On the flip side are beverages and foods that reduce inflammation, and with it, chronic disease, says Dr. Green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, kale, and collardsįatty fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardinesįruits such as strawberries, blueberries, cherries, and oranges Anti-inflammatory foodsĪn anti-inflammatory diet should include these foods: 'Some of the food components or ingredients may have independent effects on inflammation over and above increased caloric intake,' Dr. Yet in several studies, even after researchers took obesity into account, the link between foods and inflammation remained, which suggests weight gain isn't the sole driver. Unhealthy foods also contribute to weight gain, which is itself a risk factor for inflammation. 'It's not surprising, since inflammation is an important underlying mechanism for the development of these diseases.' 'Some of the foods that have been associated with an increased risk for chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease are also associated with excess inflammation,' Dr. Not surprisingly, the same foods on an inflammation diet are generally considered bad for our health, including sodas and refined carbohydrates, as well as red meat and processed meats. Red meat (burgers, steaks) and processed meat (hot dogs, sausage) Refined carbohydrates, such as white bread and pastries Try to avoid or limit these foods as much as possible: Consistently pick the wrong ones, and you could accelerate the inflammatory disease process. Frank Hu, professor of nutrition and epidemiology in the Department of Nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health.Ĭhoose the right anti-inflammatory foods, and you may be able to reduce your risk of illness. 'Many experimental studies have shown that components of foods or beverages may have anti-inflammatory effects,' says Dr. One of the most powerful tools to combat inflammation comes not from the pharmacy, but from the grocery store.

Many major diseases that plague us-including cancer, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, depression, and Alzheimer's-have been linked to chronic inflammation. That's when inflammation can become your enemy.

However, sometimes inflammation persists, day in and day out, even when you are not threatened by a foreign invader.

Intermittent bouts of inflammation directed at truly threatening invaders protect your health. This often triggers a process called inflammation. What does an anti-inflammatory diet do? Your immune system becomes activated when your body recognizes anything that is foreign-such as an invading microbe, plant pollen, or chemical. By following an anti-inflammatory diet you can fight off inflammation for good. Doctors are learning that one of the best ways to reduce inflammation lies not in the medicine cabinet, but in the refrigerator.

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