text: What Foods Help Combat Inflammation?
  Inflammation is the body’s natural response to healing, and occurs with infections and injuries. The process of inflammation allows for increased production of the body’s white blood cells to fight infections and foreign organisms.
  During the inflammation process, blood flow increases to an injured area, which can cause warmth and swelling to occur. In addition, the swelling can stimulate nerves and subsequently, pain, in order to protect the area of the body.
  While inflammation can be extremely beneficial in cases of injury and infection (also known as acute inflammation), chronic inflammation can be a completely different story. Chronic inflammation occurs when the body sends an inflammatory response to an area of the body that does not need an inflammatory response, which can subsequently attack cells, tissues, and even internal organs.
  However, the risk of chronic inflammation can be reduced through modifying one simple habit—eating choices. Researchers from Harvard University have found that there are specific foods that can lead to increased inflammation in the body, and include:
  - Refined carbohydrates (such as those found in white bread)
  - Fried foods
  - Sugar-sweetened drinks (such as soda)
  - Red meat and processed meat
  - Margarine and lard
  On the flip side, there are many foods that can help to combat inflammation in the body, and include:
  - Olive oil
  - Fatty fish
  - Fruit, especially strawberries, cherries, and blueberries
  - Leafy, green vegetables including spinach, collard greens, and kale
  Chronic inflammation has been linked to increased risks of cancer, diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and depression. However, with a few healthy additions to your diet, you can decrease your risks of developing chronic inflammation.
  The process of inflammation allows the body to typically heal incredibly fast and efficient manner, especially in the case of acute injuries and infections. However, you can help minimize the risks of chronic inflammation with many healthy food options.
  Check out this link for inflammation-decreasing recipes that you can make at home, including a tasty turmeric tea: http://www.livestrong.com/article/1012000-14-inflammationfighting-foods-eat-day/