Through my years as a competitive runner, I have had my share of injuries. In addition, I have an auto-immune condition. Both of these circumstance have led me to seek alternative ways to combat inflammation – both acute and chronic.
While inflammation is an essential part of our immune response to injury, infection, or harm or stress. When it is unmanaged, it may contribute to many disease states.
I believe in a food first mindset, but sometimes diet and lifestyle, while hugely important, are not enough. This is where anti-inflammatory supplements become important as an alternative or complimentary therapy to fight inflammation.
Many supplements on the shelf make lofty claims when it comes to their proposed anti-inflammatory properties. Look for research on the supplements when you are looking to add these into your regime
In the list that follows, I go beyond the basics – vitamin c, fish oil, vitamin d, magnesium, quercetin for a variety of reasons I won’t get into here. If you are interested in chatting about your particular condition or need, I can help guide you.
Lifestyle factors that are important to note for reducing inflammation are things such as getting 7-9 hours of sleep, moving your body daily, managing stress, not smoking nor drinking alcohol, limiting sugars and foods that you do not tolerate, eating a well-rounded diet and staying hydrated.
Unhealthy lifestyle choices cause your body to think there’s danger, which will make the inflammatory process flare. Healthy lifestyle choices help your body feel safe, which helps to ease the inflammatory response.
Here are six of my favorite – non-standard – anti-inflammatory supplements:
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), a naturally occurring sulfur compound found in protein-rich foods has garnered attention for its potential anti-inflammatory properties.
- Arthritis and Joint Health:
- Numerous studies have investigated MSM’s impact on arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis. Research suggests that MSM supplementation may help reduce joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation. It appears to work by inhibiting the breakdown of cartilage and promoting joint health
- Exercise-Induced Inflammation:
- Athletes often experience acute inflammation due to intense exercise. Preliminary research indicates that MSM might help mitigate exercise-induced inflammation. Its antioxidant properties contribute to this effect.
- Antioxidant Capacity and Oxidative Stress:
- MSM has been linked to improved antioxidant capacity in the body. By scavenging free radicals, it helps reduce oxidative stress and inflammation
Bromelain, derived from pineapple, has been studied for its potential anti-inflammatory properties.
- Osteoarthritis:
- Bromelain has shown anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, making it effective for osteoarthritis. It helps reduce joint pain, soft-tissue swelling, and stiffness associated with this condition
- Studies have found positive effects on osteoarthritis knee pain, particularly when taken at a dose of 160 mg per day
- Bromelain acts as a natural anti-inflammatory agent. It reduces the synthesis of compounds like prostaglandin E2 (PGE-2) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), which play key roles in inflammation
- By inhibiting these inflammatory pathways, bromelain helps soothe swollen tissues and eases discomfort.
Serrapeptase, an enzyme derived from silkworms, holds promise in both inflammation management and healing.
- Anti-Inflammatory Powerhouse:
- Serrapeptase soothes the flames of inflammation.
- The role of serratiopeptidase in the resolution of inflammation – It works by reducing the synthesis of inflammatory compounds, such as prostaglandin E2 (PGE-2) and cyclooxygenase-2
- By facilitating immune cell movement and regulating lymphocyte levels at the site of inflammation, serrapeptase becomes a natural ally against conditions like arthritis, neurological disorders, and heart disease
- Wound Healing Accelerator:
- Serrapeptase accelerates wound healing by reducing inflammation and clearing away dead tissue.
- As it removes debris, more blood flows through the affected area, aiding in tissue repair
- Post-Surgical Recovery and Scar Tissue Reduction:
- It helps minimize post-surgical swelling, eases discomfort, and promotes faster healing.
- Additionally, serrapeptase assists in breaking down scar tissue, making it a valuable player in recovery
N-Acetyl Glucosamine (NAG) is a basic component of hyaluronic acid and keratin sulfate and is derived from crustaceans.
- Anti-Inflammatory Effects:
- NAG has been studied for its potential anti-inflammatory properties. It might also have cartilage protective benefits.
- Although more research is needed, NAG could be beneficial for managing inflammatory diseases and autoimmune conditions
- Protection Against Oxidative Stress:
- NAG may protect against oxidative stress
- Oxidative stress contributes to aging and various health conditions.
Cissus Quadrangularis, also known as Hadjod, has gained attention for its potential benefits in surgery recovery and healing.
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties:
- Bone Healing and Fracture Recovery:
- Traditionally, Cissus quadrangularis has been used for bone healing.
- Osteogenic potential of cissus qudrangularis assessed with osteopontin expression – It supports the repair of fractures and strengthens bones
- Analgesic Effects:
- Cissus quadrangularis acts as a quick-acting painkiller. Its sedative and muscle-relaxing properties contribute to pain relief
Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) is a medicinal herb with a long history. While internal use of comfrey has been restricted due to safety concerns (it contains toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids), it remains highly useful for external applications.
- Relief from Pain and Inflammation:
- Comfrey has been traditionally used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation in muscles and joints.
- Available scientific evidence supports its effectiveness in improving healing and pain response related to bruises, sprains, and painful muscles and joints, especially those associated with exercise.
- Speeds healing
- Skin Healing and Cell Regeneration:
- Comfrey contains allantoin and rosmarinic acid, which contribute to rapid growth of new skin cells.
- When applied externally, comfrey can help deeper wounds heal from the outside first, sealing in infections and promoting overall healing
Over the years, I have learned a lot about what works and what doesn’t, but I am just one person. Trust your instincts, ask questions, do your own reading and research. I’m here to help you move, think, feel better. If you want to dive in, you can set up an account with FullScript and purchase anything at a 20% discount through my account.