Inflammation is a central part of your body's healing response to wounds and brings fresh blood and immune activity to the site of an injury or infection. However, persistent inflammation damages the body and can result in chronic illness. Stress, inadequate exercise, genetic predisposition and immune dysfunction all contribute to unhealthy inflammation, but diet plays an important role as well. Certain vitamins and minerals possess anti-inflammatory properties and contribute to a healthy and balanced diet.
Health Benefits
Chronic inflammatory conditions include arthritis, certain cardiovascular diseases, and gastrointestinal disorders. Medical treatments and prescription drugs are available to treat these conditions, but medical interventions focus primarily on symptom relief rather than addressing their cause and preventing their occurrence. By increasing your intake of anti-inflammatory vitamins and minerals through either foods or nutritional supplements, you can help prevent inflammation and reduce the severity of existing inflammatory conditions.
Anti-inflammatory Vitamins
Vitamin C is a water-soluble antioxidant found in citrus, berries, papaya and vegetables such as broccoli, kale, bell peppers and cauliflower. Research indicates that vitamin C has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect. Dr. Heli Roy of Louisiana State University says that cardiovascular disease is caused in part by an inflammation of the blood vessel walls and that increased consumption of vitamin C helps reduce inflammation. Vitamin E has been demonstrated to ease the inflammation associated with arthritis and atherosclerosis, as well as dermatological conditions, such as acne and eczema. Sources of vitamin E include vegetable oils, nuts, seeds and avocados.
Anti-inflammatory Minerals
In healing from an injury or abrasion, your body uses both copper and zinc for therapeutic inflammation. Research demonstrates that in populations living with chronic arthritis, these minerals reduce inflammation and associated pain. Selenium, which is found in whole grains, cereals and brewer's yeast, has also been proven to reduce inflammation in chronic disease and may even help reduce associated mortality.
Dietary Sources
The foods you eat provide the most ready supply of the vitamins and minerals essential to maintaining optimal health as well as reducing and preventing harmful inflammation. Eating a diet that emphasizes fruits, vegetables and whole grains is a way to deliver needed nutrients to your body. However, dietary restrictions, medical conditions and limited availability of wholesome foods mean that sometimes you do not get all of the nutrients that you require. Nutritional supplements allow you to increase your intake of anti-inflammatory vitamins and minerals. However, as with all supplements, consult your doctor to discuss your medical condition and possible adverse reactions.
