Natural Supplements For Muscle Inflammation

Muscle inflammation, also known as myositis, can be caused by injury, drug interactions, infection and exercise. Myositis from those causes is temporary, but according to The Myositis Association, it can also be caused by an autoimmune disease. Inflammation due to autoimmune factors can cause flareups that last two or three years. Certain supplements show promise for helping people with both temporary muscle inflammation and the more serious chronic form. Research on these supplements isn't yet conclusive, however, so they shouldn't be substituted for professional medical advice.

Curcumin

Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric, a member of the ginger family often used in Indian and Thai cooking. It's been used in traditional Indian Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. J.M. Davis of the University of South Carolina and colleagues investigated the effects of curcumin on muscle inflammation, muscle fiber damage and soreness caused by exercise. Mice were assigned to groups that received either a placebo or curcumin. They were run on a treadmill and their muscles were subsequently examined. The mice that got the curcumin had far less evidence of muscle inflammation than the control group, suggesting that curcumin is an effective anti-inflammatory. These results haven't been scientifically duplicated in humans, however. Check with your health care provider if you are considering using curcumin as an anti-inflammatory.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are necessary for human health, but they need to be acquired from dietary sources. Your body can't manufacture omega-3 fatty acids on its own. Fatty fish like mackerel, sardines and salmon are the best sources, but it's also found in krill, certain plants and nut oils. Fish oil supplements rich in omega-3 fatty acids are now widely available in liquid or capsule form. Studies on omega-3 fatty acids for a number of inflammatory conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, have been encouraging. Fish oil is now being studied by Western Michigan University researchers for its effects on exercise-induced muscle inflammation and soreness. However, taking an excess of fish oil may increase the risk of bleeding and cause gastrointestinal upset. Your health care provider can advise you whether it's appropriate for your condition.

Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10 is listed by the Myositis Association as a supplement that some physicians and patients have found helpful for muscle inflammation. Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant that affects energy metabolism. It's also involved in protein production and muscle contraction. Decreased levels of coenzyme Q10 have been discovered in people with muscle diseases, leading to interest in it as a supplement for that purpose. Coenzyme Q10 can interfere with certain medications, so a health care provider should be consulted before use.