The body’s response to infection, irritation and injury is inflammation. A short-term bout of inflammation actually protects the body, whereas a situation of constant chronic inflammation can lead to long term pain and damage, such as in arthritis.
Many people turn to anti-inflammatory medications to help curb the pain and chronic inflammation. But anti-inflammatory drugs are not safe for everyone, and extended use can lead to troublesome complications and worrying side effects.
There are some natural supplements available that may help fight inflammation. Here are 8 you may want to consider.
- C60 Olive Oil
You may have heard about the anti-inflammatory properties of C60. But do you know about the scientific results? In a 2013 study, scientists were actually able to suppress the natural inflammatory response with the use of C60. Then in a study in 2016, C60 was able to shift the immune response to better aid the subject. And maybe the most interesting study was from 2007 when C60 was found to be able to halt the degradation on a cellular level. Thus, stopping the problem before it caused inflammation at all. Other C60 health benefits, besides anti-inflammation, have been studied, too. `1q
- Omega 3 Fatty Acids
This supplement is found in fatty fish, like cod. And it’s one of the most potent supplements available. Omega 3 fatty acids are especially great for vascular disease or degenerative disk disease. In one study of 250 people who suffered with pain from degenerative disk disease, 59% were able to successfully substitute fish oils for their nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).Omega 3s can increase the risk of bleeding, so if you do have a bleeding disorder or are on blood thinners you should not take this supplement.
- Curcumin
Curcumin is a plant in the ginger family and also is the active ingredient in the supplement called turmeric. Studies show it can increase your wound healing, decrease your cancer risk and reduce inflammation. Curcumin is safe to take with a low dose of NSAIDS. If taken with a higher dose of NSAIDs it does increase the risk of bleeding for those with bleeding disorders or those on blood thinners. Also, curcumin may help reduce inflammation in obesity-related metabolic conditions.
- S-adenosylmethionine (SAM-e)
SAM-e is produced naturally in the body and is crucial for epigenetic regulation of genes. SAM-e is often recommended by health care providers for certain liver conditions, inflammation from osteoarthritis and depression. This supplement interacts with a lot of other medicines, so make sure you check with your physician first.
- Zinc
Zinc is a strong anti-inflammatory and also decreases oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is linked to a whole host of negative stresses on your body including cancer. Zinc possesses anti-infection properties, reducing your rate of infection by 66%. Also, people with a zinc deficiency are more likely to develop arthritis. Talk to your health care provider first as zinc may interact with diuretics, antibiotics and calcium.
- Green Tea
There has long been a link between the people in areas that drink mostly green tea and the lack of inflammation-related diseases. Research shows that green tea may inhibit the production of certain inflammation chemicals. It may also reduce the symptoms of arthritis by slowing cartilage loss. Green tea also contains caffeine, so it’s not ideal for people with caffeine sensitivities. Companies are coming out with a decaffeinated version of green tea, which may or may not be as beneficial. The green tea comes as a supplement or can be drank as tea.
- Frankincense
Frankincense, or boswellia serrata, can help with both pain and inflammation. This fast-acting supplement has been shown to help osteoarthritis drastically within just 5 days. It can also reverse auto immune symptoms and help slow cartilage loss. Mixing frankincense with curcumin increases the potency, and this combination tends to be tolerated better than the typical NSAID typically prescribed. Frankincense is typically safe with few side effects, but some people do have stomach pain and gastrointestinal problems, like diarrhea.
- Capsaicin
Capsaicin is what makes peppers spicy. One of the major components of capsaicin is called Substance P. Substance P might act as an analgesic and change the way your body feels and transmits pain in a positive way. Capsaicin may also help with nerve and muscular pain. Plus, it has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties. Capsaicin can be found in creams or supplements. Make sure you wash your hands after handling either because if you inadvertently rub your eye with your fingers, it will burn.