Inflammation is a protective reaction your immune system triggers when your body tissues encounter injuries or infections. Inflammation can also arise as a symptom of a chronic disease, such as arthritis. Medical treatment and lifestyle changes, including a healthy diet, may help reduce inflammation and related symptoms, according to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University, which may include pain, tenderness, swelling and fever. For best results, discuss dietary changes with your doctor or dietitian.
Types
High-fat meat and dairy products contain omega-6 fatty acids -- fats that promote inflammation, according to the LPI. Processed snack foods, cereals, granola bars, crackers and margarine that contain hydrogenated vegetable oil, a prime source of trans-fatty acids, cause similar effects. High-glycemic foods, such as enriched breads, cereals, pasta and sweets, can disrupt your blood sugar levels and promote inflammation and increase your appetite, increasing your risk for inflammatory conditions, such as obesity and heart disease.
Risks
Inflammatory foods pose risks, whether you have an inflammation-related illness or not. A diet high in saturated fat, cholesterol or trans fats increases your risk for coronary heart disease, which can lead to heart attack and increase your risk of having a stroke, according to the American Heart Association. Inflammatory foods may also trigger or worsen arthritis pain and leave less room in your diet for healthy foods that promote healing. Eating too many refined carbohydrate sources can lead to weight gain and increased risk for obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and certain forms of cancer. Fatty meats have also been linked with types of cancer, including prostate cancer.
Limitations
If you have an inflammation-related condition, such as arthritis, heart disease or obesity, you may be best off eliminating or severely restricting pro-inflammatory foods in your diet. For overall wellness, the AHA recommends limiting saturated fat to 7 percent of your total diet, trans fats to 1 percent and added sugars to no more than half of your discretionary daily calorie allowance, which equates to 100 calories per day for most women and 150 calories per day for most men.
Helpful Foods
Fruits and vegetables provide antioxidants, which help protect your body from infections and diseases. The antioxidants vitamin C and beta-carotene, prevalent in citrus fruits, cantaloupe, tomatoes, berries, bell peppers and leafy greens, help reduce inflammation caused by toxins known as free radicals and inhibiting inflammatory processes. Cold water fish, such as salmon, tuna, herring and sardines, flaxseed, walnuts and canola oil provide omega-3 fatty acids -- essential fats with anti-inflammatory properties. The AHA recommends eating fish at least twice per week. Incorporating whole grains, legumes and low-fat dairy products into your diet may reduce inflammation by improving your blood sugar levels.
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