Inflammation, the process by which our immune system identifies and eliminates foreign substances or microorganisms, is beneficial to all of us. Inflammation finally eliminates the virus that causes a cold, even though we may not like the runny nose and scratchy throat that are symptoms of our immune system at action. However, inflammation can turn against us if it continues at low levels even after the invader has been eliminated. Chronic inflammation has been connected to a number of serious illnesses that affect us, such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, depression, and Alzheimer’s.
Because our intestinal flora release compounds that can either increase or decrease inflammation, our diets have a significant impact on chronic inflammation. The kinds of bacteria that live in our stomachs and the chemical products they produce change depending on what we consume. Certain foods stimulate the growth of bacteria that cause inflammation, while other foods support the growth of bacteria that prevent it.
Because of this, one of the best resources for reducing inflammation is found at the produce counter rather than the pharmacy. Numerous experiments have demonstrated the potential anti-inflammatory properties of food or drink ingredients.