When your body is injured, it responds by increasing the amount of blood flow to the injured area. This additional blood flow congests the vessels and tissues, causing inflammation in the affected area. The exact cause varies, but diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome, lupus, asthma and arthritis can also produce inflammation. Treatment generally consists of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids and a healthy diet. Along with your prescribed treatment plan, certain vitamins may help eliminate pain and inflammation. It is important to consult a medical professional before supplementing your treatment plan with vitamins.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that strengthens your immune system and protects your joints and tissues from free radicals that can inflame and damage them, according to Monica Reinagel, certified nutritionist and author of "Inflammation-Free Diet Plan." Reinagel adds that vitamin C repairs damaged joints and tissues; hydrates the body; accelerates the healing process; reduces bodily inflammation; aids in red blood cell production; transports oxygen, blood and nutrients to organs and tissues; eases inflamed and irritated tissues; increases the amount of collagen; and supports healthy bones. Foods rich in vitamin C include pineapples, grapefruits, blueberries, spinach, Swiss chard, tomatoes, orange juice, fruit punch, broccoli, potatoes and sweet red peppers.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D decreases inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis, repairs injured or damaged joints and tissues, relieves joint pain, increases joint mobility, reduces gingivitis-related inflammation and increases the effectiveness of asthma medication, according to Alan Gaby, M.D, author of "Natural Pharmacy: Complete A-Z Reference to Alternative Treatments for Common Health Conditions." Foods rich in vitamin D include herring, eggs, salmon, sardines, mackerel, mushrooms, margarine, cod liver oil and ready-to-eat breakfast cereals.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that decreases inflammation, rebuilds damaged joints and tissues, soothes irritated and inflamed tissues, hydrates the body, heals wounds and lowers your risk of inflammatory diseases such as arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, lupus, inflammatory bowel disease, asthma and allergies, according to Bruce Bistrian, M.D., and John Walker-Smith, M.D., authors of "Inflammatory Bowel Diseases." Foods rich in vitamin E include ready-to-eat breakfast cereals, almonds, sunflower seeds, hazelnuts, avocados, safflower oil, turnip greens, peanut butter, pine nuts and tomatoes.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are healthy fats that can improve immune system function; decrease inflammation in blood vessels, joints and tissues; increase mobility; increase brain activity; improve cognitive functions; relieve inflamed and irritated tissues; and lower your risk of chronic inflammatory diseases such as heart disease, cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, asthma, lupus, psoriasis and arthritis, according to Evelyn Tribole, registered dietitian and author of "Ultimate Omega-3 Diet." Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids include soybeans, tofu, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, walnuts, salmon, sardines, herring, trout, mackerel and flaxseed oil.
References
- "Inflammation-Free Diet Plan"; Monica Reinagel, M.S., L.N., C.N.S.; 2006
- "Inflammatory Bowel Diseases"; Bruce R. Bistrian, M.D., Ph.D. and John A. Walker-Smith, M.D.; 1999
- "Burgerstein's Handbook of Nutrition: Micronutrients in the Prevention and Therapy of Disease"; Michael Zimmermann, M.D.; 2001
- "Ultimate Omega-3 Diet"; Evelyn Tribole, M.S., R.D.; 2007
- "Natural Pharmacy: Complete A-Z Reference to Alternative Treatments for Common Health Conditions"; Alan R. Gaby, M.S., M.D.; 2006
