5 Surprising Ways to Keep Inflammation in Balance

By Paula Spencer, Caring.com senior editor

We all need inflammation — the biochemical process that starts right at the cell level to fight damaging invaders. Just not too much inflammation. That’s where diet and lifestyle choices come in, researchers say. Among the more surprising anti-inflammatory activities:

Consider an aspirin a day

Aspirin and NSAIDs (Aleve) are anti-inflammatories. A daily aspirin curbed the incidence of cancer by more than 20 percent among those who took it, according to a 2010 study in the journal Lancet.

But the pills may have unintended consequences and aren’t yet recommended for everyone. Be sure to talk to your doctor before starting daily aspirin.

Drink red wine and green tea

The single best alcohol type is red wine, thanks to its anti-inflammatory phytochemicals, including resveratrol. Men who consumed four or more four-ounce glasses of red wine each week had a 60 percent lower incidence of aggressive prostate cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute (although this research is preliminary).

Inflammation: It’s All in the Diet

5 Surprising Ways to Keep Inflammation in Balance originally appeared on Caring.com.

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

J.L. A.

8:24AM PST on Feb 19, 2012

Good tips for even those not concerned about inflammation!

send a green star

Cyril H.

2:21AM PST on Jan 3, 2012

Removing inflammation is not so difficult. Herbal supplements could play a vital role in removing inflammtion and you will get a healthy inflammtion response. There are lots of supplements available in the market for inflammation removing. I found this great herbal supplement http://www.inflammotion.com

H J D.

7:39PM PST on Dec 23, 2011

Why live with inflammation? Eliminate the inflammation and you eliminate the pain. Sounds easy, but we all know it is not. If started soon enough it is not all that difficult. The longer a condition is allowed to progress, the longer and much tougher it is to regain control. How was it said; difficult is easy, impossible takes a little longer. We have the internet, all we need is at the end of our finger tips. and a open willing discerning mind.

Gina F.

8:34PM PST on Dec 17, 2011

Green tea is great for so many things! In addition to helping with inflammation, green tea is also a natural antibiotic.

Debbie M.

7:03AM PST on Dec 9, 2011

thanks for the info

KS G.

4:27AM PST on Dec 7, 2011

Thanks for the article.

Ann L.

11:08AM PST on Dec 5, 2011

Thanks for the post. I have arthritis, in most of my spine.and I find exercise and ASA
really help. I am allergic to red wine, but do drink red grape juice. Also, I eat night shade plants in moderation ,as they can aggravate inflamed joints.

Nancy P.

7:32AM PST on Dec 5, 2011

Good info....but don't agree with the asprin a day...check with your doctor first.

Elisabeth T.

6:07AM PST on Dec 5, 2011

Great info, thanks so much...

Dolly B.

11:56AM PST on Dec 4, 2011

Only Green tea and walking are the efficient, safe and practical ones out of that list and brisk walking whilst great shouldn't be done whilst suffering from inflammation or indigestion, slower well paced constitutionals are better after eating.

Bicarbonate of Soda, apple cider vinegar, raisins, MSM and mint/peppermint are the best and quickest that come to mind.