using a food logger (myfooddata.com). Here’s what I ate:

• Breakfast: Overnight oat bowl [ with blueberries, honey, and granola]
• Lunch: Baked potato with cheese & butter, and a whole dragonfruit
• Dinner: Red beans and rice, and a Cajun Andouille sausage

At first glance, it seems like a well-balanced meal, but looking at the inflammation index, the sausage is the wildcard. If I skip it, my meal falls into the non-inflammatory range with a score of -62. However, removing the sausage means my blood sugar levels may spike more than I’d like. Keeping the sausage in adds a small amount of inflammation to my daily intake, but it remains within an acceptable range for an anti-inflammatory diet. Since the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) defines an anti-inflammatory diet within the range of -8.87 to +0.23, and a pro-inflammatory diet starts at +7.98, my meal remains on the safer side even with the sausage included.

Diets Are Never One-Size-Fits-All

This daily dilemma—choosing between slight inflammation or increased blood sugar—illustrates how nuanced dietary choices can be, especially when managing multiple health conditions. Some might argue to remove the sausage for a strict anti-inflammatory approach, while others would prioritize stable blood sugar levels.

For me, balance is key. I chose to keep the sausage because the overall inflammatory impact remains low. The reality is, every choice we make in our diet has trade-offs, and the best approach is the one that supports long-term health and well-being.

The Benefits of an Anti-Inflammatory Diet for Autoimmune Conditions

An anti-inflammatory diet is incredibly beneficial for those of us dealing with autoimmune conditions. Studies have shown that chronic inflammation exacerbates symptoms of autoimmune diseases, leading to increased pain, fatigue, and overall discomfort. By focusing on foods with a low inflammation index, we can:

• Reduce joint pain and stiffness (great for PsA and Fibromyalgia)
• Improve circulation and prevent clotting issues (important for Hughes Syndrome)
• Support immune function and lower overall inflammation
• Enhance gut health, which plays a key role in autoimmune conditions

However, managing inflammation isn’t just about avoiding pro-inflammatory foods—it’s about balance, nutrient density, and making mindful choices.

Tools to Stay on Track

To help keep an eye on my dietary intake and its impact, I use myfooddata.com to log my meals and track my inflammation index. It’s a helpful tool in making informed decisions and understanding how my diet affects both my inflammation and blood sugar levels.

At the end of the day, the key is mindfulness and moderation. Diets can be tricky, especially when juggling multiple health concerns, but by tracking and learning, we can make the best choices for our bodies.

Much love and many blessings,
Mrs. B