Nature’s painkillers
Finnish researchers report that the key is tamping down the low-level internal inflammation that’s triggered by stress and environmental toxins. In fact, studies show this strategy eases aches better than prescription painkillers and cuts your risk of heart disease, diabetes and dementia by as much as 50%. It’s easy to get the benefits!
Take a bite of broccoli
This in-season veggie brims with nutrients (salicylates) that calm overactive immune cells, cutting their release of tissue-aging inflammation in half if you enjoy three cups weekly, say British researchers. Bonus: Like aspirin (itself a salicylate), salicylates are gentle, natural painkillers that can soothe muscle and joint pain—without the risk of stomach upset. Other nutrient-rich sources of the compounds include cucumbers, bell peppers, cherries and plums.
Savor wine and chocolate
According to French researchers, sipping 4 oz. of wine and nibbling on 1 oz. of dark chocolate daily could make your inflammation levels drop by 25% in two days— enough to cut your heart disease and stroke risk by 45%! Unique wine and cocoa compounds encourage immune cells to trigger inflammation when it’s needed to repair injuries and keep levels low when you’re healthy.
Try the “pink compound”
Folks whose diets are packed with a nutrient in pink seafood (astaxanthin) are only half as likely to show signs of premature aging, recent research suggests. Explains Reiko Hirano, PH.D., astaxanthin helps your liver break down excess inflammation before it causes trouble. Four servings of seafood weekly or 4 mg. of astaxanthin daily deliver this protection. One to try: Life Extension Astaxanthin (Lef.com/ww). Note: Check with your doctor before supplementing.
Enjoy a good laugh
They don’t just cheer you up, a few laughs every day could drop inflammation levels by as much as 66%! Researchers at California’s Loma Linda University say brief bursts of merriment tamp down the production of inflammation-boosting stress hormones. Adds psychologist Steven Sultanoff, PH.D., just knowing you’ll watch a sitcom lowers stress and inflammation. — Brenda Kearns