The choices you make in the kitchen have a long-term impact on your body’s ability to age healthily. Certain foods can help regulate inflammation, support brain health, and protect against chronic conditions linked to aging. Other foods can have the opposite effect, contributing to fatigue and a higher risk of disease over time.
Dr. Corey Howard founded Howard Health & Wellness to help people in Naples, Florida, improve their longevity. He is board-certified in both internal medicine and functional medicine and provides science-based strategies to help you manage inflammation.
Why Inflammation Affects How You Age
Inflammation is your body’s natural defense mechanism. It’s how your immune system responds to injury, illness, or perceived threats. In small doses, it helps us heal and stay protected.
But over time, especially as we age, that same helpful process can become overactive. Instead of resolving, inflammation can linger at low levels throughout the body, quietly contributing to age-related conditions like heart disease, diabetes, joint pain, and cognitive decline.
One of the most powerful ways to help manage this kind of inflammation is through what you eat every day.
What to Eat to Calm Inflammation
The right foods help the body repair itself and reduce inflammation. These are some of the most studied anti-inflammatory foods:
- Fatty fish like salmon and sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help regulate the immune response.
- Leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and Swiss chard contain antioxidants and fiber that support cellular health.
- Berries, including blueberries and strawberries, have been linked to lower inflammation levels in older adults.
- Extra virgin olive oil provides monounsaturated fats and polyphenols that may help reduce inflammatory markers.
- Nuts, especially walnuts, have been studied for their effects on heart health and inflammation control.
- Turmeric and ginger contain compounds (curcumin and gingerol) that may reduce inflammation.
What to Cut Back On
To support healthy aging, it helps to avoid ultra-processed foods, sugary drinks, refined carbs, and industrial seed oils. These ingredients can disrupt hormone balance, raise blood sugar, and increase oxidative stress, all of which can speed up the aging process.
Dr. Howard’s Approach in Naples, FL
Dr. Howard uses advanced diagnostic tools to assess your inflammation, metabolism, and hormone levels. He then creates your plan based on that data. This includes specific nutrition strategies that fit your biology, lifestyle, and goals.
If you’re in Naples and want to age with resilience, call 239-331-2285 to schedule a visit with Dr. Howard.
