Dietitian Course: The Role Diet Plays in Inflammation

THE ROLE DIET PLAYS IN INFLAMMATION

Inflammation is a normal and essential response of the immune system to injury or infection. However, growing attention has been placed on chronic inflammation and the role diet may play in contributing to—or helping manage—long-term disease risk.

As dietitians, we are increasingly asked whether certain foods may promote inflammation and worsen symptoms of chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and gastrointestinal disorders. Conversely, patients often wonder if eliminating specific foods or following an “anti-inflammatory” diet can improve health outcomes or prevent disease altogether.

In this one-hour webinar, we will review the current evidence surrounding pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory dietary patterns, examine common claims made in popular media, and explore what the research actually supports. Participants will gain practical insight into how diet may influence inflammatory processes and how to apply this knowledge in patient care using an evidence-based, individualized approach.

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:

Differentiate between acute and chronic inflammation and identify factors that promote inflammatory processes.

Evaluate the current research supporting—or disputing—pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory dietary claims.

Identify foods and dietary patterns that may be associated with inflammation.

Discuss chronic diseases linked to inflammation and the potential role of nutrition in disease management.

Apply evidence-based strategies when counseling patients interested in following an anti-inflammatory diet.

Live Event Date: Mar 10, 2026

Performance Indicators/Learning Objectives: 2.1.6, 2.2.1, 7.3.1

Target Audience: RDs, DTRs, Health Professionals

Number of Credits: 1.0

Total Cost: 1 Site Credit

About the Presenter: Holly Herrington, MS, RD, CDCES, CAPM

Holly Herrington is an accomplished Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator with over 15 years of experience. She has worked as an Advanced Clinical Dietitian at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, specializing in gastrointestinal diseases, diabetes, and weight management. She has also collaborated with the National Dairy Council to promote health and wellness through dairy education.

Holly has contributed to textbook chapters on nutrition for bariatric surgery and weight regain after bariatric surgery. She has been an invited lecturer and presenter at renowned medical conferences such as the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and The Obesity Society (TOS). Additionally, she has been a featured expert for media outlets such as WGN, FOX News Chicago, ABC7 Chicago, US News and World Report, Men's Health, and the Chicago Tribune.

Her clinical interests span a range of areas, including weight loss and bariatric surgery, diabetes management, cardiovascular health, gastrointestinal health, women's health, the gut microbiome, and prenatal nutrition. Given her deep expertise and extensive experience, Holly Herrington is a reliable resource for evidence-based nutrition advice and guidance.

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