5 Drug-Free Ways to Fight Inflammation

Inflammation in the body isn't always bad. It's a natural phenomenon that occurs when the immune system believes it's being attacked. Unfortunately, though, excessive and chronic inflammation can take a toll on your health in more ways than one. It contributes to pain while also increasing the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and other illnesses. The good news is that you can reduce inflammation in your body without relying on drugs.

#1) Drink Water

Being that 60% of the human body consists of water, it shouldn't come as a surprise to learn that H2O can protect you from inflammation. Unfortunately, statistics show that three three-quarters of U.S. adults are chronically dehydrated. If you don't drink enough water, you are more likely to experience inflammation in your joints. So, drink at least 64 ounces of H2O daily to protect against inflammation.

#2) Cut Back on Sugar

How much sugar do you consume in a typical day? From candy bars and cereals to condiments and salad dressings, sugar is found in just about everything. And while you don't have to eliminate from your diet altogether, you should be conscious of how much you consume. Excessive sugar consumption has been linked to chronic inflammation. Therefore, you should strive to consume no more than 40 grams of the sweet stuff daily.

#3) Relieve Stress

You might be surprised to learn that stress can lead to inflammation in the body. When you experience stress, your body responds by producing more stress hormones like cortisol, thereby causing inflammation. If you believe that stress is contributing to inflammation in your body, try deep breathing or meditation exercises, both of which have been proven highly effective at reducing stress and helping individuals relax.

#4) Eat More Omega-3s

Omega-3 fatty acids are the perfect tool to fight inflammation in the body. These natural compounds work to reduce inflammation while promoting a healthy heart in the process. Foods contain large concentrations of omega-3s include soybeans, fish, nuts, olive oil and canola oil.

#5) Eat Less Omega-6s

While omega-3s reduce inflammation in the body, their counterparts -- omega-6s -- actually cause inflammation in the body. Therefore, you should eat less omega-6-rich foods in your diet, such as chicken and beef. Instead, focus your diet primarily around omega-3-rich foods, such as those mentioned about.