Studies have routinely shown that chronic inflammation is associated with various chronic diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and even cancer, just to name a few.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the prevalence of diseases associated with chronic inflammation is projected to increase persistently over the next three decades. In 2014, nearly 60% of Americans had at least one chronic condition, and globally, every three out of five people die due to chronic inflammatory diseases.
The good news? There are lifestyle and diet changes you can make to reduce your own risk of developing chronic inflammation. One way is to avoid inflammatory foods such as ones that are laden in added sugars, refined flours, and vegetable and seed oils. Instead, you’ll want to eat foods that fight inflammation, such as ones that are high in fiber and rich in nutrients.
“The secret eating trick is to eat a diet full of colorful foods,” says Cedrina Calder, MD, MSPH, and member of our medical review board. “Choose foods with bright, deep, or rich colors. These are usually packed with antioxidants which help fight inflammation and may reduce the risk of chronic disease.”
