ORLANDO, Fla. (Ivanhoe Newswire) — When it comes to inflammation in the body, doctors say there are two types. One helps the body, while the other can harm it. Some simple changes could make a big difference. Chronic inflammation
Acute inflammation is normal, and it’s a good thing. It’s the immune system’s sudden response when something is wrong.
“So you might have a sore throat. That would be an example. Or you might have a fever,” explained Arch Mainous, PhD, professor of community health & family medicine at the University of Florida.
But Cleveland Clinic says for some people, the inflammation continues after the illness or infection has healed.
“About 34 percent of people age 20 and older actually have, sort of, chronic inflammation,” said Prof. Mainous.
That has been linked to the development of things such as stroke, heart attack, and cancer. Harvard Health says there is no routine test for chronic inflammation, but routine healthcare does scan for its causes. And Prof. Mainous says there are ways to reduce chronic inflammation, without using medication.
“One way is diet,” he told Ivanhoe.
Eating certain foods can help, such as salmon or sardines. Spinach, kale, collards are packed with antioxidants. So are strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries. Nuts, seeds, olive oil, and certain herbs and spices like ginger and turmeric also have anti-inflammatory benefits.
Cleveland Clinic says along with eating healthy, minimally processed foods, it’s also important to exercise, maintain a healthy weight, and avoid drinking and smoking.
Contributors to this news report include: Lindsay Dailey, Producer; Roque Correa, Editor.
Sources:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/21660-inflammation
https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/nutrition/Can-You-Reduce-Inflammation-Through-Your-Diet
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/should-you-be-tested-for-inflammation-202203292715
* For More Information, Contact: Matthew Walker
Communications Coordinator at UF Health Strategic Communications
Free weekly e-mail on Prescription: Health from Ivanhoe. To sign up: http://www.ivanhoe.com/ftk
