Chronic inflammation can actually lead to many serious health issues including heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and cancer. Swelling can also antagonise existing issues such as arthritis, joint pain, muscle pain and an array of digestive problems, leading to a significant amount of pain.
Modern medication is useful in producing effective relief. However, this can sometimes have undesirable side effects on the body. If you’re looking for a more natural relief, there are a number of powerful superfoods that can alleviate swelling and inflammation. Here’s our round up of the best superfoods to reduce swelling.
Turmeric
Turmeric contains the active ingredient Curcumin, which is an antioxidant with powerful anti-inflammatory properties, great for treating conditions such as arthritis, muscle sprains and other muscle and joint related injuries.
Studies have shown curcumin to have powerful anti-inflammatory effects, by combating various molecules that lead to inflammation, such as nitric oxide. By bringing the levels of these harmful elements back to normal, the overall inflammation rate in the body can be decreased.
Ginger
Research shows that Ginger can impact the process of inflammation at a cellular level.
It’s been used for centuries by ancient cultures as a medicinal ingredient to promote the immune system and alleviate the the pain and extent of swelling.
According to studies, gingerol and shogaol that are found within Ginger are able to reduce the body’s synthesis of inflammatory elements that can be caused by infectious agents such as viruses, bacteria and parasites.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon offers huge anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits that can help prevent long-term inflammation and reduce the resultant susceptibility to certain diseases that comes from chronic inflammation.
Cinnamon‘s anti-inflammatory properties come from its ability to inhibit certain inflammatory acids from being released into the body. It is also known to reduce nitric oxide - a potent dilator of blood vessels that leads to swelling and increased heat in the body.
Fix the root cause
While these superfoods provide natural relief against inflammation and swelling, you should also make sure you are tackling the underlying problem too.
Ultimately, inflammation is the body’s immune system attempting to protect and heal itself after injury or damage. By simply combating the symptoms of inflammation such as heat, pain, redness, and swelling, you won’t fix the root cause.
In addition to increasing your intake of Ginger, Cinnamon and Turmeric, we advise that you consult a doctor for any serious health concerns and adjust your lifestyle accordingly.
