Chronic inflammatory disease accounts for 60% of deaths worldwide. In the U.S., they affect more than 125 million — and around half of those people have more than one chronic inflammatory condition.

In fact, in 2014 the Rand Corporation found that 12% of adults had five or more chronic conditions.

That can happen when obesity (which affects around 43% of U.S. adults) fuels multiple health problems, from dementia to diabetes, kidney and heart diseases, and osteoporosis.

We think it's essential to quell those flames. Here are six important steps to help you do it:

1. The most important step is managing stress. Why? Because stress turns on genes that create inflammatory proteins and release hormones that stimulate inflammatory cytokines. When cytokines persist, damage to your cardiovascular system, as well as kidney, skeletal, liver, metabolic, and brain functions, and microbiome usually occurs. Having a posse and a purpose, and making smart lifestyle choices can dispel stress.

2. Adopt an anti-inflammatory diet that is plant-based with no highly processed foods, red meats, or added sugars. Check out Dr. Roizen's guide to healthy eating, "What to Eat When."

3. Get 150 minutes of moderately vigorous physical activity (or more) each a week, plus strength-building workouts twice weekly.

4. Adopt a sleep routine that includes seven to eight hours of sleep nightly.

5. Don't smoke anything, and limit — or eliminate — alcohol consumption.

6. Manage your weight and reduce inflammatory belly fat with all the steps above.

Now you’re on your way to a longer, healthier life.