What Is Inflammation? (2024)

How do you reduce inflammation in the body fast?

Inflammation doesn’t always require treatment. For acute inflammation, rest, ice and good wound care often relieve discomfort in a few days.

If you have chronic inflammation, your healthcare provider may recommend:

• Supplements: Certain vitamins (vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D) and supplements (zinc) may reduce inflammation and enhance repair. For example, your healthcare provider may prescribe a fish oil supplement or vitamin(s). Or you may use spices with anti-inflammatory properties, like turmeric, ginger or garlic.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): These over-the-counter medicines lower inflammation. Your healthcare provider may recommend ibuprofen (Advil®), aspirin (Bayer®) or naproxen (Aleve®).
• Steroid injections: Corticosteroid shots decrease inflammation at a specific joint or muscle. For example, if you have rheumatoid arthritis that affects your hands, feet, shoulder or knees, your healthcare provider may give a steroid shot in these joints. You shouldn’t have more than three to four steroid injections in the same body part per year.

What can I do at home for inflammation treatment?

You may choose to eat more foods that have anti-inflammatory properties. Some research shows that people who follow a Mediterranean diet have lower levels of inflammation in their bodies.

Foods that reduce inflammation include:

• Oily fish, like mackerel, salmon and sardines.
• Leafy greens, like spinach and kale.
• Olive oil.
• Whole grains
• Nuts.

Eating too much of certain foods may increase inflammation. If you have chronic inflammation, you may feel better if you avoid foods that cause inflammation, including:

• Fried foods, including many fast food items.
• Cured meats with nitrates, like hot dogs.
• Highly refined oils and trans fats.
• Refined carbohydrates, like sugar, pastries and white bread.

How can I prevent inflammation?

You may decrease your risk of chronic inflammation by developing healthier lifestyle habits. Some of these habits include:

• Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight for you.
• Avoiding or quitting smoking.
• Getting physical activity at least three to five times per week.
• Limiting your alcohol intake (maximum 2 ounces per day).
• Managing stress with healthy tools like meditation or journaling.