Researchers found that the serum levels of omega-3 PUFAs were inversely associated with serum CRP levels, confirming that higher intake of omega-3 fatty acids (especially the longer-chain fatty acids found in fish) reduces systemic inflammation. View the study.

A four-year study of people with a hereditary risk of colon cancer found that those who took 600mg of aspirin a day had a “substantially” lower incidence of colon cancer without any increased risk of adverse events. The anti-inflammatory effects of aspirin are a likely explanation for the effect.  Read more about this study.

Subjects taking two grams of powdered ginger root every day for 28 days had decreased markers of inflammation in the lining of the colon, suggesting that ginger’s powerful anti-inflammatory effect could reduce risk of colon cancer.

View the study abstract.

Pregnant women with higher CRP levels had more complications and preterm deliveries. Elevated CRP appeared to be linked to diets with a high glycemic index.

Journal of the American College of Nutrition

People who sleep poorly or do not get enough sleep have higher levels of inflammation, a risk factor for heart disease and stroke, researchers have found. Inflammation may be one way poor sleep quality increases the risks for heart disease and stroke, researchers conclude.
Read more about the study.

Swedish researchers report findings from a large study that measured inflammation markers in young adults and followed them for 35 years. Those with signs of low-level inflammation scored lower on intelligence tests and also had an increased risk of premature death, even when they had no other indications of disease. The study also found that low-grade inflammation was more likely in those from low-income backgrounds, suggesting that diet may be a contributing factor.
Read more about this study.

Social stresses such as feeling rejected were shown to increase inflammatory markers in humans, suggesting a possible explanation for the fact that those with strong social connections have lower incidence of heart disease and other diseases linked to inflammation.
Read more about this study.

The inflammation that accompanies gum disease may be linked to brain inflammation characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease. A 20 year study found that those with periodontis were nine times more likely to have low cognitive function scores at age 70 than those with little or no gum disease.
Read more about this study.

Add overactive bladder to the list of health concerns linked to systemic inflammation. Analysis of medical records of almost 4,000 subjects found that the incidence of overactive bladder in parallel with CRP levels. “These results supported the hypothesized role of inflammation in the development of OAB,” conclude the researchers.

Read more about this study.

In a small pilot study, researchers from University of Sao Paolo, Brazil, tested the effects of three meals on blood markers of inflammation. The three meals were similar in calories, fats, carbohydrates, and protein. However, one had a positive IF Rating, one had a negative IF Rating, and one was neutral. The IF Rating of the meal accurately predicted inflammatory response, as measured by changes in IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-a. A larger study is in the planning stages.