Inflammation can be caused by diet, a frequent key trigger. Alcohol, processed foods, fast foods, gluten and sugar are all inflammatory when consumed. So are medications such as corticosteroids and antibiotics, plus stress, which increases cortisol. This can increase the risk or strokes, other brain trauma or neurodegeneration diseases like Alzheimer’s. Yeast overgrowth, viral or parasitic or metabolic processes like the end products of sugar metabolism may cause inflammation as well.

Inflammation is common in heart disease and stroke patients. The cardiovascular system risks with inflammation are cigarette smoking, high blood pressure and high levels of LDL, low-density lipids, the bad type of cholesterol. LDLs form plaque on the walls of arteries,  and the immune system responds by building barriers around these deposits. Danger occurs when plaque breaks free and travels through the bloodstream, where it begins a battle with white blood cells. These clumps can block a heart or brain artery partially or completely, causing a heart attack or stroke.  

As inflammation progresses, it begins to damage organs, joints and arteries. This can further contribute to heart diseases, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and other diverse illnesses such as obesity, peripheral neuropathy, migraines, thyroid issues, ADHD and diabetes.

There are many simple things one can do to avoid substances and situations that promote inflammation in the body. Try to avoid stress or find ways to deal with it healthfully. Though it may seem impossible, there are mechanisms that will allow you to live with stress such as exercise, meditation or yoga.

Anti-inflammatory diets go a long way in securing future physical and psychological health. Eat fatty, cold-water fish like salmon and tuna and less red meat and eggs. Tofu, grapes, blueberries, garlic, olive oil, tea, walnuts, celery, tea, and spices like turmeric, rosemary and ginger are all good foods to eat on this diet. Limit carbohydrates and simple sugar consumption and avoid white flour, white rice and high-fructose corn syrup. Also stay away from trans fat products like margarine, deep fried foods, corn oil and processed foods.

Remember that diseases like autism, depression, Crohn’s and gallbladder disease, kidney failure and rheumatoid arthritis are all made worse by inflammation. So the more you reduce stress in your life, the more positively your health will be affected.