Fast Facts about inflammation
- Although many theories and studies have been devoted to these subject matters, scientists still don’t know what causes inflammation in the first place.
- In the simplest of terms, inflammation can be defined as the body’s attempt to self-protect and fight harmful stimuli.
- A major portion of the population worldwide suffers from inflammation but since it is derived from a number of different diseases, one’ can’t be sure of the statistics.
- The process of inflammation has four stages. The first stage is the irritation stage where the body alerts itself about hr harmful stimuli.
- The second stage is the inflammation stage where the body tries to heal itself.
- It is then followed by the suppuration stage where the body tries to get rid of the harmful bacteria by discharging it out in the form of pus.
- The last stage is the granulation stage where the body forms tiny round masses of tissues.
The word inflammation has been derived from the Latin word inflammo which means to ignite or alight. During the process of inflammation, the white cells in one’s body produce substances that protect foreign organisms and fight bacteria from entering the body or causing harm.
However, it isn’t always a good sign. When a person suffers from diseases like arthritis, the body’s immune system triggers a response (inflammatory) even when the body hasn’t been infected by any foreign invaders. In such autoimmune disease, the body mistakes its own tissues for causing harm and as a result, tries to remove them.
During this process, while blood cells get released into the blood, signaled by the immune system, and fights its own tissues, causing injury or an infection. The tissue, upon damage, becomes red, and at times, even swells up due to the leakage of blood into them. Once swollen, it can be the cause of severe pain in the nerves and limit one’s ability to perform daily activities.
Symptoms
The symptoms of inflammation may vary from person to person, depending on what disease causes it in the first place. If the inflammation has been caused by arthritis, it may depict these following symptoms:
- Redness
- Joint pain
- Swollen joints
- Loss of joint function
- Joint stiffness
Other more generalized symptoms include:
- Fever
- Muscle stiffness
- Chills
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
Recommended Supplements
While eating a healthy diet and regular exercise helps to manage inflammation, it is not enough to keep you fit and healthy. Supplements are essential for managing inflammation and reducing its symptoms. But it should be kept in mind that supplements should not be used to replace the treatment for inflammation. It is not always true that natural products are safe for use. Many products can react with your body and produce an adverse reaction. Thus, it is better to be safe and consult your before starting to use any supplements for managing your condition.
The following supplements have proven to benefit people with inflammation:
Cinnamon
Cinnamon –a spice that we all sprinkle on toasts and our lattes. Its scent is infused in perfumes and essential oils to rejuvenate the mind. But for those who don’t know it is also a potent all-natural remedy to treat cases of inflammation. Many lab studies praise its effectiveness in reducing inflammation and fighting off bacteria.
Feverfew
When inflamed, feverfew efficiently helps reduce the pain. Its anti0-inflammtory properties provide instant throughout the body. It even inhibits platelet clustering and thins blood as a result. Its extract is extensively used in medicines for joint pains and arthritis.
Ginger
Ginger is one time-honored herbal remedy that has been used to treat nearly all health conditions. Its effectiveness is most potent in reducing inflammation whether consumed raw, infuse din herbal teas or blended with other spices in food, it helps remove harmful toxins from the body. When there aren’t any harmful bacteria, the immune system doesn’t get wrongly triggered.
Elderberry Plus (Sambucus)
The fruit of elder tree, elderberry has medicinal properties that are known to reduce swelling, combat inflammation and boost one’s immune system.
Holy Basil
Also known as Tulsi, Holy basil has been used for centuries in many Asian curries. Its plant has been regarded as possessing Ayurvedic benefits. It is most commonly used in countries like India to fight inflammation, asthma, arthritis, digestive disorders and a number of other skin-related diseases.
The above natural supplements are known to help in controlling and managing inflammation, but you should exercise proper caution and ask your doctor before adding any such supplements for in your diet. Herbs have lasting and strong effects on the body and can also interact with other drugs and medications, causing dangerous and adverse reactions. If you use any medication for your disease, talk to your doctor before you decide to start any supplements or herbal products to manage your health condition.