Omega-6 fatty acids

(a type of essential fatty acid found in a wide range of foods) are known to increase the body's production of inflammatory chemicals. Since omega-6 fatty acids help maintain bone health, regulate metabolism and promote brain function, you shouldn't cut them out of your diet altogether. However, it's important to balance your intake of omega-6 fatty acids with your intake of omega-3 fatty acids in order to keep inflammation in check.

Foods high in omega-6 fatty acids include:

• meat
• dairy products (such as milk, cheese, butter, and ice cream)
• margarine
• vegetable oils (such as corn, safflower, soybean, peanut, grapeseed and cottonseed oil)