Sedentary lifestyle, lack of sleep -- we have these repetitive insults that increase longer-term inflammation, says Jessica Black, N.D., author of The Anti-Inflammatory Diet and Recipe Book. The foods we choose to eat -- or not to eat -- can also affect inflammation.Getting your fair share of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meat and omega-3 fatty acids -- similar, yes, to the Mediterranean diet -- has been suggested to have anti-inflammatory effects.Diet can serve as a protective function, says Sandquist.edentary lifestyle, lack of sleep -- we have these repetitive insults that increase longer-term inflammation, says Jessica Black, N.D., author of The Anti-Inflammatory Diet and Recipe Book. The foods we choose to eat -- or not to eat -- can also affect inflammation.