According to Harvard ...
Every time a foreign material (a chemical, plant pollen, microbe, etc.) enters your body, an immuno-response occurs. As a result, we experience inflammation in that area, and that's not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, small bouts of inflammation are necessary to keep you healthy, however, if an area is inflamed for too long or you suffer from chronic inflammation, that can cause problems. Many of the major diseases like cancer, arthritis, depression, Alzheimer's, heart disease, vein problems, and more have been linked to chronic inflammation. The good news is, you can fight inflammation by making improvements in your diet. According to Dr. Frank Hu, a professor at the Harvard School of Public Health, diet is one of the most effective ways to manage inflammation: "Many experimental studies have shown that components of foods or beverages may have anti-inflammatory effects." [gallery type="rectangular" ids="32780,32781,32782"]So what do you need to avoid?
French Fries -- and anything else that's fried
Pop -- and other ultra-sugary beverages
Red Meat -- including processed meat products like sausage and hot dogs
Margarine -- lard and shortening
Refined Carbs -- like white bread and most things that contain high amounts of white flour
[gallery type="rectangular" ids="32783,32784,32785"]On the other side, here's what you should eat more of:
Fatty Fish -- Mackerel, Tuna, Sardines, and Salmon
Nuts - Go nuts on the nuts
Fruits
Tomatoes
Olive Oil
Other experts say that eating a "Mediterranean" diet is generally the best way to reduce inflammation and reduce your risk of chronic disease. Furthermore, Dr. Hu adds, "A healthy diet is beneficial not only for reducing the risk of chronic diseases but also for improving mood and overall quality of life." What are your thoughts, people? Have you tried a Mediterranean diet? Did it help you feel better? If so, let us know in the comments below!