Inflammation is an immune system response to harmful stimuli such as damaged cells, pathogens or other irritants. It plays the biggest role in how long people live and how well they retain their mental sharpness as they age. High levels of inflammation have been associated with a number of diseases that can shave years off of our lives. Chronic diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease are all related to this.
A new study underway at the Institute of Aging at Newcastle University found that chronic inflammatory issues was named the most important changeable factor to living a longer and healthier life.
So what can we do to lower inflammatory factors to help prevent chronic disease and mental decline? The best way to lower inflammation is to eat a healthy diet — one high in foods that work to prevent chronic inflammation and low in foods that can promote it.
Here are some foods and nutrients that act as anti-inflammatories, as well as some that have inflammatory effects on the body.
Anti-inflammatory: