How to Reduce Inflammation and Feel Your Best—Starting Today!
- Michelle Lamansky
- Jan 31
- 3 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Chronic inflammation is like a fire inside your body. A little inflammation is necessary—it helps heal wounds and fight off infections. But when that fire burns out of control, fueled by poor diet, stress, and unhealthy habits, it can contribute to serious health issues like heart disease, arthritis, brain fog, and autoimmune disorders.
The good news? You have so much more control over inflammation than you might think. If you’ve been feeling bloated, sluggish, achy, anxious, or stuck with stubborn weight gain, chronic inflammation could be at the root.
Let's break down 5 simple, sustainable ways to cool that fire—and help your body thrive naturally.
1. Ditch Inflammatory Foods — Fuel Your Body to Heal
What you eat every day either fights or fuels inflammation. The first step? Crowd out processed, sugary, and highly refined foods with vibrant, nutrient-dense options that calm the body.
🚫 Foods That Trigger Chronic Inflammation:
Processed foods (chips, frozen meals, packaged snacks)
Refined sugars (sodas, pastries, candy, added sugars)
Industrial seed oils (canola, soybean, corn oil—common in fast foods)
Excess alcohol (disrupts gut balance and spikes inflammation)
✅ Foods That Soothe Inflammation:
Healthy Fats: Avocados, extra virgin olive oil, nuts, wild-caught salmon
Antioxidant-Rich Produce: Leafy greens, berries, citrus fruits, bell peppers
Healing Herbs & Spices: Turmeric, ginger, garlic, cinnamon
Gut-Friendly Foods: Greek yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, kombucha
✨ Pro Tip: Boost the power of turmeric by pairing it with black pepper—it increases absorption by up to 2000%!

2. Move Your Body—But Keep It Fun
Exercise is one of the most powerful (and often underrated) ways to fight chronic inflammation. When you move, your body releases anti-inflammatory compounds and improves circulation, helping flush out toxins.
🏃♀️ Best Workouts for Inflammation Relief:
Daily walks (even 20 minutes helps!)
Strength training (supports blood sugar balance and muscle health)
Yoga and Pilates (lowers cortisol and improves mobility)
Swimming or cycling (gentler on joints)
✨ Pro Tip: Overdoing intense workouts can actually increase inflammation. Balance movement with recovery days.
3. Prioritize Restorative Sleep
Did you know just one night of poor sleep can increase inflammatory markers in the body?Without enough rest, your body doesn’t get the chance to heal and reset properly.
💤 Sleep Habits That Lower Chronic Inflammation:
Turn off screens 1 hour before bed (blue light disrupts melatonin)
Keep your room cool and dark (around 65°F / 18°C)
Sip calming teas like chamomile or magnesium blends
Unwind with journaling, meditation, or a favorite book
✨ Pro Tip: Aim for 7–9 hours of high-quality sleep each night for better recovery, digestion, and energy.

4. Stress Less, Heal More
Chronic stress = chronic inflammation. When you’re stuck in fight-or-flight mode, your body produces excess cortisol, keeping inflammation levels dangerously high.
🧘♀️ Simple Daily Stress Relievers:
Practice deep breathing (try the 4-7-8 method)
Get outside daily for sunlight and fresh air
Keep a gratitude journal—just a few minutes can rewire your mindset
Listen to soothing music or inspiring podcasts
✨ Pro Tip: Stress management isn’t a luxury—it’s an essential part of your inflammation recovery plan.
5. Hydrate Like It’s Your Job
Dehydration is a hidden driver of inflammation. Without enough fluids, your body struggles to flush toxins, lubricate joints, and maintain vibrant health.

💧 How to Stay Hydrated for Inflammation Relief:
Start your day with lemon water
Drink half your body weight in ounces daily
Include hydrating foods like cucumber, watermelon, and coconut water
Limit dehydrating drinks like coffee and alcohol
✨ Pro Tip: Keep a reusable water bottle with you throughout the day—it makes staying hydrated effortless.
Final Thoughts: Small Changes = Big Healing
Managing chronic inflammation doesn’t require a total life overhaul. It’s about consistent, manageable changes—starting with one small step today.
Maybe you swap your processed snacks for fresh berries. Maybe you take a short walk or stretch before bed. Maybe you prioritize getting a good night’s sleep this week.#
🎯 The goal is not perfection. It’s progress. Your body is always working to heal—you just need to give it the right tools.
✨ You've got this. Your next chapter starts today.
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