Dr. Maya Rozman Clarifies Facts About Gluten- and Sugar-Free Diets and Inflammation

Dr. Maya Rozman addresses the popular notion that gluten- and sugar-free diets are inherently "anti-inflammatory" and can heal the body. She explains that while diet does influence inflammation and various bodily processes such as weight, blood sugar balance, liver function, and the microbiome, labeling a diet as "anti-inflammatory" solely because it excludes gluten and sugar is misleading. Rozman warns that such labels often serve as marketing tactics aimed at profiting from consumers.

She emphasizes that a gluten- and sugar-free diet can be healthy if it includes plenty of vegetables, legumes, nuts, fish (for those who eat it), olive oil, fruits, quality dairy or alternatives, and whole gluten-free grains. However, replacing regular baked goods with gluten-free products may backfire, as these alternatives can be higher in calories and contain empty starches, which do not necessarily aid weight loss or reduce inflammation.

Rozman advises focusing on natural foods, whole grains, and smart legume-based flour substitutes to provide the body with essential nutrients. This approach, she says, constitutes a genuine anti-inflammatory diet without relying on misleading headlines or trends.