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Cut the caffeine

Caffeine can quickly raise your fight-or-flight response and all the attendant stress hormones, explains Dr. Simmons. That's good if you’re being chased by a saber-toothed tiger but not so good if you’re caught in traffic.

Elevated stress hormones contribute to inflammation. So cut down on your coffee or tea habit. And even your diet soda habit. Preliminary studies have linked diet sodas to an increased risk of diabetes, a major risk factor for heart disease.

Next: Limit emotional involvement