For years, I’ve been gaining weight. It’s a natural part of aging, right—although perhaps in my case, a little faster than it should be? I used to focus on my health, going to the gym regularly, but then life happened. Lingering sciatica slowed me down, and then running a chocolate factory sealed my fate—welcome to the dad bod phase.
Throughout my life, I’ve had my fair share of hospital visits due to stomach issues. Each time, the doctors have reassured me that it’s likely a lifestyle problem—irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). My recent bout of stomach troubles came with the same advice: It’s time to take a closer look at my diet and get back the lifestyle I once had.
I have to admit—my lifestyle isn’t exactly ideal. Between work, running Avohaven, spending time with my amazing grandkids and friends, and then everything else life throws at me, there’s not much time left over for meal planning or mindful eating. I do my best to hit the gym a few times a week, but that barely offsets my weekly takeaway count (which is embarrassingly high).
I’ve never been one for diets, I lack the patience for anything that doesn’t deliver instant results. Even avoiding dairy, which I know causes me stomach discomfort, goes out the window when a creamy pasta dish is in front of me. And let’s be honest, with the cost-of-living crisis, who can afford to invest heavily in their health beyond a superficial level right now?
The Anti-Inflammatory Diet: Buzzword or Real Change?
Lately, there’s been a lot of talk about the anti-inflammatory diet. When I first saw the term popping up everywhere late last year, I assumed it was just another wellness industry buzzword designed to sell expensive diet plans. But curiosity got the best of me, so I Googled: Is the anti-inflammatory diet good for men with stomach issues?
Google came back with: Yes, an anti-inflammatory diet can generally be beneficial for men with stomach issues, as it focuses on foods that can help reduce inflammation in the gut, which is often a contributing factor to various stomach problems like gastritis and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Hmmm. This piqued my interest. Maybe this wasn’t just another revenue-gathering fad after all.
When I started looking deeper, I found it was often compared to the Mediterranean diet. That got my attention. Mediterranean food? Breads, dips, olives? Sounds like my typical Sunday afternoon platter—sign me up! But as I researched further, it became clear that this wasn’t just another restrictive diet; it was a lifestyle change rooted in common sense and balanced eating.
The real question became: Is this something I can actually stick to?
I’m not a doctor, nor do I have any medical knowledge, so if you’re thinking about making dietary changes, consult a healthcare professional. But here’s what I found in my own exploration of the anti-inflammatory lifestyle.
What is Inflammation?
Inflammation is the body’s natural defense mechanism. It helps heal injuries and fight infections, but when it becomes chronic, it can lead to long-term health problems like heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and—you guessed it—gut issues. Factors like stress, poor diet, lack of sleep, and inactivity can all contribute to chronic inflammation.
What Are Inflammatory Foods?
Certain foods are known to promote inflammation, and unfortunately, they’re the ones we tend to reach for when we’re busy or stressed. These include:
Ultra-processed foods (fast food, frozen meals, sugary cereals)
Refined carbohydrates (white bread, white pasta, pastries)
Added sugars (soft drinks, candy, flavoured yoghurts)
Processed & red meats (sausages, bacon, salami)
Saturated & trans fats (fried foods, margarine, processed snacks)
Excess alcohol
Avoiding these foods isn’t about never eating them again—it’s about reducing their presence in daily life and making better choices where possible.
What Should You Eat?
The foundation of the anti-inflammatory lifestyle is simple: eat fresh, unprocessed foods that are rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and spices.
Key Anti-Inflammatory Foods:
Fruits & Vegetables – Packed with antioxidants and fibre (think berries, citrus fruits, leafy greens).
Whole Grains – Oats, quinoa, brown rice, and whole wheat options provide sustained energy.
Healthy Fats – Extra virgin olive oil, avocado, nuts, and seeds.
Lean Proteins – Fish (especially salmon and sardines), chicken, and legumes.
Spices & Herbs – Turmeric, ginger, garlic, cinnamon, and rosemary have powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
Fermented Foods – Yoghurt, kefir, kimchi, and sauerkraut support gut health.
So, Is This a Lifestyle I Can Stick To?
What I’ve found is that there’s nothing particularly new or outrageous about this diet. Looking back to the 50s, 60s, and 70s, this is how our ancestors ate. It was a time when meals were home-cooked, whole foods were the go-to, and ultra-processed foods weren’t even a consideration.
At its core, the anti-inflammatory lifestyle is just a return to eating real food—food that nourishes and supports the body instead of inflaming it.
Will I cut out all processed foods overnight? Not a chance. Will bacon still be a regular item on the menu, and will I still eat my favourite creamy pasta from time to time? Absolutely. But can I make small, sustainable changes that will improve my gut health and overall well-being? That seems doable.
This isn’t about perfection—it’s about making better choices, one meal at a time.
I think it might be worth considering. Start small, make it enjoyable, and see how it makes you feel. I’ll be giving it a shot—who’s with me?
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