What do a mattress, a toothbrush, salmon, and sneakers have in common?
They may all be able to help you fight chronic inflammation—a persistent state of immune system activity that’s linked to several health problems and risks. The more healthy habits you have, the better chance you’ll have at limiting inflammation and disease risk.
Inflammation is one of the body’s key defenses. It happens when you get injured or become infected by a microbe and your body sends out inflammatory immune cells to attack, isolate, and repair. But sometimes, lifestyle habits keep this immune response going, and it can impair healthy tissue and wear the body down.
Fortunately, certain lifestyle habits can calm inflammation. A healthful diet, regular exercise, sound sleep, good oral health, and relaxation can all help keep inflammation in check.
Eat Fatty Fish Twice Weekly
Two servings of fatty fish per week are linked with better long-term health and lower levels of inflammation. Salmon, anchovies, halibut, sardines, and tuna contain omega-3 fatty acids that disrupt the production of chemicals that cause inflammation.
Get a Comfortable Mattress
Is your mattress making you toss and turn through the night? Even one night of disturbed sleep can increase inflammation. Further, regularly missing sleep can contribute to obesity, which is also linked to inflammation.
Even if your mattress is good, look at other ways to improve sleep, such as minimizing food intake in the evening, relaxing before bed, and setting a sleep schedule.
Brush Your Teeth Regularly
Brushing twice daily and flossing once a day can help eliminate bacteria that lead to infection and causes inflammation elsewhere in the body.
Go for a Walk
Aerobic exercise—such as walking, jogging, cycling, and dancing—is a great way to fight inflammation. It may also help produce hormones that keep inflammation in check.
Lower Stress
Chronic stress promotes inflammation and is linked to several chronic inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and cardiovascular disease. Deep breathing, yoga, and simply enjoying more downtime can help.