Are you in pain due to inflammation? If so, be forewarned: inflammation can cause more than pain, and can spread to other parts of the body. Studies are starting to show that inflammation can cause a myriad of diseases, especially when uncontrolled. Here's some information on what inflammation can do to your body and what you can do about it with a prescription or natural anti inflammatory:
Inflammation Travels
If part of your body is inflamed, that inflammation may move to other parts of your body or cause diseases in other parts of your body. For example, doctors have found evidence that gum disease and the inflammation it produces may result in heart disease or brain inflammation diseases like alzheimer's. If you already have heart disease, having inflamed gums can potential worsen it, as well.
Inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis also have a tendency to cause inflammation-related diseases elsewhere in the body. For example, people with rheumatoid arthritis may be susceptible to developing uveitis (inflammation of the eyes), gout, or lupus.
Doctors believe that those who experience minor but chronic inflammation may be at a higher risk of developing seven of the top ten causes of mortality in the United States, including cancer, strokes, and diabetes.
What To Do About It
Inflammation is a fairly common part of life, but there are steps you can take to reduce and prevent chronic inflammation in your body. Your potential options include medications, changing your diet and introducing spices and herbs shown to reduce inflammation.
Food
To reduce and prevent inflammation, try eating more of these foods:
- Omega-3 Rich Fish - Omega-3 acids are bountiful in fatty fish, and have been shown to reduce inflammation.
- Dark Leafy Greens - Leafy greens are packed full of vitamin E, which may protect your body from the effects of pro-inflammatory molecules.
- Soy - The isoflavones in soy have been shown to reduce inflammation levels, including those in the heart and bones.
Spices
Use more of these spices on your food to help reduce your inflammation:
- Cinnamon - Delicious in baked goods and sprinkled on coffee, cinnamon reduces inflammation.
- Turmeric - This spice is used in many curry recipes and helps to reduce inflammation.
- Ginger - This spice is great for soothing stomach aches as well as reducing inflammation.
- Garlic - A delicious addition to almost any savory meal, garlic has been shown to ease arthritis symptoms.
Medications
NSAIDs, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs reduce inflammation and a wide variety can be bought over-the-counter. You probably already have some in your medicine cabinet: ibuprofen, naproxen sodium and aspirin are all NSAID medications. When used regularly, these medications can help improve flexibility and reduce pain connected to inflammation.
Inflammation does more than just cause temporary discomfort: it can potentially open the door to a variety of illnesses that nobody wants. Use these methods to treat your inflammation and keep it to a minimum to reduce your risk of getting these diseases.
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