Natural Anti-Inflammatories

Inflammation is a naturally-occurring human reaction; defined by localised pain, redness, heat and swelling. Often this is a result of injury or degeneration, but can also occur from sprains, strains, cuts, grazes and insect bites/stings. What many people don’t realise however, is that the same process that produces those symptoms also drives disease. In a chiropractic sense, most of the inflammation we see is in the bones (more commonly referred to as arthritis) or in the muscles or joints. In fact, if something hurts you can be fairly certain that some form of inflammation is to blame. 
However, inflammation doesn’t always result in pain and could prove deadly in such an instance. For example, 50 per cent of cardiovascular patients do not report any of the commonly recognised risk factors of disease (high cholesterol and blood pressure) before they experience any signs of inflammation – in the form of a heart attack. Inflammation is also a leading factor in fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. 
Controlling inflammation is, therefore, extremely important. While it may be the body’s automatic immune response to a wide variety of challenges, if it goes on too long, then healing can be much harder and take a lot longer. Furthermore, if the body is depleted of nutrients then inflammation can produce chemicals which lead to pain, tissue damage and disease. 
Currently, there is a trend to take anti-inflammatory drugs to help relieve the pain and symptoms of inflammation, however research has shown that these can significantly increase the risk of other diseases and cause nasty side-effects. The good news is that there are plenty of natural measures that can be taken to both reduce the risk of inflammation and help relieve the symptoms. 
Extracts from Hops, Rosemary and Olive leaves have proven to be very effective anti-inflammatories, but there are many more options. 
Traditional herbs like tumeric, ginger and boswellia have power inflammation fighting properties and also work to support liver function and blood flow. In addition, Quercetin, a flavonoid found in fruits, vegetables, leaves and grains, reduces the activity of many inflammatory enzymes – especially those associated with allergic reactions. 
Omega-3 essential fatty acids provide long-term support and prevention for inflammatory conditions. Fish Oil, especially, has been shown to reduce the production of inflammatory chemicals. 
For people suffering from degenerative conditions, like arthritis, as well as acute sprains and strains, liquid bovine cartilage extract has proven to be highly effective in providing relief and restoring function and movement. 
It’s important to keep in mind, however, that if you are suffering from an underlying inflammatory condition, it’s always a good idea to speak to a professional about any specific concerns you might have rather than just cover up the inflammatory symptoms. The doctors at Walkerville Chiropractic are highly knowledgeable about natural therapies that can be used treat inflammatory conditions. Regular chiropractic care has also returned amazing results for our patients with degenerative bone problems, and we hope that we can afford you the same success. 
If you have any questions or are interested in finding out about the supplements stocked at our clinic, do not hesitate to ask the staff at your next visit.