Inflammation is the way in which your body reacts to injury, irritation or pathogens. The Cleveland Clinic notes that inflammation is often accompanied by other symptoms, such as redness, warmth, swelling, joint pain, joint stiffness, fever, chills, decreased energy levels and muscle stiffness. Without the process of inflammation, your infections and wounds would fail to heal. However, certain medical conditions can cause excessive inflammation, which can harm your body's tissues and organs.
Inflammatory Conditions
Many health conditions are associated with increased inflammation in one or more areas in your body. Examples of inflammatory conditions, notes the Cleveland Clinic, include gout, bursitis, tendinitis, rheumatoid arthritis and polymyalgia rheumatica. Other inflammatory health conditions include ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, ankylosing spondylitis, asthma, atherosclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, hepatitis and diverticulitis. Inflammatory conditions may be caused by autoimmune problems, or conditions in which your immune system attacks normal, healthy tissues or organs.
Alternative Anti-Inflammatory Supplements
Certain dietary supplements are known to have anti-inflammatory action, or the ability to relieve your inflammation and reduce your discomfort. In his book "Plant Medicine in Practice," naturopathic physician William A. Mitchell Jr. states that anti-inflammatory supplements are intended to check inflammation that is causing significant pain or is about to become out of control. Examples of alternative anti-inflammatory supplements include turmeric, boswellia, bromelain, ginger, garlic and vitamin K.
A Powerful Supplement
One of the most powerful dietary supplements in treating inflammation and inflammatory conditions is turmeric. Nutrition researcher Phyllis Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," states that turmeric has antibiotic, anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties, and that this dietary supplement helps fight free radical damage, protects your liver against toxins, and improves the health and function of your blood vessels. The principal active ingredient in turmeric, notes Balch, is a substance called curcumin.
Additional Information
Certain inflammatory conditions, such as hepatitis, can significantly affect your long-term health and can lead to other health complications. Inflammation is associated with many health conditions and should always be evaluated and treated by a qualified health care professional. Anti-inflammatory supplements can provide considerable relief from the pain and swelling associated with your inflammatory condition, however, you should always discuss the merits and drawbacks of dietary supplements with your doctor before using them. Your doctor can tell you what supplements may be best for you.
References
- Cleveland Clinic: Inflammation
- "Plant Medicine in Practice"; William A. Mitchell Jr., N.D.; 2003
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
