Believe it or not, inflammation is actually a protective mechanism in the body: it alerts us to pain or infection and kicks off the healing process. But when inflammation becomes chronic, it can lead to a whole range of symptoms and conditions, including fatigue, brain fog, hormonal imbalances, and cardiovascular issues, says functional medicine specialist Dr. Jessica Peatross. Beyond food, the modern world unfortunately exposes us to many items that promote inflammation—especially in our homes. Here are six of the most common inflammatory items in your home that might need to be tossed out.