Peat Archive

In Ray Peat's framework, inflammation is not simply an immune response to infection or injury but a fundamental metabolic state characterized by increased estrogen, serotonin, histamine, prostaglandins, and nitric oxide, accompanied by water retention, tissue swelling, and impaired oxidative metabolism. He saw chronic inflammation as the common denominator linking cancer, heart disease, obesity, depression, and autoimmune conditions.

Peat identified polyunsaturated fats as a primary driver of inflammation through their conversion to inflammatory prostaglandins and leukotrienes. He advocated for anti-inflammatory strategies centered on aspirin, thyroid hormone, progesterone, vitamin E, and dietary changes (eliminating PUFAs, increasing sugar and saturated fat). He noted that many anti-inflammatory drugs work precisely because they block PUFA-derived inflammatory mediators.