Southern Californians suffer from heart attack, stroke, cancer, and dementia far too often. Because most of these conditions share the common symptom of inflammation, men and women in Los Angeles can help to prevent the onset or slow the progression of these devastating diseases and conditions through reducing inflammation within the body. Even better? Reducing inflammation can begin with simple modifications to your diet.

Here's a look at how reduce your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, dementia or Alzheimer's, through adopting an anti-inflammation diet.

Anti-Inflammation Diet in Southern California

Western diets promote inflammation. This is because our diet in the U.S. focuses largely on foods which contain Omega 6 fats, sugar, and refined carbohydrates. In moderation, Omega 6 fats are indeed good for us. However, some studies indicate that in SoCal and across the nation, Americans are getting up to 50x the amount of Omega 6 fats that we need!

Omega 6 fats are found in many oils, including vegetable oils, which many believe to be a healthy alternative to using butter, for example. Likewise, salad dressings, and sandwich toppers such as mayonnaise are also high in Omega 6 fats. Moreover, animal products –particularly processed meat products such as sausage—contain high levels of Omega 6 fats.

By contrast, an anti-inflammatory diet will emphasize vegetables, legumes, oily fish, olive and coconut oil, avocado and nuts. These foods will help to maintain blood sugar levels, while being naturally anti-inflammatory. So, what specific foods should you add to your diet if you're eager to reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, cancer, and dementia? Here are some of the best anti-inflammatory foods to include in your diet:

• Fish
  Fish, particularly oily fish such as salmon, sardines, herring, and mackerel have terrific anti-inflammatory properties. Shellfish is even a good option.
   
• Oil
  Coconut oil and olive oil, are healthy, anti-inflammatory alternatives to sunflower, sesame, and even vegetable oils.
   
• Vegetables
  Load up on kale, spinach, sweet potatoes, chili peppers and onions for maximum anti-inflammatory benefits.
   
• Nuts
  Raw nuts such as brazil nuts, macadamia nuts, and walnuts are naturally anti-inflammatory.
   
• Spices
  Reduce inflammation with ginger, garlic, turmeric, and even cayenne pepper.

Men and women in Los Angeles who are interested in maintaining health must make the reduction of inflammation a priority. Chronic inflammation can be extraordinarily damaging to our health, resulting in myriad illnesses and diseases. The scary thing about low level chronic inflammation is that most people have no idea they are experiencing it, until it manifests itself in disease.

In order to reduce inflammation in your diet, consider adding naturally anti-inflammatory foods to your diet, and schedule a consultation with Dr. Kurtz at the California Center of Longevity & Functional Medicine. Dr. Kurtz is an expert physician who helps men and women in Southern California to promote wellness and longevity through lifestyle modifications, such as the reduction of inflammation, which can be achieved through healthy eating

If you're ready to take control of your health now, in order to best prevent serious illness in the future, contact Dr. Kurtz today to learn more about committing to an anti-inflammatory diet.

Dr. Allan Kurtz is the Founder of the Heart Attack and Stroke Prevention Center of Southern California. He specializes in creating ideal health and longevity plans for patients of all ages. Fellowship trained in Integrative and Functional Medicine, Dr. Kurtz is also a member of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine and The Institute for Functional Medicine. The California Center of Longevity & Functional Medicine and the Heart Attack and Stroke Prevention Center of Southern California are in Woodland Hills, CA and serve patients from throughout the greater Los Angeles area. Visit www.californiacenteroflongevitymedicine.com, or call 818.346.1440