Anti- Inflammatory herbs and supplements
Inflammation –
An inflammatory reaction is the body’s response to infection or trauma. It causes tenderness, swelling and heat symptoms such as redness, fever and pain. Any organ of the body can become inflamed. Internal inflammation occurs when an external pathogen such as a bacterial or viral has caused infection. Inflammation can also be caused by autoimmune disorders, allergies, arthritis, inflammatory bowel disorders, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, asthma and ulcers. These can also be chronic and long standing inflammations. Obesity and diabetes can also be considered an inflammatory response of the body. External inflammation is most likely result of injury, though factors such as environmental toxins, allergies, infections, medications, fungal/dermatological disease, free radical damage and viruses can trigger an inflammatory response. It is sometimes hard to identify the source of inflammation.
Causes:
Trauma or Injury | Allergies |
Environmental toxins | Bowel disorders |
Medications | Bacterial or viral infections |
Autoimmune disease | Free radical damage |
Arthritis | Ulcers, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease |
Menopause | Stress |
Recommendations:
· Eat a diet with plenty of raw foods and drink herbal teas such as Green tea and natural juices.
· Eat food high in flavonoids and antioxidants. Antioxidants reduce inflammation. Antioxidants protect the body from harmful free radicals, which can cause cell damage and impaired immune system. While there are many individual antioxidant supplements and anti-oxidant rich foods, anti oxidants work synergistically with each other, so its best to take smaller doses of many different kinds of antioxidant rather than a lot of one kind –
There are many different kinds of Anti-oxidants, here a few key Antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and repair or guard against cellular or DNA damage.
Alpha-lipoic acids or ALA – “recycles” vitamin C and E after they have neutralized free radicals, by restoring their antioxidative properties. ALA also stimulates the body’s production of gluthathione and aids in the absorption of Coenzyme Q 10. It is been used to treat peripheral nerve damage and help control blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. It detoxifies the liver from heavy metals, blocks cataract formation, protects nerve tissues from oxidative stress, and reduces blood cholesterol levels. ALA’s could play an important role in disease prevention, and treatment of chronic degenerative diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. ALA is also known as the metabolic antioxidant, because without it, cells cannot use sugar to produce energy. |
Carotenoids and Vitamin A – carotenoids are fat soluble pigments found in green , orange, yellow vegetables and fruit. Carotenoid family includes alpha carotene, lycopene, lutein and zeaxanthin. Carotenoids enable the body to convert it to vitamin A – which in turn acts as an antioxidant, breaking free radical chain reactions and preventing the oxidation of cholesterol. |
Flavonoids – are very potent antioxidants and metal chelators (they help leach metals from your body) They are phytochemicals that plants produce to protect themselves from parasites, bacteria and cell injury. Best sources for flavonoids are wine ( red wine),apples, tomatoes, blueberries, onions, soy products and tea. Certain flavonoids have more antioxidant properties than vitamin C. |
Garlic – Contains sulfhydryl compounds that are potent chelators of toxic heavy metals. These same compound is also a very effective antioxidant, protecting against hydrogen peroxide and prevents fats from oxidation. Garlic has been found to protect DNA from damage, keeps blood vessels healthy and guards against radiation and sunlight damage. |
Vitamin C- is a free radical scavenger, that is water soluble, making it soluble in most body fluids. It also recharges other antioxidants like Vitamin E. It plays an integral role in immunity and protection of brain and spinal cord from free radical damage. |
Green tea- contains polyphenols, which as antioxidants that have antibacterial, antiviral and immune boosting properties. |
Coenzyme Q10 – plays a role in the generation of cellular energy, has anti- aging effects and beneficial for treatment of cancer, congestive heart failure, allergies, gastric ulcers and diabetes |
Curcumin (turmeric) - Is known as a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. It neutralizes and prevents the formation of free radicals. |
· Eat fresh papayas and pineapples, which contains powerful enzymes called papain (papaya) and Bromelain ( pineapple) – both enzymes reduce swelling and pain. Bromelain is available in pill form. If fresh papaya and pineapple is not available, consider taking a systemic enzyme supplement, like Karyn’s Kare Systemic Enzymes with MSM. It has MSM, Bromelain, Protease, Rutin, Papain, Amylase Serrazimes and Lipase plus trace minerals.
· Eat coldwater fish such as salmon, herring, mackerel and sardines. They are a good source of Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega 3 fatty acids and essential fatty acids (EFA’s) reduce inflammation, reduce high blood pressure, prevent arthritis, and increase brain function.
· Increase Omega 6 fatty acids – found in flaxseeds, raw nuts and seeds. Flaxseeds contain high levels of Omega 6 EFA’s which studies have shown to reduce pain, inflammation and swelling of arthritis. In addition, Flaxseed lignans - are powerful antioxidants. SDG or secosolariciresinol diglycoside is a lignan that is the precursor to mammalian lignan - enterolactone and entrodiol and is said to have phytoestrogenic properties. It is being investigated as a treatment for breast cancer. Also it has been proven to lower cholesterol ,lower blood pressure, prevents diabetes and endotoxic shock.
· Limit saturated fats and salt – trans- fatty acids are dangerous to the body because it causes free radical damage, another cause of inflammation. Salt increases blood pressure and causes dehydration.
· Avoid soda pop, sugar and processed foods/junk foods. Dark soda pop like coke can deplete the body of calcium due to its phosphoric acid and caffeine content. Sugar and junk foods contribute to weight gain, diabetes and obesity and can put additional stress on joints and muscles. Sugar can also raise blood sugar levels and cause stress on your pancreas and adrenals – which in turn can also raise cortisol levels in your blood, preventing its natural function of suppressing inflammation reactions. Increased cortisol can cause stress response in body which can manifest as insomnia, memory impairment, mood disturbance, IBS, hypothyroidism and depression.
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