Natural Remedies for Inflammation

Inflammation is one of those inevitable experiences in life. The body uses inflammation as a protective and self-healing mechanism. It’s important after an injury, but when inflammation becomes chronic or excessive, it can create distress and impact quality of life. Fortunately, there are a lot of ways to help mitigate inflammation and nudge the body’s healing process.

Acute inflammation (think red, hot, swollen and painful) is typically a sign of infection or injury, but chronic inflammation can be subtle with more global symptoms like body pain, fatigue, bloating or gas, lowered immunity or a change in mood.

Helpful tips for chronic inflammation:

• Be mindful of foods that promote inflammation like process foods, sugar, white flour and refined carbohydrates, artificial dyes, artificial sweeteners, fried foods, and excessive alcohol consumption.
• Eat your fruits and veggies to lower inflammatory substances and to load up on anti-oxidants.
• Stay hydrated!
• Aim for a balanced omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acid ratio – omega-3 is a potent anti-inflammatory!
• Reduce stress through mind-body techniques that promote relaxation to help reduce systemic inflammation and decrease pain.

“Let food be thy medicine.” Try out these foods and flavors to help with inflammation:

• Turmeric
  • Curcumin is a substance found in turmeric that is well-known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Add a little black pepper to help aid absorption.
• Pineapple
  • Bromelain is a potent enzyme in fresh pineapple that helps decrease inflammation.
• If you juice a pineapple, make sure to include the core, which is where bromelain is most prevalent.
• Tart Cherry
  • Berries and cherries are full of phytonutrients that help lower inflammation and may help lessen post-exercise muscle pain.
• Ginger
  • With an affinity for cold conditions, ginger can help alleviate pain and inflammation related to arthritis and slow digestion.
• Cinnamon
  • A sweet and spicy addition to any anti-inflammatory formula or cup of tea, cinnamon also helps with blood sugar regulation.

Hot and cold contrast therapy can be a great approach to helping both acute and chronic inflammation as long as there are no issues with wounds or infection. It is simple and may help relieve pain and promote tissue healing and recovery.

Temperature variation helps boost circulation by allowing the bloods vessels to alternate between dilation and constriction.

Warm – hot compresses, baths, hot springs, a cup of tea
Cold – cold water immersion, cryotherapy, ice packs