Anti-inflammatory refers to any input. Drug, nutrient, behavior. That reduces systemic or local inflammation.
Mechanism: Most chronic disease tracks back to chronic low-grade inflammation. NF-κB, COX-2, and inflammatory cytokine signaling are the levers. Omega-3s, curcumin, polyphenols, exercise, sleep, fasting all dampen them; ultra-processed food, alcohol, poor sleep, sedentary patterns drive them up.
Use case: Strategy, not a single supplement. Track via hs-CRP, ferritin, ESR over time. Lower is better, within reason.
Caveats: Acute inflammation is part of healing. Don't blunt it during the first 24-48 hours of an injury. Chronic suppression is the goal.