Is that sore wrist stopping you from typing? Does that swollen finger take too long to subside? Inflammation is a natural reaction to injury or infection. The affected tissues swell, redden, become warm and tender, and may be painful. Inflammation is triggered by drug overuse, environmental toxins, free radical damage, infections, injury, trauma, and bacterial, fungal, or viral infection, among others.
Inflammation can be reduced by the application of either hot packs or cold baths. Inflammatory conditions respond favorably to this kind of therapy. The only thing to note is that people with arterial diseases shouldn’t use cold therapy, while people with blood sugar problems should avoid heat therapy (1).
Turmeric is one of the most commonly used spices in India. It is a powerful antioxidant that features in 80% of the home therapies for ailments ranging from allergy, cough, and cold to inflammation. What makes it an effective remedy for inflammation is curcumin. Turmeric is rich in curcumin, a compound that has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making it one of the best home remedies for inflammation (2).
Saffron or Crocus sativusLinnaeus, is one of the most exotic and expensive spices. It has been used by many cultures to treat a variety of illnesses.
Saffron Crocus contains metabolites that usually exhibit anti-diabetic, antioxidant and anti-tussive activity. It has been recorded to have anti-inflammatory properties, making it an ideal remedy for inflammation (3).
Capsaicin is what gives peppers their fiery hot demeanor. It is a known anti-inflammatory agent. Capsaicin has been the subject of various tests, and scientists have not been able to determine how capsaicin helps reduce inflammation, even though they agree that it does (4).
Ginger is one of the best natural remedies for inflammation. Ginger is crammed with natural analgesics that imitate NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs). However, as these analgesics occur naturally, they have fewer side effects. Thus, ginger is one of the most effective cures for inflammation (5).
Although the core isn’t something you savor, it contains many anti-inflammatory properties. It contains Bromelain, an amalgam of digestive and proteolytic enzymes. The proteolytic enzymes are the ones that usually help reduce inflammation (6).
Vitamin C has many antioxidant characteristics that make it an ideal fighter against allergens and infections. Vitamin C helps stimulate activity of Vitamin E, which is essential for reducing inflammation (7).
Whole grains can help reduce inflammation, how? Well, as opposed to the processed white grains that we regularly consume, whole grains contain more roughage and fiber. Fiber has been known to reduce C-reactive protein levels, which usually cause inflammation. Consuming the healthier whole grains can help you keep inflammation at bay (8).
Apart from Iron and other nutrients, dark green vegetables are rich in Vitamin E. We already know that Vitamin E has strong anti-inflammatory characteristics. Leafy greens also fight inflammatory agents like cytokines, apart from offering Vitamin E (9).
When you talk about Omega-3 fatty acids, you think fish. Even if you do not, there isn’t a richer source of this essential protein than fish; and specifically oily fish. Mackerel, Sardine, Salmon, and Tuna are crammed with omega-3s.
Nuts are usually rich in calcium, fiber and Vitamin E, all of which play their respective roles in reducing inflammation. On top of these essential anti-inflammatory agents, nuts also contain omega-3 fatty acids that help treat inflammation. The Mediterranean diet is rich in nuts, fish, whole grains and leafy greens, making it the best anti-inflammatory diet in the world (10).
These are the effective Inflammation remedies. So, what are you waiting for? Add these amazing foods to your diet and don’t let inflammation ever get the better of you again. Share your experiences with us below. Leave a comment.