Beating Inflammation Naturally

Inflammation is the cause of a great deal of our pain.  There are a number of biochemical substances associated with inflammation that produce pain.  Pain in turn produces chemicals which increase inflammation.  Reduce the inflammation and the pain and dysfunction subside.  Unfortunately just because the pain is gone, doesn't mean the cause of the problem is solved. 

Chronic inflammation is known to be a factor in autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, neurological disorders, arthritis, and pulmonary diseases.  It's not something that a person should ignore.  To complicate the issue, it's also not something that is always obvious.  Inflammation of internal organs is not noticeable until disease symptoms show up.   Inflammation of the muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints are more obvious.  While chiropractic can affect internal inflammation by improving the overall health of the body, it's focus is on musculoskeletal inflammation.

In addition to improving motion, reducing nerve excitability, reducing pain thresholds, and improving sensory functions chiropractic adjustments also decrease inflammation in malfunctioning joints and tissues.  Often inflammation is due to mechanical dysfunction and nerve interference in the body.  When joints don't move properly inflammatory and pain chemicals are produced.  Chiropractic adjustments are very effective at normalizing body mechanics to reduce inflammation.  This is one way chiropractors are able to quickly relieve pain.  One study by XJ Song, published in JMPT, showed that inflammatory pain symptoms were reduced in 10 to 14 days with Activator Methods chiropractic adjustments as opposed to 3 to 4 weeks in the control subjects.

Low level laser therapy has also been demonstrated to be very effective in reducing inflammation.  Low intensity laser energy is known to improve how cells function.  As cells function more normally there appears to be a reduction in the inflammatory chemicals within and around the cell.  The result is not only decreased inflammation but pain as well.

For localized inflammation, ice is a great anti-inflammatory.  It constricts blood vessels to reduce fluids in the area of injury.  The quantity and activity of inflammatory chemicals are also reduced by decreasing the temperature of the area.  A note of caution: ice should never be used longer than 10 minutes at a time or the healing can actually be prolonged.

There are also several natural substances that have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties throughout the body.  These are: 

• White Willow (Salicin), 
• Proteolytic enzymes particularly Bromelain,
• Ginger, 
• Curcumin (Turmeric), 
• Boswellia, 
• Magnesium,
• Omega 3 fatty acids.  

Many of these natural approaches have been shown to be as effective as NSAIDs (Non steriodal anti-inflammatory drugs), such as aspirin or ibuprofen, without the many side effects.

Dietary considerations to reduce inflammation include: red wine, fish, eggs, dark chocolate, vegetables, fruit, garlic, and almonds.  When making food choices to reduce inflammation a person must also avoid Omega 6 fatty acids which are know to increase inflammation. These are found in grains as well as oils produced from corn, safflower, sunflower, cottonseed, peanut, and soybean.  Grain feed meats are also high in Omega 6 fatty acids.

Inflammation, whether localized or found throughout the body, can have a detrimental effect on healing and overall health.  Fortunately, there are safe, natural approaches to beating inflammation.