Bodily inflammation is a common trigger of both heart attack and Alzheimer’s disease. Here’s how to lower inflammation, which will lower your cholesterol as well:

• Take low-dose aspirin daily. You may already be on aspirin therapy, but if you’re not, ask your doctor about taking a dose of 81 mg.

• Follow a plant-based or Mediterranean diet. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables; get your protein from plant-based sources like tofu, beans, or cold water fish such as salmon or trout; use olive oil for fat; and eat nuts and whole grains.

• Take vitamin C. Taking 2,000 mg of vitamin C daily will ease inflammation.

• Supplement with fish oil. Take 2,000 mg of fish oil, and make sure it comes from a high-quality source. If you are on both daily aspirin therapy and a blood thinner, cut back on the fish oil if you notice bruising.

• Choose cherries. Fresh cherries or tart cherry juice is a natural anti-inflammatory.

• Drink fresh juice. Combining fresh vegetables in a juicer creates a healthful inflammation-reducing beverage. You can choose just about any colorful fruit or vegetable concoction that suits your taste.

• If you smoke, quit.