And a new study shows a strong association between long-term diets and chronic inflammation, which researchers say can be one of the underlying causes of many health problems. Consumer Reports reveals which foods to avoid and how to jump-start an anti-inflammatory diet for better health. But in other cases, irritants and germs can cause low-level, persistent inflammation called chronic inflammation. How do you avoid chronic inflammation? CR says leafy greens like kale and yellow vegetables like butternut squash are also high in anti-inflammatory compounds.