If you’re part of the majority of people that deal with aches and pains on a regular basis you’ll be happy to know there are healthy solutions to reducing inflammation and pain. Many doctors will prescribe pharmaceutical pain medication and anti-inflammatories which are great for short-term relief but come with a range of negative side effects after long-term use. Mother nature has gifted us a huge number of natural anti-inflammatories but this article will focus on just a few potent ones.
Inflammation is at the root of most pain, so a great place to start in reducing pain, is in reducing inflammation. While increasing consumption of anti-inflammatory foods and extracts can take longer than a pharmaceutical drug to work, they are a much better long-term solution and can treat and prevent further aches and pains.
These following compounds have been isolated down from their natural source to be delivered in a therapeutic dose which is ideal for supplementation.
Astaxanthin
A carotenoid extracted from algae and regarded as nature’s most powerful antioxidant, you need very little Astaxanthin to feel the benefits. It is naturally produced by algae as a self-defense mechanism when the algae is stressed. It uses astaxanthin to protect itself against changes in its environment such as an unfavorable increase in water temperature, harmful UV exposure from the sun or even when it is eaten by marine life. Astaxanthin has been shown to help improve a range of health issues that are derived from excessive inflammation which include joint pain.
Ginger
Widely used in cooking but only recently has the western world developed a strong collection of positive health studies and now recognize the health benefits of ginger. Ginger is packed with gingerol, the main active component of ginger which has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Recent research has shown that ginger extract reduces pain and stiffness of joints in people with osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a medical condition which affects the joints of the body and disturbs day-to-day activities of many people. Adding ginger to your diet or consuming ginger extract has given another chance for people with osteoarthritis to lead a pain-free life.
Cannabidiol Oil (CBD)
A cannabinoid extracted from the cannabis plant. Unlike it’s more popular counterpart THC, CBD is not psychoactive and will not produce any sort of high that cannabis is famous for. CBD oil is taken purely for its powerful anti-inflammatory properties and has been shown to relieve chronic pain by inhibiting inflammatory processes in the body. CBD oil is most commonly consumed in small tinctures of varying strength through a dropper. Hemp-derived CBD oil is legal throughout the USA, Canada and many European countries as science has caught up and appreciated its medical benefits.
Curcumin
Extracted from turmeric, a popular spice used in cooking and now a supplement growing in popularity. This spice adds flavor and color to food while also acting as a powerful anti-inflammatory. Curcumin has been shown to reduce pain and swelling which can be bought on through inflammation. Curcumin also has antiseptic properties which protect you from harmful bacteria and viruses. Consuming turmeric or curcumin extract can help prevent infections and is something you can easily include in day to day cooking.
Cinnamon
Extracted from the bark of specific trees, it is another very popular spice used in food for its flavor, antioxidant, anti-inflammatories, anti-microbial and anti-diabetic properties. Common in most kitchens, cinnamon is a great addition to many dishes which can help boost up your foods pain reducing elements.
If you’ve been battling with aches and pains for a while and believe chronic inflammation might be playing a role give these extracts a go before resorting to pharmaceutical painkillers. They are cheap and easy to include in most meals or supplement in small potent doses. Not only do they all offer anti-inflammatory, pain reducing properties but they come with a host of other health-promoting vitamins and minerals that will do your overall health some good.