Got inflammation? Follow this daily anti-inflammation routine
Whether you're fighting off the flu or healing from a torn meniscus, your body's defense mechanism (an inflammatory response) is likely working overdrive to get better—fast.
The result? A flood of inflammatory cells that help us heal and keep our bodies operating at peak performance. While muscle exertion mobilizes the immune system, regular exercise can counter inflammation and protect against weight gain, a common source of inflammation.
There are two types of inflammation:
- Acute inflammation occurs when your body is fighting an infection or repairing a trauma, like a wound or tear.
- Chronic inflammation occurs when your inflammatory response never stops. Your lifestyle, diet, or environmental factors may contribute to the continual release of inflammatory cells.
Unchecked, chronic inflammation can increase your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, mood disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. It can also make you stiff and sore, reducing overall performance.
But you don't have to give in to chronic inflammation. Adding a few habits into your daily routine can reduce inflammation and keep you healthy. Let’s explore how you prevent inflammation while enhancing your well-being.
Your daily anti-inflammatory routine
Want to curb inflammation? Follow this routine:
Morning
- Hydrate. Studies show that not properly hydrating can increase inflammation levels and, over time, can increase your risk of disease later on. Begin your day with a glass of water—a good rule of thumb is to drink half your body weight in ounces throughout the day.
- Do some stretching or yoga. Inflammation is a common response to stress—avoid it by relaxing and stretching. A 2019 analysis found that yoga can decrease inflammatory responses, so try some morning yoga poses like cat-cow, sun salutations, and child’s pose.
-
Fuel your body. What you eat and drink is key to avoiding inflammation. Consider a breakfast rich in probiotics and prebiotics, like yogurt and oatmeal. Or make a berry smoothie with a spoonful of flaxseed meal. Simple carbs like sugar can trigger inflammation, so watch out for sugars common in breakfast foods.
Mid-day
-
Maintain hydration. Dehydration can increase your blood pressure, and high blood pressure is an inflammation warning sign. If plain water feels boring, add a lemon slice to boost vitamin C (an anti-inflammatory antioxidant)—or a hydration stick.
-
Munch on anti-inflammatory snacks. Eat some snacks full of anti-inflammatory polyphenols and antioxidants. Grab a handful of fruits like blueberries or apple slices, and almonds or walnuts. Avoid refined carbohydrates like white bread or pasta, which can spike blood sugar and trigger a pro-inflammatory response.
- Take breaks and move. A sedentary lifestyle can cause higher levels of stress, inflammation, and heart disease, so you’ll want to move around or do light exercise for 10–20 minutes each hour.
Afternoon
-
Eat a balanced lunch. Make an anti-inflammatory spinach salad with tomatoes, and add a protein like beans or baked chicken breast. Avoid inflammatory foods like white bread or sodium-heavy fried foods.
-
Pause for mindfulness and meditation. Stressors in our modern work life can increase inflammation while blue light from screens can disturb our circadian rhythms. This disruption can cause poor sleep, worsening inflammation. Work stress can also spike inflammation. Stepping away from the computer and deep breathing can decrease stress and promote quality sleep.
- Swap out inflammatory habits. Want a glass of wine, beer, or some chips to unwind after work? Don’t. Alcohol and ultra-processed foods like chips with no fiber or micronutrients can jumpstart inflammation. Swap a glass of probiotic-rich kombucha (check the added sugars on the label) and some hummus and veggies instead.
Evening
-
Wrap up with some light exercise. Exercise protects against weight gain and a sedentary lifestyle, both of which can cause inflammation. Shoot for 150 minutes of light exercise every week, such as walking—just 20 minutes a day.
-
Eat an anti-inflammatory dinner. Have a meal full of leafy green vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein rich in omega-3 fatty acids—all are important to an anti-inflammatory diet.
-
Wind down with relaxation techniques. Prepare for some quality shut-eye and reduce stress with a guided meditation or warm bath.
- Get a good night’s sleep. Sleep deprivation increases inflammatory markers in the blood, making sleep even more vital. It drops blood pressure and clears out waste in the central nervous system.
Monitor and adjust
The easiest way to track your inflammation is by making daily notes on your symptoms, like:
- Brain fog
- Fatigue
- Muscle and joint pain
- Gastrointestinal (GI) issues like diarrhea and constipation
- Headaches
- Changes in weight or appetite
- Depression or anxiety
You can also track the steps you’re taking to combat inflammation by:
- Keeping a food diary
- Noting sleep duration and quality
- Logging exercise type, duration, and intensity
Over time, you should see a decrease in your inflammatory symptoms. If not, consider making some adjustments to your diet and exercise routine. Seek help from a healthcare provider who can suggest changes.
Say goodbye to inflammation
Inflammation is a normal part of life, and how our bodies help fight disease and heal. But chronic inflammation is a problem. Combat it with a daily routine that combines proper:
Your anti-inflammatory routine can help reduce inflammation while increasing overall health—if you're consistent. Stay disciplined and be realistic. You won't be perfect every day, but strive for progress and you'll reap the benefits over time.