Inflammation, more commonly known as swelling, is a physical response to trauma, stress or physical illness. However, inflammation can also be a result of unhealthy lifestyle habits or a poor diet. Fortunately, it is possible to reduce and prevent inflammation by getting exercise, eating a healthy diet, and using stress management techniques. In certain cases, gaining additional support from anti-inflammatory supplements can be beneficial. This article will discuss what inflammation is, what supplements are, and how supplements help to reduce inflammation.
What Is Inflammation?
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the standard definition of inflammation is a response to cellular injury marked by redness, capillary dilatation, heat, leukocytic infiltration, and pain. It also serves as a means of initiating the removal of noxious agents, and of damaged tissue in the body. Basically, this means that inflammation is the result of all processes the body uses to defend itself against negative effects.
For example, if you have a toxin in the body, the ability of the white blood cells to locate and eliminate it is part of inflammation. When you experience redness, lack of movement, and swelling in the area, this is also a part of inflammation. In these cases, inflammation is a beneficial sensation as it offers a precise removal of the toxin; however, this is not always the case. In some situations, the inflammation process will ‘carpet-bomb’ all molecules in the area.
In the cases where a full ‘carpet-bomb’ of the vicinity occurs, the inflammation process is less precise and will eliminate all molecules in a specific area. In most conditions, the human body is adapted to repair from this process; therefore, inflammation is ‘less bad’ than the alternative of not eliminating the toxins at all.
What Is An Anti-Inflammatory Supplement?
Oddly enough, it can be difficult to detail what an anti-inflammatory supplement is. The term ‘anti-inflammatory’ refers to an item that will reduce inflammation; however, anything can be considered an anti-inflammatory supplement. For example, certain mechanisms in the human body contain the same proponents as the popular anti-inflammatory, Ibuprofen. Moreover, people do not always take anti-inflammatory supplements to reduce swelling, but also to resolve problems like headaches or general pain. If you are searching for a supplement to resolve a non-inflammatory issue, it is recommended that you find medication specific to that problem.
When looking at anti-inflammatory supplements, however, one will find that these items can suppress the body’s response to injuries and toxins when it ‘thinks’ it is under attack. This has an effect on the immune system, and certain anti-inflammatory products can help enhance the immune system’s response. Unfortunately, there are supplements that can reduce the reaction, making you more susceptible to ailments. It is important to do research or speak to a medical professional before using any of these pharmaceuticals.
What Are The Different Anti-Inflammatory Supplements Available?
- The Most Beneficial Anti-Inflammatory Supplements
There are various ways to define the ‘most beneficial’ among anti-inflammatory supplements; therefore, the supplements below are the most versatile and multi-purpose of all the products available.
- Berberine
Berberine is the primary bioactive of a few anti-diabetic plants, and while it is most well known for being a potent inducer, it also has a history of being used as an anti-diarrhea pharmaceutical. As an anti-inflammatory product, it is used to negate the inflammatory responses within the intestines. Studies have shown that it plays a specific role in intestinal inflammation, particularly where low absorption rates are not important. Berberine is also beneficial as a full body anti-inflammatory when used for blood glucose management.
- Spirulina
Spirulina is a type of algae that can be utilized as an anti-inflammatory supplement. It is one of the inhibitors of NADPH oxidize – an enzyme that is used to eliminate toxins by the immune system. The enzyme eliminates toxins through vast oxidation; thereby, killing all bacteria in the area. This is significant to note because NADPH plays a vital role in causing inflammatory damage to the body’s organs, such as the kidneys, liver, heart, and pancreas. Spirulina is beneficial as an anti-inflammatory supplement in that it can control the oxidation by NADPH, and can reduce any detrimental side-effects from inflammation on the body.
- Curcumin
Curcumin is an inhibitor of the COX enzyme – an enzyme that can alter signalling molecules in the body from anti-inflammatory to fully inflammatory. In these cases, it is essential for the body’s cells to build a defense; however, this is the most common method for a body to result in over-production of inflammatory signals. In this case, curcumin can be beneficial because can reduce the level of inflammatory molecules in the body. In fact, it has been considered the herbal equivalent of Ibuprofen – only more beneficial to a person’s stomach.
- The Least Beneficial Anti-Inflammatory Supplements
- Green Tea
The term ‘catechin’ will be used when discussing this poor anti-inflammatory supplement. Catechin refers to molecules that appear similar to one another, and they are commonplace in the form of dark chocolate and green tea. The molecules are strong antioxidants and beneficial for blood flow; however, there is no potency in them for anti-inflammation purposes. While the antioxidants in the green tea can be useful, they are not beneficial for anti-inflammatory needs – which is something that many people use green tea for.
- The Acai Berry
People are constantly told to eat vegetables and fruit to remain healthy, but not all fruits or vegetables are fully beneficial. Almost every year, a new berry is named a type of alternative medicine, and the Acai berry has been noted as an anti-inflammatory. Unless you do your research and are certain on the berry components, it is recommended that you take other supplements that have been deemed anti-inflammatory pharmaceuticals.
As can be seen, there are different types of anti-inflammatory supplements from StaminaPro that can be used – both good and bad. Of course, they are not always purchased because of their benefits, but merely because they are labeled as ‘anti-inflammatory’.