When your body is in a state of chronic inflammation, you may or may not recognize the symptoms. Compared to acute inflammation (which is what happens when you get a cat scratch or catch a cold), chronic inflammation creates milder symptoms.
However, the consistent presence of inflammation slowly damages the body’s cells, tissues, and organs, which can affect their function and increase your risk of several conditions, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and even cancer. Diet is just one factor in inflammation, but it’s a factor you have control over.
American Heart Association. (2021). Saturated fat.
Arthritis Foundation. (n.d.). 8 food ingredients that can cause inflammation.
Arthritis Foundation. (n.d.). Anti-inflammatory diet.
Arthritis Foundation. (n.d.). Best grains for arthritis.
Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). Healthy eating tips to ease chronic inflammation.
Nishimura, S., et al. (2009). Adipose tissue inflammation in obesity and metabolic syndrome. Discovery Medicine.