Ginger
Ginger is a root that can be taken in supplement form to reduce inflammation and pain throughout the body. It contains antioxidants called gingerols, which reduce histamine production and inhibit inflammatory enzymes. Ginger also works by reducing prostaglandins, hormones that cause fever and swelling when activated by bacteria or irritants such as cigarette smoke. Studies have shown that it is even more effective than aspirin at reducing inflammation.
Resveratrol
Resveratrol is a polyphenol found in red wine and grape skins that helps reduce inflammation throughout the body. It works by preventing blood platelets from clumping together, which reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke. Studies have shown that it can help slow down atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), as well as nerve pain. Resveratrol has also been shown to reduce inflammation in people with kidney disease, cystic fibrosis, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Spirulina
Spirulina is a genus of filamentous cyanobacteria that helps reduce inflammation throughout the body. Studies have shown that it can help patients with chronic inflammatory diseases such as Crohn’s Disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriasis. It works by reducing localized inflammation by inhibiting specific pro-inflammatory cytokines that cause pain and fever. It also works by reducing systemic inflammation by reducing LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure, and body weight in obese people.
Boswellia
Boswellia is an herbal extract that reduces inflammation throughout the body, particularly in the joints where it can help to treat arthritis. Studies have shown that it is as effective as ibuprofen at reducing inflammation and pain, but it does not cause bleeding in the digestive tract like ibuprofen can. It works by interfering with inflammatory chemical messengers that increase swelling and stiffness, which decreases pain and improves mobility. Boswellia has been shown to reduce symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis by reducing the levels of inflammatory chemicals in synovial fluid.
Garlic
Garlic is a herb that has anti-inflammatory properties. It contains sulfur compounds called thiosulfinates, which inhibit the activity of enzymes that produce pro-inflammatory compounds. When taken in supplement form it can help to reduce pain throughout the body, especially in patients with conditions related to chronic inflammation such as arthritis and psoriasis. Garlic thins the blood by preventing platelets from sticking together, which may reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Conclusion
There are a number of effective supplements that can help reduce inflammation. Studies have shown them to be just as effective as prescription medications at reducing pain and inflammation, but they do not have the side effects that many of these drugs have. They also interfere with different molecular mechanisms of inflammation, which reduces inflammation in a variety of ways throughout the body. So if inflammation is something you deal with in your day to day life give these supplements a shot!
