Fight Inflammation: Not all inflammation in the human body is bad, but when it persists for months or years – which commonly happens in such diseases as arthritis – it can cause serious problems and damage. Even worse, the medicines used to treat chronic inflammation can have adverse effects as well. These are some of the reasons that patients are turning to natural supplements and nutrients to deal with their conditions. ( Health11News Report )
Should I be Taking Anti-Inflammatory Supplements
Inflammation and its long-term effects
Inflammation is part of the body’s complex response system to remove injury or harmful stimuli such as pathogens, damaged cells, or irritation. This response leads to many symptoms such as fever, pain, and swelling, which are commonly treated by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, also known as NSAIDs. Research has shown that the long-term use of NSAIDs has the potential for significant side effects on the gastrointestinal tract, including mucosal lesions, bleeding, peptic ulcers, and intestinal perforation Other studies have suggested that the side effects of NSAIDs may also lead to high blood pressure and damage to the kidneys and other organs.
Nature’s way to fight inflammation without irritation
A review of medical studies published on the National Institute of Health’s National Library of Medicine website found a growing interest in natural remedies such as dietary supplements and herbal remedies, which have been used for centuries to reduce pain and inflammation. A series of scientific reports found that these natural compounds work by inhibiting the same inflammatory pathways that are treated by over-the-counter medicines, but without the undesirable side effects.
Natural anti-inflammatory agents for pain relief
Here’s a look at nine of the most popular natural remedies that have been shown to be effective in long-term pain relief and inflammation control:
1. Omega-3 EFAs (fish oil)
The use of fish oil, primarily cod liver oil, as a general remedy can be traced back to the late 18th century. It gained lasting notoriety because it quickly turned rancid when exposed to air and developed an unpleasant odor and taste. Modern fish oil products usually come in oxygen-free capsules that prevent this problem
Research has shown that the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids contained in fish oils are some of the most effective natural anti-inflammatory agents available. With the discovery that vascular inflammation is the underlying cause of coronary artery disease, fish and fish oil supplements are now recommended by the American Heart Association for the prevention of this disease. Also, the biological basis for the effectiveness of fish oil in treating arthritis has been well documented with many positive clinical studies, when compared to traditional pharmaceutical anti-inflammatory agents.
2. White willow bark
Bark from the white willow tree is one of the oldest herbal remedies for pain and inflammation, dating back to ancient Egyptian, Roman, Greek, and Indian civilizations, as an analgesic and antipyretic agent. Its effect on the body is similar to that of aspirin, which can have gastric side effects not seen with the white willow bark. Various studies comparing white willow bark with OTC medicines have shown it to have about the same efficacy.
3. Curcumin (turmeric)
Curcumin, a naturally occurring yellow pigment derived from turmeric, has long been used in both Indian and Chinese medicines as an anti-inflammatory agent, a treatment for digestive disorders, and to enhance wound healing. Several clinical trials have demonstrated curcumin’s anti-inflammatory effects, and at least one study suggests that it might be effective in the treatment of cystic fibrosis because of its anti-inflammatory effect.
4. Green tea
Green tea has long been recognized to have cardiovascular and cancer preventative characteristics because of its antioxidant properties. Its use in the treatment of arthritic disease as an anti-inflammatory agent has been recognized more recently. The constituents of green tea are polyphenolic compounds called catechins, which are believed to have anti-inflammatory effects and also to protect joints from damage from arthritis.
5. Pycnogenol (maritime pine bark)
Pycnogenol, like white willow bark, is a natural medicine that has been used since ancient times. It has been considered helpful for wound healing, treating scurvy, healing of ulcers, and reducing vascular inflammation. It contains a potent blend of active ingredients and is one of the most potent antioxidant compounds currently known.
Pycnogenol has been shown to decrease the body’s inflammatory response, and it is
50–100 times more potent than vitamin E in neutralizing free radicals. Studies have also shown pycnogenol to be effective in reducing blood pressure and reducing the risk of deep vein thrombosis.
6. Boswellia serrata resin (Frankincense)
This resin possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, and analgesic properties. Clinically, the substance is used in the treatment of degenerative and inflammatory joint disorders. It reduces the total white blood cell count in joint fluid, and it also inhibits leukocyte elastase, which is released in rheumatoid arthritis.
7. Resveratrol
Resveratrol, is a plant-based polyphenol molecule that is found in various concentrations of many different plant sources, has also been found to have significant anti-inflammatory, anti-mutation, antioxidant and DNA protective actions. Several studies are being reported on resveratrol’s use for arthritic joint pain. Researchers have found that resveratrol protects cartilage and reduces the inflammatory reaction in simulated knee osteoarthritis. The anti-inflammatory properties of resveratrol have also been observed in experimental animal models
8. Uncaria tomentosa (cat’s claw)
Traditionally, the bark of cat’s claw is used to treat arthritis, bursitis, and intestinal disorders. The active ingredients appear to be polyphenols, alkaloids, and sterols. Various studies indicate that this Peruvian herb induces a generalized reduction in pro-inflammatory mediators. This herb has also been shown to prevent several of the other factors leading to inflammation.
9. Capsaicin (chili pepper)
Capsicum annum is a small spreading shrub which was originally cultivated in the tropical regions of the Americas but is now grown throughout the world and is used primarily as a food ingredient to accentuate chili powder. The primary chemical found in the plant, capsaicin, has been used for various medicinal purposes by the native peoples of the American tropics for hundreds of years. It has been shown to produce highly selective regional anesthesia in some parts of the body, and it has also demonstrated an anti-inflammatory effect.
Finding the right natural supplements to fight inflammation without irritation
These nine nutrients form the basis for many of the popular nutritional supplements now on the market. While medical professionals usually recommend getting most nutrients from a healthy diet, finding enough of these specific ingredients can be a challenge. Life Extension, a supplement company headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has been blending its products for more than 40 years based on scientific research into these nutrients. Vitacost, another supplement manufacturer, offers a variety of formulations designed specifically for various inflammation issues. Located in Boca Raton, Florida, Vitacost also touts the scientific research behind its formulas.
Make room for mushrooms in the anti-inflammatory, non-irritating arsenal
In addition to the nine popular supplement ingredients, mushrooms are now proving to be a good source of other chemicals that help fight inflammation without causing undue irritation. Mushrooms have numerous nutritional benefits that are well known to researchers, and in recent years studies have shown that many compounds of highly diversified chemical structures with anti-inflammatory activities have been isolated and purified from different types of mushrooms.
Supplements made from mushrooms are the primary focus of Troop Mushrooms, which produces a line of gummies designed to provide the best nutrients from mushrooms primarily sourced in the United States. The eco-friendly company markets all of its products as being completely vegan, organic, soy-free, and gluten-free. The gummies contain natural fruit flavors, the mushroom nutrients are dual-extracted, and the packaging is all recyclable.
Many more options for natural ways to reduce inflammation and avoid irritation
The interest in finding natural alternatives to NSAIDs continues to increase, and lots of information is available on the subject. A few good resources include:
Arthritis Foundation: Supplement and herb guide for arthritis symptoms
UT Southwestern: Supplements for back and joint muscle pain
Cleveland Clinic: 9 diet tips to help you fight inflammation
Healthline: 6 Anti-inflammatory Supplements
Medical News Today: 8 natural supplements to help fight inflammation
Disclaimer
Important Note: The information contained in this article is for general informational purposes only, and should not be construed as health or medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease or health condition. Before embarking on any diet, fitness regimen, or program of nutritional supplementation, it is advisable to consult your healthcare professional in order to determine its safety and probable efficacy in terms of your individual state of health.