Inflammation – what is it?
According to google dictionary, inflammation is “a localized physical condition in which part of the body becomes reddened, swollen, hot, and often painful, especially as a reaction to injury or infection.”
While this is a very specific response from the body, inflammation can also manifest as just pain – not the other symptoms that can make it very obvious that the body is fighting something.
Unfortunately, inflammation is a common symptom that plagues most of society today. As well as physical stress that can be placed on the body in our everyday lives, the lifestyles that we live and the foods that we eat contribute highly to our physical health, and if not done in the correct way – can be very detrimental!
A lot of us may turn to anti-inflammatory drugs (nurofen, aspirin, voltaren – sound familiar?), and while these may be helpful for short-term relief and to mask symptoms, the long-term effects it can have on your body can be quite dangerous.
Obviously, the key is to find and correct the CAUSE of the symptoms! But in the meantime, some of these natural anti-inflammatories can be just as helpful at subsiding your symptoms, without having to damage your body in the process.
Here are the top 5 natural anti-inflammatories I highly recommend (and use myself!):
Curcumin (turmeric)
Ginger
Omega-3 fatty acids
Vitamin D
Spirulina
As well as taking these when you are suffering from pain caused by inflammation, these foods are a great addition to your every day diet! You can add turmeric and ginger to most dishes (curries, pasta sauces, drinks) and spirulina can be added into your morning smoothie! Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in different sources of food (cold-water fatty fish, nuts and seeds etc). Vitamin D is a little bit tricky for most people! We know we need to be in the sun but we are also aware of the damaging effects the sun can have on our skin. Especially in Tasmania, where the UV rays can be quite extreme! Where possible, 15 minutes with the sun directly on your skin can be helpful to raise vitamin D levels. If that isn’t available to you, then a good vitamin D supplement may be something to incorporate into your daily supplements.
Just remember, the less inflamed we are, the happier our joints and body will feel! So try your best to add into your diet some of these amazing natural foods that we are blessed to have on our earth!If this information has been helpful to you, please share with friends who you feel will also benefit!
For more information about chiropractic and what we offer at our clinic, please contact us on (03) 6289 5023 or book online for an Initial Consultation by CLICKING HERE.
We’ve got your back!
ALIGN CHIROPRACTIC HEALTH CLINIC