Inflammation is the body's method of healing itself in response to an injury or exposure to a harmful substance. Some of the other causes of inflammation are not as obvious, such as a poor diet, pollution or chemicals in your environment, food allergens, poor lifestyle habits such as inactivity or smoking and finally, stress.

Chronic (or ongoing) inflammation occurs when the immune system attacks the body's healthy cells leading to autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, states of immune deficiency including Crohn's disease or skin conditions including psoriasis. Underlying chronic inflammation also may play a role in heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer's disease.

Signs of inflammation

• Heat
• Redness
• Swelling
• Pain
• Loss of function

Food is Medicine

Eating a healthy diet of anti-inflammatory foods can be helpful in relieving the chronic inflammation in your body. Some of the best foods to help with inflammation are:

• Turmeric
• Ginger
• Pineapples
• Bone broth
• Blueberries
• Broccoli
• Beets
• Bok choy
• Leafy greens
• Celery
• Fatty fish
• Walnuts
• Coconut oil
• Chia seeds
• Flaxseeds



More information on inflammation and diet can be found on the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics website.