Low-grade inflammation is damaging to the body as it affects numerous organ systems, including the brain, heart, and digestive system.


This inflammation is not severe enough to present with signs and symptoms (e.g., redness, warmth, swelling), but it wreaks havoc on our body over time.
Scientists believe that low-grade inflammation is the culprit process that’s increasing the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), neurodegenerative conditions (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s, disease), and metabolic ailments (e.g., diabetes).


Here are a few ways to reduce low-grade inflammation:

Load up on anti-inflammatory foods
According to Harvard Medical School, anti-inflammatory foods carry chemical substances that act as an antagonist to pro-inflammatory compounds. In other words, these foods act as antidotes to inflammation.


Here are some examples:

  • Tomatoes
  • Olive oil
  • Green leafy vegetables (e.g., spinach, kale, collards)
  • Nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts)
  • Fatty fish (e.g., salmon, mackerel, tuna, sardines)
  • Fruits (e.g., strawberries, blueberries)

Weight loss

Adipocytes, or fat cells, are a major producer of proinflammatory cytokines that shoot up inflammation and damage tissues.

For instance, the adipose tissue deposition in the abdominal region has been linked to several cardiovascular and metabolic pathologies, including CAD, blood hypertension, and diabetes.

Manage stress

Stress stimulates the adrenal glands to release a hormone known as cortisol, which suppresses the immune response and inflammation in the short run.

However, if the serum levels of this hormone remain elevated, metabolic pathways will become activated and increase lipogenesis (fat storage) and inflammation.

Take supplements

Supplementing your body with beneficial substances such as fatty oils, vitamin D, and curcumin has been shown to significantly reduce inflammation and improve health.

Sleep more hours

Researchers found that people who are sleep deprived have trouble with their hormonal regulation and inflammatory response.

Therefore, try to get 7-8 hours of sleep in a calm environment without being disturbed by external factors.