In this episode of Inflamed in the Brain, host and registered dietitian Krissy dives into a topic that’s often misunderstood—carbohydrates. For all the self-proclaimed carb lovers out there, this episode is a must-listen. Krissy debunks the myth that carbs are "bad" and shares science-backed reasons why carbs are, in fact, essential for managing inflammation and supporting overall health.
Carbs have long been criticized, dating back to the low-carb diet trends of the 90s with Atkins and continuing with modern trends like keto and paleo. These diets have promoted the idea that carbs lead to weight gain and poor health. However, Krissy sets the record straight by explaining that not all carbs are created equal. From curbing cravings to promoting restful sleep, nourishing gut bacteria, delivering antioxidants, and boosting energy, carbs offer many benefits that contribute to a balanced, anti-inflammatory lifestyle.
Key Points Covered in This Episode
1. Carbs Help Curb Cravings
Krissy explains how complex carbs, like whole grains, fruits, and legumes, provide long-lasting energy and help curb cravings. Unlike simple carbs that cause blood sugar spikes and crashes, complex carbs break down slowly, stabilizing blood sugar and reducing cravings for sweets. She emphasizes that cutting out carbs entirely often backfires, leading to intense cravings that can increase inflammation. Consuming carbs in a balanced way keeps cravings at bay, supporting anti-inflammatory habits over the long term.
2. Carbs Fuel Your Gut Bacteria
Carb-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are packed with fiber, which feeds beneficial gut bacteria. When these bacteria digest fiber, they produce anti-inflammatory short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that support gut health and immune function. Examples of fiber-rich, anti-inflammatory foods Krissy mentions include apples, oats, chickpeas, and brown rice. Nourishing gut bacteria in this way can significantly impact inflammation, especially in chronic conditions.
3. Carbs Provide Energy for Physical Activity
Krissy discusses how carbs serve as the body's preferred energy source, breaking down into glucose and storing as glycogen in the muscles. This reserve of energy is crucial for staying active, which in turn reduces inflammation markers in the body. She highlights how regular movement—even gentle exercise—has an anti-inflammatory effect by releasing anti-inflammatory proteins and improving circulation.
4. Carbs Deliver Antioxidants to Fight Oxidative Stress
Many carb-rich foods, particularly fruits and vegetables, are high in antioxidants, which combat oxidative stress—a contributor to chronic inflammation. Krissy shares examples like berries, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens, which not only provide carbs for energy but also protect cells from damage with powerful antioxidants. By incorporating these antioxidant-rich foods, listeners can actively lower their inflammation levels.
5. Carbs Support Sleep Quality
Krissy uncovers a lesser-known benefit of carbs: they can support restful sleep, which is essential for lowering inflammation. Complex carbs increase the availability of tryptophan, a precursor to the sleep-supporting hormones serotonin and melatonin. Krissy suggests foods like oatmeal, bananas, and potatoes as excellent options for promoting a good night’s sleep, which in turn allows the body to repair and manage inflammation effectively.
Krissy wraps up by encouraging listeners to view carbs as a valuable part of an anti-inflammatory diet rather than something to avoid. With the right choices—fiber-rich whole grains, fruits, and vegetables—and pairing carbs with protein and healthy fats, listeners can stabilize blood sugar, reduce cravings, and enjoy the many health benefits of carbs without guilt. Embracing carbs as part of a balanced, anti-inflammatory lifestyle allows them to work in the body’s favor, supporting everything from gut health to energy levels.