How to eat to lower inflammation - the top 5 foods to boost energy, stop pain, and to live longer | Prof Luke O’Neill

Inflammation is a fundamental biological defense mechanism that, while essential for healing injuries and fighting infections, becomes destructive when it transitions into chronic, low-grade systemic activation. Modern environmental factors—particularly rising obesity, excessive sugar and fructose consumption, and a lack of dietary fiber—overstimulate this process, contributing to heart disease, neurodegenerative conditions, and accelerated biological aging. The immune system often misidentifies metabolic byproducts as threats, creating a damaging cycle of tissue inflammation. Mitigating this requires a balanced, plant-diverse diet that supports the microbiome, alongside lifestyle habits like adequate sleep and stress management. Rather than focusing solely on restrictive diets, maintaining health involves prioritizing fiber, moderation, and "Dr. Mirth"—the recognition that psychological well-being and happiness are critical components of a robust, anti-inflammatory immune system.