A bodily response towards any pathogenic attack, trauma, or stress is inflammation. You can define it as a process by which the body fights against infections, injuries, and cures. There are many chemicals present in our bodies. As a result of the trigger of these chemicals, the immune system works to repair the damaged cells. The main signs and symptoms of inflammation are redness, swelling, and pain in any injured area. According to its severity, the injury heals after a few days or hours, and healing occurs due to inflammatory responses. Now you might be wondering how this inflammation can be harmful or bad for the body! That is another type of inflammation, chronic inflammation.
Acute inflammation takes only a few hours to certain days to finish the process. But if this process leaves your body in a constant state of alert and lingers, then you are at the threat of chronic inflammation. One such chronic inflammatory disorder is rheumatoid arthritis.
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What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that affects many joints, including the joints in the hands and feet. As mentioned, it is an autoimmune disorder, which means the body’s immune system attacks its tissues. If the case is severe, then it also attacks internal organs. There is no permanent cure for rheumatoid arthritis, but certain medications and physiotherapy can help in slowing down the disease progression.
But your lifestyle and some foods can help in fighting this inflammatory response. Here we will learn about some anti-inflammatory supplements that can prove helpful in combating inflammatory conditions.
Fish Oil
Fish oil supplements are rich in omega-three fatty acids, essential for good health. These supplements help you in decreasing the inflammation caused by heart disease, diabetes, and other factors. It would help if you consumed Fish oil dosages properly; otherwise, an excess can cause bad breath, fishy burps, gastrointestinal problems, and heartburn. So choose your fish oil supplements wisely and with the proper advice of a nutritionist.
Curcumin
It is one of the most widely known supplements for inflammation. Curcumin is a compound that occurs naturally in turmeric. Turmeric is a spice that is a commonly used ingredient in Indian cuisine and provides several health benefits. Curcumin helps reduce the inflammation caused by heart disease, cancer, diabetes, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. But one drawback is that it is poorly absorbed into the bloodstream. Another spice is that black pepper helps boost the absorption of curcumin. So while cooking your food, you can use both curcumin and black pepper to absorb curcumin better. Higher doses of curcumin can result in nausea, vomiting, headache, and diarrhea.
Garlic
Garlic is a common food packed with anti-inflammatory properties. Garlic contains allicin, which is a potent anti-inflammatory agent. It helps in strengthening the immune system and eliminating disease-causing pathogens.
Researchers have found the benefits of garlic in decreasing inflammation. The theory states that long-term consumption of garlic helps in reducing the risk of chronic inflammation.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C plays a vital role in immunity and inflammation. It is capable of reducing inflammation by neutralizing free radicals. It happens because vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant. In hospitals, high doses of vitamin C are given intravenously to the patients to reduce inflammation. Fruits and vegetables are rich sources of vitamin C. So it is easy to meet your needs for vitamin C through your daily diet.
Spirulina
Spirulina is a blue-green microalga that typically grows in water. It contains proteins, carbohydrates, essential amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, and high nutritional value. In addition to these benefits to your diet, it is also helpful in reducing inflammation, promoting healthy aging, and strengthening the immune system. People consume it in their shakes and smoothies due to its powder form.
Ginger
It is commonly used in cooking and for herbal medicine. Ginger is also used as a home remedy for various illnesses. The two properties of ginger that make it an anti-inflammatory supplement are gingerol and zingerone. Consumption of gingers helps in the reduction of inflammation caused by various factors. It is very beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes. High doses of ginger can lead to blood thinning. So take proper care of the amounts you consume. You can incorporate ginger into your daily diet and take it in supplements to meet your needs. Supplements are beneficial for those who do not like the bitter taste of pure ginger.
Green Tea
it is an essential element in traditional medicine and is packed with tons of health benefits. One of the potential benefits is its anti-inflammatory properties. Researchers and theories have stated its potential to reduce inflammation. You can buy green tea extract supplements and start consuming them if you wish to reduce inflammation. But along with it, you need to do some workouts or exercises.
Resveratol
Resveratrol is a plant-based compound found in the grapes’ skin. According to studies, resveratrol helps in improving the symptoms of ulcerative colitis. This action is done by inhibiting various steps in the inflammation pathway. High doses can have side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and liver troubles. More research is required on its recent review, which states its key role in lowering body fats and increasing calorie burn.
Zinc
Zinc is an essential mineral in our body. It is very much required for the normal development and functioning of the immune system. Zinc supplements help reduce inflammatory responses through their action of supporting the immune system of the body. It helps reduce several markers of inflammation. Zinc also reduces oxidative stress and the incidence of infections.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D plays a crucial role in immune health. It is an essential fat-soluble nutrient with some powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Several studies show a link between deficiency of vitamin D and the presence of inflammation. Its critical function is in calcium homeostasis. But it also plays a vital role in the modulation of the immune system. Vitamin D regulates the production of immune cells and inflammatory cytokines. So taking vitamin D can help you to reduce the risk of inflammation caused by various factors.
Conclusion
It is very much essential to reduce inflammation. Otherwise, chronic inflammation may lead to various chronic illnesses like heart diseases or autoimmune disorders. The above-listed supplements are few anti-inflammatory supplements that can help in the reduction of inflammation in your body. Before trying them, you must buy them from a well-recognized manufacturer. And make sure that you follow the correct dosages. Or else you will suffer from several side effects.
Another important thing to keep in mind is to consult your doctor.
If you have any medical conditions or are undergoing some medications, then these supplements can be contraindicated. Changing your lifestyle and eating a healthy diet will surely keep you healthy. You can have anti-inflammatory foods also in your diet. But supplements help you if your diet is lacking in antioxidants and nutrients. It is always your personal choice as to what to consume and what not to. But if you want yourself to be healthy now and always, you must keep your body free from chronic inflammation.
