Anti-inflammatory supplements are an alternative treatment forinflammation.
Inflammation contributes to many different conditions, from arthritis to digestive diseases.
Supplements are not as well-studied as conventional medication.
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Certain supplements, however, are believed to help reduce inflammation.
This article covers 18 of the best-knownanti-inflammatorysupplements.
Boswellia extract is also referred to as Indianfrankincense.
Its made from the gum resin of the tree bark.
Classified as anAyurvedic herb, Boswellia is thought to have anti-inflammatory properties.
It may help relieve pain.
Bromelain
Bromelainis a group of protein-dissolving enzymes found in the stem and fruit of thepineapple.
As a supplement, bromelain is available as:
A common dose is 500 to 1,000 mg taken daily.
Cats Claw
Cats clawcomes from the dried root bark of a woody vine.
The plant is found in the Amazon rainforest in Peru and other parts of South America.
Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper is a variety of theCapsicum annuumpepper.
In addition toblocking pain signals, capsaicin directly inhibits immune proteins calledcytokinesthat instigate inflammation in the body.
By doing so, pain and swelling associated with arthritis andmyalgia(muscle pain) may be eased.
Use transdermal patches exactly as directed.
Manufacturers generally recommend dosages of 500 mg daily when cayenne is taken as a supplement.
The overuse of cayenne supplements can lead to heartburn and stomach pain.
Chondroitin
Chondroitinis a part of human connective tissue found in bone andcartilage.
In supplements, chondroitin sulfate typically is made from bovine trachea.
It is also made from pork byproducts.
Chondroitin is believed to reduce pain and have anti-inflammatory properties.
Cinnamon
Cinnamonis thought to offer many health benefits, from loweringblood sugarandcholesterolto reducing inflammation.
It contains a compound calledcinnamaldehydethat gives the spice its fragrance but also appears to have potent anti-inflammatory effects.
These include flavonoids called catechins and procyanidins.
Cinnamon supplements are available as:
A daily dose of around 1,000 mg is generally regarded as safe.
Curcumin
Curcuminis the bioactive compound of the spice turmeric.
Curcumin (also known by its chemical namediferuloylmethane) is what gives the spice its bright yellow color.
Studies suggest that curcumin has both anti-inflammatory andantioxidanteffects.
As an anti-inflammatory, curcumin may help relieve arthritis pain and reduce exercise-induced inflammation and muscle soreness.
It is available in the following formulations:
Manufacturers generally recommend between 500 and 1,000 mg daily.
Devils Claw
Devils clawis a perennial shrub that grows in southern Africa.
It has branching roots and shoots, lush foliage, and red flowers.
Its name comes from the tiny hooks that cover its fruit.
The secondary roots that grow out of the main roots are called tubers.
The roots and tubers are used for pain relief and anti-inflammatory effects.They are also used as a digestive aid.
Omega-3s have an anti-inflammatory effect by blocking inflammation cytokines and prostaglandins.
Cytokines are proteins that signal the immune system to do its job.
Prostaglandins are natural chemicals in the body that are secreted when there is an injury or inflammation.
Omega-3s can help if you haverheumatoid arthritis.
Flaxseed
The seed of the flax plant contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
Some of the fat inflaxseed oilconverts to EPA and DHA.
These are the same active ingredients in fish oil.
A common intake of ground or milled flaxseed is about 2 to 3 tablespoons daily.
This can be added to your food throughout the day.
Ginger
Gingeris derived from the dried or fresh root of the ginger plant.
It has been shown to have strong anti-inflammatory properties.
This is similar to somenonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs), like Advil (ibuprofen).
Ginger works by blocking chemicals that cause inflammation.
GLA is available in:
The maximum dose is up to 3 grams daily.
Green tea is rich in anti-inflammatory compounds calledpolyphenols.
This includes an especially potent polyphenol calledepigallocatechin-3-gallate(EGCG) that can help reduce inflammation in blood vessels.
This may, in turn, reduce the risk of heart disease.
MSM supplements are used to reduce pain and inflammation associated with arthritis.
MSM comes in:
A common oral dose is 2 to 6 grams daily with meals.
It blocks pro-inflammatory chemicals, such as leukotrienes and prostaglandins.
Due to limited research, there is no recommended or usual dose.
The maximum dose is up to 1 gram daily.
Thunder God Vine
Thunder god vinecomes from the skinned root of a vine-like plant found in Asia.
As a result, there is no recommended daily dosage for the extract.
Turmeric
Turmericis a perennial, lily-like shrub that mainly grows in India and Indonesia.
It also grows in other tropical regions.
Turmeric is part of the ginger family.
The roots are dried to a yellow powder.
Then they are used in foods, curries, and Ayurvedic medicine.
Turmeric is recognized for its anti-inflammatory properties.It works by blocking inflammatory cytokines and enzymes.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a group of fat-soluble vitamins commonly sold in supplement form.
Which Anti-Inflammatory Supplement Is Best?
The anti-inflammatory supplement that is best is ultimately the one that works best for you.
Thats not to say that supplements like vitamin D or chondroitin are of no benefit to conditions like arthritis.
Certification does not mean that the supplement works or is safe for all people.
Supplements will not prevent, treat, or cure any disease, but you may experience some benefits.
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