Natural supplements to fight inflammation are designed to relieve pain and inflammation. Additionally, these supplements may help prevent some of the common complications associated with chronic inflammation, including cancer. Before trying one of the following supplements, you should consult your functional medicine doctor. Although these supplements for inflammation are natural, they can be potent and may interact with other medications. Here we look into common anti-inflammatory supplements that can help reduce inflammation and relieve your pain.
What Is Inflammation?
Inflammation is your body’s response to injury, illness, or irritation and is designed to protect your body from further injury or illness. If inflammation becomes chronic, it can lead to a number of health conditions including heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Some of the common causes of long-term inflammation include a poor diet, smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, and inadequate sleep.
There are several ways to reduce or eliminate inflammation. Fill your diet with anti-inflammatory food options, get the recommended 30 minutes of exercise each day, practice stress relief techniques, and get between 7 and 9 hours of sleep each night. Finally, taking an anti-inflammatory supplement can relieve your pain and reduce your inflammation.
Anti-inflammatory Supplements
Getting your inflammation under control can be difficult. Some common anti-inflammatory supplements can help reduce inflammation, promote healing, and relieve pain naturally.
Capsaicin
Capsaicin is a compound found in peppers that cause them to be hot. One of the key components is substance P. Substance P reduces the body’s ability to experience pain. Capsaicin helps with both muscular and nerve pain. Capsaicin is available in a topical formula that is applied to any painful areas. As the capsaicin is rubbed into stiff joints and inflamed muscles, it provides pain relief as well as reduces inflammation naturally.
Fish Oil Supplements
Omega 3 fatty acids like those found in fatty fish lower inflammation. Fish oil supplements contain anti-inflammatory properties that have been associated with heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic inflammatory diseases. Fish oil contains two types of fatty acids – EPA and DHA. DHA works by promoting digestive health and reducing cytokine levels in the body. As these reduce, inflammation decreases. Studies have shown that DHA significantly reduces inflammatory markers.
Quercetin Supplements
Quercetin is a flavonoid found in a variety of fruits and vegetables. This flavonoid helps lower systemic inflammation naturally. Quercetin is also a powerful antioxidant that helps to detoxify the body, control blood sugar levels, kill cancerous cells, and reduce the risk of heart disease. Quercetin is often used to improve blood vessels and your heart. In addition to this, it can be used to relieve arthritis pain and swelling.
Resveratrol
Resveratrol is an antioxidant found in grapes, dark chocolate, peanuts, blueberries, and red wine. This potent anti-inflammatory compound protects against neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Resveratrol contains compounds that help protect against oxidation, which is linked to systemic inflammation. This potent supplement that fights inflammation is often used by people who are suffering from chronic conditions like ulcerative colitis, liver disease, and obesity. It also helps lower inflammatory markers, regulates blood sugar levels, lowers triglycerides, and helps to reduce body fat.
SAM-e
The body produces SAM-e (S-adenosylmethionine) naturally and uses it to regulate genes that control expression and behavior, which is why it can be used to help manage the inflammatory symptoms associated with certain liver conditions, osteoarthritis, and depression.
The dosage is dependent on the inflammatory condition. In addition to this, it can interact with a variety of medications, so it is vital that you speak to your integrative doctor before using it. High dosages of SAM-e can cause a number of digestive issues, including nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and gas.
Turmeric
The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin. Curcumin reduces the inflammation associated with metabolic conditions related to obesity. It also reduces insulin resistance and decreases blood glucose levels naturally. Unlike other supplements to fight inflammation, turmeric supplements can be taken with NSAIDs, provided the dose is low. Curcumin increases the risk of those who have a bleeding disorder or take blood thinners; therefore, always consult your integrative medical doctor to determine if it is safe for you to take this anti-inflammatory supplement.
Zinc
Zinc provides anti-inflammatory protection and supports the immune system. It works by decreasing oxidative stress in the body. Oxidative stress causes inflammation and has been linked to a host of medical conditions. Zinc supplements can reduce the risk of infections.
Zinc deficiencies have been linked with arthritis, inflammation, and pain. However, too much zinc can be dangerous. In addition to this, zinc can interact with certain antibiotics, calcium, and diuretics. To ensure you are reaping the benefits of zinc without any of the dangers associated with too much zinc, speak with your functional doctor.
Anti-inflammatory Food
An anti-inflammatory diet is based on foods that naturally reduce inflammation while avoiding foods that trigger inflammation. Some of the foods that have been linked with inflammation include fried foods, refined carbohydrates, red meat, and soda. What is anti-inflammatory food? Anti-inflammatory foods reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Some of the best foods to incorporate into your diet include blueberries, strawberries, nuts, leafy green vegetables, tomatoes, and olive oil.
Chronic inflammation increases the risk of several dangerous, chronic medical conditions like heart disease, autoimmune disorders, and type 2 diabetes. Using supplements to fight inflammation, eating a healthy diet filled with anti-inflammatory foods, and using anti-inflammation vitamins and minerals help reduce inflammation and decrease the risk of disease.
If you are experiencing chronic inflammation, it is time to talk to your functional medicine doctor who understands how each system of the body works together to promote health. They will guide you how to use food, vitamins, minerals, and supplements to reduce inflammation and protect against disease.
