15th anniversary of the anti-inflammatory diet and lifestyle

“A new year and new possibilities. My advice is to choose a long-term, healthy lifestyle, with small steps and habits that provide both physical and mental well-being and are sustainable in the long run. Swap fad diets and treatments for something that becomes a positive lifestyle.”

My first book, Supermat, vägen till ett friskare liv (Superfoods, the path to a healthier life), was published 15 years ago. It attracted a lot of attention and marked the beginning of my journey with lectures about a long-term lifestyle that leads to well-being. In the book, I gathered the latest research on ordinary foods that medical studies had shown to have various positive health effects. One of the benefits that these foods have in common is their anti-inflammatory effect. My second book, Livskraft – din hälsa kost och hormonbalans (Life force – your health, diet and hormone balance), was published a year later in 2008. This was a follow-up about the anti-inflammatory lifestyle and, among other things, looked at how our lifestyle affects our biological age and circadian rhythms, and the restorative effect of sleep on the body. It also looked at the positive effects of exercise (such as easing depression and forming new brain cells), which foods have a positive effect on the body and mind and, not least, the need for us to nurture our soul, for example by cultivating spirituality and gratitude, which contributes to greater well-being, both physical and mental. The research and scientific support for what I presented back then demonstrates even more strongly what works and contributes to better health and well-being, and this has convinced me of what works and is sustainable in the long run. It is extremely positive that there are straightforward, simple lifestyle choices we can all make and that there are no shortcuts or temporary miracle cures.  

Here are a few short clips (in Swedish) from two TV interviews on SVT and TV4 from 2008 in connection with the publication of my second book:

It’s a case of everyday habits, such as not smoking, only drinking alcohol in moderation, exercising regularly and eating at least five portions of fruit and veg a day.

According to a British study from 2008, by adopting these habits you could extend your life by 14 years. However, it’s not just about prolonging life but also about good well-being here and now, both physical and mental.

Clip 1

What we know about various biological rhythms and how the body likes regularity in order to optimise these rhythms. In this way, we can strengthen these rhythms and improve our well-being.

Clip 2

The importance of regular exercise and its positive effects on both the body and mind. For example, exercise contributes to the formation of new brain cells.

Clip 3

The body’s need for sleep and the fact that, for example, stress can result in a lack of sleep, which in turn can increase the risk of depression.

Clip 4

In my opinion, the best way of creating new habits is to take small steps and focus on the positive things you do. This is how you can create lasting, positive change.

Clip 5

The body’s ability to recover is fascinating. By learning more about how lifestyle choices affect your body, you can increase your chances of boosting your well-being, both physical and mental.