Natural Anti-Inflammatory Supplements: The Science Behind Them

Chronic inflammation is a silent killer. It’s the root of many diseases, including heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s. While there are medications to treat chronic inflammation, they can have harsh side effects. That’s why more and more people are turning to natural anti-inflammatory supplements to get relief from their symptoms. These supplements work in different ways than medications do, but they can be just as effective at reducing inflammation and pain. In this blog post, we will discuss the science behind natural anti-inflammatory supplements and how they can help you live a healthier life!

What is Inflammation?

Inflammation is a response by the body to an irritant or injury. It is characterized by redness, swelling, and pain. The purpose of inflammation is to remove the offending agent and begin the healing process. However, when inflammation becomes chronic, it can actually do more harm than good. Chronic inflammation has been linked to heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Acute vs. Chronic Inflammation

There are two types of inflammation: acute and chronic. Acute inflammation is the body’s normal response to an injury or infection. It typically lasts for a few days or weeks and goes away on its own. Chronic inflammation, on the other hand, is long-lasting and can last for months or years. It is often the result of an autoimmune response or exposure to a toxin.

There are many different medications that can be used to treat chronic inflammation, but they come with a risk of side effects. That’s why more and more people are turning to natural anti-inflammatory supplements for relief.

Natural Anti-Inflammatory Supplements

Natural anti-inflammatory supplements work in similar ways as medications do. That being said, they are not as powerful as some of the medications used to treat chronic inflammation, but they can be just as effective at reducing inflammation and pain over time.

There are many different types of natural anti-inflammatory supplements available. Some of the most popular proven ones include fish oil, curcumin, white willow bark, and eggshell membrane.

Fish Oil

Fish oil is a type of Omega-Three fatty acid. It is found in cold-water fish such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines. Fish oil supplements are typically taken in the form of capsules or pills. The active ingredient in fish oil is EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid). EPA is a powerful anti-inflammatory that has been shown to reduce the symptoms of arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and psoriasis.

Curcumin

Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric. It is a yellow pigment that gives curry its color. Curcumin has been used for centuries in India for its medicinal properties. It is a powerful anti-inflammatory and has been shown to reduce the symptoms of arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and psoriasis.

White Willow Bark

White willow bark is the bark of the white willow tree. The active ingredient in white willow bark is salicin. Salicin is a natural pain reliever that has been used for centuries. It is also a powerful anti-inflammatory and has been shown to reduce the symptoms of arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and psoriasis.

Eggshell Membrane

The Eggshell membrane is the thin layer of tissue that surrounds an egg. It is a rich source of collagen and other proteins that are essential for joint health. Eggshell membrane supplements are typically taken in the form of capsules or pills. The active ingredient in eggshell membrane is collagen. Collagen is a powerful anti-inflammatory and has been shown to reduce the symptoms of arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and psoriasis.

Unproven Supplements

While there are many different types of natural anti-inflammatory supplements available, not all of them are backed by scientific evidence. Some of the most popular disproven ones include capsaicin, astaxanthin, and glucosamine.

Capsaicin

Capsaicin is the active ingredient in chili peppers. It is a potent anti-inflammatory that has been shown to reduce the symptoms of arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and psoriasis. However, capsaicin is not backed by strong scientific evidence, and the methods of research are not functional. 

Astaxanthin

Astaxanthin is a type of carotenoid. It is found in algae, shrimp, and crab. Astaxanthin is a powerful antioxidant that has been shown to reduce the symptoms of arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and psoriasis. However, astaxanthin is not backed by any human studies and should not be used as a treatment for chronic inflammation. It has even been shown to have some negative effects, such as liver damage.

Glucosamine

Glucosamine is a type of amino sugar. It is found in the shells of crabs, lobsters, and shrimp. Glucosamine supplements are typically taken in the form of capsules or pills. The active ingredient in glucosamine is chondroitin sulfate. Chondroitin sulfate is a powerful anti-inflammatory that has been shown to reduce the symptoms of arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and psoriasis. However, many studies on this supplement have not shown a difference in pain between the supplement and placebo.

Important Things To Note

While there are many different supplements available that claim to be effective at reducing inflammation, it is important to remember that not all of them are backed by strong scientific evidence. Before taking any supplement, it is important to speak with a doctor to discuss the risks and benefits. 

Additionally, anti-inflammatories should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment. If you are experiencing chronic inflammation, it is important to seek medical help from a qualified healthcare professional. Additionally, it is important to speak with a doctor before taking any supplement, as some of them may have negative side effects. 

When used correctly, natural anti-inflammatory supplements can be a safe and effective way to reduce inflammation. However, you need to note that anti-inflammatories, no matter the source, cannot be targeted. This means that they can reduce inflammation anywhere in your body, not specifically where you want it to go.