Inflammation is your body’s response to foreign substances that can be detrimental to your health. But sometimes the inflammation doesn’t stop even when the foreign substances in your body are no longer a threat.

When that happens and you have too much inflammation, or the process becomes long term, your health can suffer greatly, says Dr. Fabrizio Mancini, author of “The Power of Self-Healing.”

Chronic inflammation has been linked to Alzheimer’s, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, arthritis, some cancers, and more, according to numerous studies.

But there are many things you can eat with anti-inflammatory properties. Adding these items to your diet could keep you healthier by getting rid of inflammation when you don’t need it.

"Many experimental studies have shown that components of foods or beverages may have anti-inflammatory effects," Dr. Frank Hu, professor of nutrition and epidemiology in the Department of Nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health, told health.harvard.edu.

Here are some of the best anti-inflammatory foods and items to add to your diet:

Tomatoes. Lycopene is an antioxidant found in tomatoes and the key to its inflammation-fighting properties. Cooked tomatoes have even more lycopene, so add them to your diet.

Ginger. One study concluded that ginger capsules were as effective as ibuprofen and other over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs, according to WebMd.com.

Green leafy vegetables. Kale, spinach, and collards all have the ability to reduce inflammation, according to health.harvard.edu.

Oatmeal. It makes a great breakfast and its fiber is associated with lower levels of C-reactive protein in the blood, a marker of inflammation, says self.com,

Extra-virgin olive oil. This contain antioxidants, including oleocanthal, which, according to healthline.com, works like ibuprofen in reducing inflammation.

Fatty fish. Tuna, salmon, mackerel, and sardines are some of the ones you want to eat. The key here is that they contain omega-3 fatty acid, which is proven to be good for the heart and can relieve joint tenderness from rheumatoid arthritis, reports WebMd.com. But you should avoid tilapia and catfish because they have higher levels of omega-6 fatty acids, and those can promote inflammation.

Fruits. Cherries, oranges, blueberries, and strawberries are “high in natural antioxidants and polyphenols — protective compounds found in plants,” according to health.harvard.edu If you can’t get blueberries in season, frozen blueberries can be just as effective, says WebMd.com. Tart cherry juice has also proven to reduce muscle pain from workouts, because of the anti-inflammatory properties of cherries.

Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and cauliflower all have anti-inflammatory properties and should be part of your diet, says healthline.com.

Avocados and olives. These are high in fat and will reduce inflammation.

Bell peppers and chili peppers are recommended by multiple doctors.

Chocolate. Here’s an anti-inflammatory food that most people will love! Make sure it’s dark chocolate.

Red wine. As long as you’re having some chocolate, wash it down with up with a little red wine. Healthline recommends five ounces for women and 10 for men, per day.

Spices. Turmeric, cinnamon, and fenugreek are recommended by multiple experts.

Edamame. Isoflavones are compounds found in soy and can help to reduce the C-reactive protein levels (and thereby reduce inflammation),” according to self.com.