Over the past decade, inflammation has become a household word. While the condition was virtually unheard of some years ago, that's all changed. Researchers pinpoint inflammation as the root of almost all health problems - from headaches to heartaches. Dr. Mark Hyman, author of the bestselling book UltraMetabolism and editor of Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, has become a pioneer in the field of inflammation and how it affects the body.

When it comes to inflammation, Dr. Hyman was ahead of the times. He's spent the past 15 years exploring the effects of inflammation in his private practice and during his tenure as the co-medical director at the renowned Canyon Ranch, one of the world's leading health resorts. Now he's making the advice he gives to his patients in one-on-one consultations available to readers in The UltraSimple Diet.

What most people don't realize is that inflammation is a calling card for trouble. Dr. Hyman says that almost every modern disease is caused by inflammation. Regular inflammation is perfectly normal, Dr. Hyman explains. However, when the immune system shifts out of balance, inflammation goes into overdrive, wreaking havoc on the body and contributing to serious health issues.

While anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids and antihistamines are effective treatments, they don't get to the root of the problem, which is where The UltraSimple Diet comes into play.