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Cardiologist Dr. Monica Aggarwal, The Heart Center at Mercy

Mercy Cardiologist Dr. Monica Aggarwal And Dietitian Alison Massey Discuss Foods That Fight Inflammation

While many things cause and help fix inflammation in the body, doctors said the things you eat can help fight the problem.

Inflammation has been linked to all sorts of issues, including heart disease, diabetes, cancer, dementia and depression. Doctors often prescribe aspirin and statin drugs to help, but they're also saying that some foods can be key in fighting inflammation.

"It's probably underappreciated, and that's an area that we need to focus on because what we eat and what we don't eat definitely play a role in inflammation," said Mercy Medical Center cardiologist Dr. Monica Aggarwal.

Dietitian Alison Massey said several studies show the benefits of food as inflammation fighters.

"It's a lot of those things that dietitians and doctors have been recommending for a long time, along with other health organizations. Good foods are those that are high in Omega-3 fatty acids," Massey said.

Salmon and other fatty fish are king of the inflammation fighters, she said, because they contain the highest level of Omega-3 fatty acids. You can also get those from vegetable sources, including walnuts, flaxseed and Chia seed, which are all potent sources of Omega-3s.

"Fruits and vegetables -- you can't go wrong there. Diets high in fruits and veggies, whole grains and nuts are very important," Massey said.

Doctors said the type of fat in your diet can play a big role in inflammation.

"Certainly, canola oil and olive oils are at the top of the list of what we want to use -- the ones that are liquid at room temperature, versus the solids like butter and Crisco," Massey said.

Aggarwal said avoiding all the processed foods on store shelves is also important.

"If it's in a bag and it lasts two weeks, you have to wonder why it's lasting two weeks. So, sticking to fresh breads and things -- everything you're eating should be fresh or frozen, not in a can or a bag," she said.

To view Dr. Aggarwal and Ms. Massey’s interviews with WBAL-TV11, click this link: http://www.wbaltv.com/womansdoctor/29440576/detail.html