Inflammation is an important part of the body's immune response that reacts to tissue damage and foreign invasion. Excessive and chronic inflammation causes a negative response and is the source of many disorders including heart disease, arthritis, asthma, diabetes, Alzheimer's and osteoporosis. Implementing nutritional strategies, including supplementation, will decrease inflammation levels and improve your health. Your body's inflammation levels are directly influenced by your diet and can be lowered with dietary changes and whole food vitamin supplementation.
Supplements
Doctor of chiropractic James D. Krystosik writes, "Scientists have now discovered more than 4,000 compounds in plants that reduce inflammation, stimulate growth and repair cells, tissues and organs." Adding proper supplementation to a well-rounded, balanced anti-inflammation diet will help lower your inflammation levels and fight disease.
Whole Food Supplements
In his article titled "Super Foods to Save the Day," Dr. Krystosik states, "Scientists are discovering endless combinations of antioxidants in whole foods that combat different types of free radicals." Due to the vitamin combinations found in foods and the high number of healthy chemicals in foods, called phytochemicals, whole food supplementation is proving more effective than single nutrient supplements.
Testing
In his 2004 book titled, "The Inflammation Cure," William Joel Meggs, M.D., Ph.D., writes, "It is difficult to make a blanket recommendations for any particular vitamin." Before beginning supplementation, you may want to get tested for vitamin deficiencies to help determine your supplementation needs. You may also consider a C-Reactive Protein, or CRP, test. CRP testing gives you an indication of your inflammation levels. Having annual vitamin deficiency and CRP testing will help you evaluate your anti-inflammatory nutritional strategies.
Antioxidants
Oxidants or free radicals are unstable substances which can damage body tissue. Antioxidants are substances that help render free radicals harmless. Vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, which is a form of vitamin A, and the mineral selenium are classified as antioxidants. Consuming a wide variety of foods which contain these powerful disease fighting substances is vital to preventing and decreasing inflammation. You may choose to use a multivitamin which contains antioxidants at levels at or near the Recommended Daily Allowance.
Spices & Herbs
Several herbs and spices have been found to possess anti-inflammatory qualities. The Indian curry spice turmeric contains a powerful anti-inflammatory ingredient called curcumin. Dr. Krystosik writes, "Research suggests that curcumin has anti-inflammatory properties equal to cortisone," which is a commonly prescribed medication. Other spices and herbs which have been used to lessen inflammation include ginger root, nettle and flaxseed.
References
- Nutritional Wellness: Super Foods to Save the Day
- "The Inflammation Cure"; William Joel Meggs; 2004
- "Stop Inflammation Now"; Rich M. Fleming MD; 2004
Member Comments