Natural anti-inflammatories are a necessity in the diet of anyone who is suffering from a particular problem that causes a lower quality of life than normal. In addition, these foods provide other advantages for the body, which is why it is very positive to incorporate them into the diet.
On some occasions we begin to feel acute joint pain that increases over time. We know that if we go to the doctor, they will recommend something to make that pain calm down; the problem is that we may need something beyond chemicals, so this is where the role of natural anti-inflammatories in treating joint pain comes into play.
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Causes of inflammation
Inflammation is part of the body’s immune response; Without it, we cannot begin the natural process of healing. But when it’s out of control, like rheumatoid arthritis for example, inflammation can damage the body and joint pain can become unbearable.
Also, it is believed to play a role in obesity, heart disease, and even cancer.
Foods high in sugar and saturated fat can stimulate inflammation. “Foods high in fat and sugars cause hyperactivity in the immune system, which can lead to joint pain, fatigue and damage to blood vessels, says Scott Zashin, MD, clinical professor at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas.
At the same time studies have also shown that certain aspects of modern-day life, such as pollution and social stress, among other negative factors, can trigger this inflammatory response.
This can lead to chronic inflammation that can cause a number of health problems, including asthma, cardiovascular disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Other studies have shown that chronic inflammation can decrease muscle strength and power, which will negatively affect your fitness and athletic performance. Many choose to take anti-inflammatories that can be harmful to their health, such as prednisone.
Almost everyone has heard of prednisone, a man-made form of your body’s natural corticosteroids.
Dangerous anti-inflammatories
Corticosteroids work by helping the body reduce inflammation, but in the prednisone version, they actually suppress your body’s immune system to stop inflammation. What this means is that prednisone prevents your immune system from responding to whatever it is that is aggravating your system. When there is no response from the immune system, there is no inflammation.
The Prednisone is widely used for many conditions worldwide. It is used for autoimmune disorders and even eczema and muscle sprains. This is quite a nasty drug with some harmful side effects.
Let’s take a closer look at prednisone, as well as how it affects the body. If you’ve been using this medicine for years, you could be at risk of developing the following long-term side effects in your body:
- Infections that your suppressed immune system can’t fight
- Cataracts or another eye damage
- High blood sugar
- Weak bones or increased susceptibility to fractures
- Production of hormones inhibited by the adrenal glands
- Weight gain
The best natural anti-inflammatories you can find
In this article you can find 10 natural anti-inflammatories that really work and you can include in your diet as a way to prevent inflammation or treat it once it occurs.
A great way to alleviate that pain that torments you so much and, in turn, give flavor to your life and health to your body. It is necessary to make it clear that the properties of these foods extend beyond being a powerful anti-inflammatory for the body, they can even treat severe health problems.
- Rosemary
- Horse tail
- Ginger
- Turmeric
- Linen
- Laurel
- Pineapple
- Linden
- Cinnamon
- Garlic
Rosemary an anti-inflammatory spice
Rosemary is an evergreen shrub that is easily grown anywhere that is warm. Rosemary is a plant that has very beneficial properties for the human body, which makes it one of the most effective natural anti-inflammatories.
It can be used as a reliever for joint pain. For this you must prepare it as an infusion with 2 glasses of water and 20 grams of rosemary that you will add when it is boiling.
In addition to its anti-inflammatory effects, studies have found that rosemary can lower cortisol levels and help reduce anxiety, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Horse tail
Like the previous one, horsetail also belongs to the category of “natural anti-inflammatories”. We can easily find it in pharmacies and herbalists. The way to take it is in infusions with a frequency of twice daily.
Ginger
When it comes to natural anti-inflammatory drugs, ginger is one of the elements that is first thought of. We have to make an infusion with a mixture of two glasses of water, tablespoons of honey and 200 grams of ginger that has been grated and we will have one of the most effective natural anti-inflammatories.
Ginger has been used medicinally in the cultures of India and China for more than 5000 years. It is best known for treating stomach ailments, including upset stomach, gas, dizziness, and diarrhea.
Like turmeric, ginger has very powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
One study found that a 250 mg ginger capsule was as effective as 400 mg ibuprofen in relieving menstrual cramps.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a root related to ginger that is native to South Asia. It is dark brown on the outside and deep orange on the inside and has been used medicinally for over 4,000 years to treat digestive problems and reduce inflammation.
A recent study found that a 200 mg per kilogram of body weight dose of turmeric was better at treating arthritis in rats than indomethacin, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug.
It remains to be tested if turmeric works that well in humans, but nothing takes away that you can try it and add it to your dishes.
How to use: The c spice turmeric is often used in curry, giving the dish a yellow tint. Try making this vegetable curry, which also contains cinnamon, for a double dose of spicy natural anti-inflammatories.
Another way to use turmeric: It should be mixed in a proportion of 2 grams of turmeric for every 3 cups of water and add a couple of spoons of honey to give it a more pleasant taste.
Linen
They may be somewhat unfamiliar to you but they can be found in any specialized store and in some pharmacies. You can take two spoons of this element directly or combine it with your usual meals. The flax seeds belong to the natural anti – inflammatory remedies outstanding for its high content of Omega 3.
Laurel
Surely you did not know that Laurel, apart from giving flavor to our meals, is also an effective treatment against joint pain. We must boil a liter of water and then add 10 grams of bay leaves. Then we must apply it on the area that hurts us.
Laurel is considered a very efficient pain reliever, as well as anti-inflammatory and antirheumatic. Laurel is used to treat sciatica pain, sprained ankles, sprains, in which case it is recommended to rub the affected area with essential oil of laurel and you will be able to appreciate its enormous benefits.
Pineapple
Apart from having great vitamins and being essential in some diets, it is also part of the category of “natural anti-inflammatories”. We can take it as a dessert and combine it with another element that we have already seen in this list (turmeric), in this way we will achieve a much more intense effect.
Linden
We already know that linden has the power to relax our body in moments when we are nervous, anxious or tense. This is precisely why linden is so good for treating joint pain. We must take a couple of cups a day for a few weeks to notice its incredible effects since, in addition to being a treatment for inflammation, it also helps to relieve pain due to its analgesic properties.
Cinnamon reduces inflammation
According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, cinnamon has often been used to treat bronchitis and gastrointestinal problems as well as being one of the most recommended spices for its anti-inflammatory properties.
A recent study found that cinnamon extract helped suppress colon inflammation in mice, leading researchers to say that cinnamon extract may have significant anti-inflammatory effects in humans as well.
The NCCAM, however, does not recommend taking more than six grams a day for more than six weeks, as some people may be allergic to cinnamon. Cassia cinnamon (also known as Chinese cinnamon) should also be used in moderation, as it contains compounds similar to those found in blood thinners.
Garlic a powerful natural anti-inflammatory
The properties of garlic help us reduce muscle pain in a very efficient way: it reduces the amount of fluid that accumulates in the joints, which relieves the sensation of pain. In this way, it reduces inflammation in a very powerful way.
To take advantage of all the benefits of garlic, you can include it on your plate in various preparations, but you can also try the garlic milk recipe to soothe the pain of sciatica, or mix garlic with ginger in this powerful tonic to relieve ailments and joint pain.
Other natural anti-inflammatories
Omega-3 Fatty Acids – are essential fatty acids that are natural anti-inflammatory for your body. Often times, we have too much omega-6 and not enough omega-3, so this balance is crucial. Getting enough omega-3s in your diet helps your body promote healthy nerve function and can support a healthy brain and skin. You can get omega-3s from fish, nuts, seeds, grass-fed meats, and oils like coconut oil.
Vitamin C – is a powerful antioxidant that is a huge healer for your body. This is especially true if you are suffering from any type of chronic illness, and vitamin C can help. Experts recommend doses of 500 milligrams a day and more, but always consult your natural health professional before completing such high doses. You can also get vitamin C from foods like bell peppers, watermelon, and citrus fruits.
Stop eating grains. Many times, autoimmune disorders that cause inflammation and pain that have you on chemotherapy and prednisone and other anti-inflammatories for years is just a gluten intolerance.
Stop eating junk foods. Sugar promotes inflammation, the same goes for all the processed foods you eat. It can be difficult to alter your diet, but an anti-inflammatory diet might be the single most important thing in helping your body cut down on anti-inflammatories that have side effects.
Natural medicine can be a great ally to treat physical problems, so if you incorporate these foods and spices into your diet, you will achieve an anti-inflammatory effect that will relieve various aches and pains in your body.