Inflammation and Lifestyle

Abstract

Inflammation is the cause of most serious illness including heart disease and stroke, many cancers, and arthritis. Many lifestyle factors, including diet, stress and exposure to environmental and household toxins, contribute to elevated levels of inflammation throughout the body that never subside, creating a cellular environment that is favorable to disease propagation. Our diet is one of the leading sources of these chronic illnesses, and changing the diet is the key to prevention and cure. A number of dietary factors, including fiber-rich foods, whole grains, fruits (especially berries), omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidant vitamins (e.g., C and E), and certain trace minerals (e.g., zinc), have been documented to reduce blood concentrations of inflammatory markers. The best way to correct and eliminate inflammation is to improve comprehensive lifestyle and dietary changes rather than taking pharmaceutical drugs, the latter of which can cause unintended harm in the form of damaging side effects. Intensive lifestyle interventions involving both exercise and diet appear to be most effective. This chapter includes recent news and advances based on anti-inflammatory diets, exercise, and a healthy lifestyle. Several health benefits of natural sources like vegetables, fruits, fishes, beans, and oil are also summarized in this chapter.