Best quote I overheard this week: "I’m done with diets. I’m just going to eat sensibly."

Most interesting statement I read this week: "I cannot eat flower tortillas."

And some good questions from readers this week, too:

"My 92-year-old husband (in generally good health) has an excessive amount of clear chest mucous which he expectors fairly frequently, also a frequent nose run of clear watery mucous. Could drinking 4 milkshakes a week (diluted with 2 percent milk at home) from a drive-in possibly be an influence? Your well written, sensible column is a reliable delight. Thank you." —g.w.

Dear g.w. It’s a widely held belief that "milk makes mucus" although this has not been shown in scientific studies from as far back as 1948. A recent study exposed volunteers to the cold virus (which does produce mucus) and fed them up to 11 glasses of milk a day (to see if it got worse). Then they actually measured the volunteers’ congestion and nasal secretions which does not sound like fun. They found no increase or worsening of mucus production in the volunteers who drank milk.

A runny nose could be a symptom of a milk allergy, however. (Although true milk allergy is rare in adults.) Best way to find out? Lay off the milkshakes for a week or so and see if the symptoms resolve. Let me know what you find out.

"Is there a good diet to reduce inflammation in the body?"

First, what is inflammation? An infection or injury in the body can cause inflammation that produces pain, swelling, heat and redness.

Another type of low-grade "silent inflammation" is now the topic of medical research. Chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and Alzheimer’s disease, for example, are now thought to be inflammatory-type conditions. And the internet is loaded with anti-inflammatory diet suggestions to reduce the risk for these age-related diseases. Here are the ones backed up by good research:

Eat a variety of fruits (especially berries) and vegetables of various colors. Choose whole grains (such as brown rice, whole oats, whole wheat and popcorn!) over refined grains (such as white rice and Twinkie cake).

Eat more omega 3 fatty acids from fish, flax, or walnuts or consider a fish oil supplement. (Omega-three fatty acids have been shown to disrupt the signals that lead to inflammation.)

Avoid undesirable fats such as saturated and trans fats. Use more vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, and avocados and less butter and cheese. (Olive oil, for example, contains a chemical called oleocanthal that acts similar to the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine ibuprofen.)

Eat less sugar and drink less alcohol. Add spices to your life! Ginger and turmeric (found in curry powder), for example have been shown to have anti-inflammatory qualities.

Gee, does this sound familiar? Most experts agree the "anti-inflammatory diet" is very similar to the evidence-based Mediterranean and the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet patterns that cut the risk for heart disease and other chronic conditions.

And don’t forget that obesity is also considered an "inflammatory" condition. Weight management is a great anti-inflammatory diet strategy.