Getting chronic inflammation under control isn’t always easy, but it’s one of the best things you can do for your health. These five anti-inflammatory supplements may be the added bonus you need.

Like the security system in your house, the inflammatory response is meant to alert your body of any foreign invaders (like viruses or bacteria) or any potential problems so your immune cells can swiftly take care of the problem. But what happens when your body can’t seem to turn off the “alarm?” Often, it leads to chronic inflammation.

WHAT IS CHRONIC OR LOW-GRADE INFLAMMATION

Chronic or low-grade inflammation is the type of inflammation you’re most likely to hear health professionals talk about since it’s linked to many different problems. Chronic inflammation is particularly scary because it can happen without you really knowing, meaning you can go for long periods of time without really detecting (or stopping) it. That’s why a good functional medicine doctor will review many different markers in your lab work to understand what is really going on in your body. 

Dealing with chronic inflammation is not simple—but a smart move for your overall health. Since it usually takes a number of things to improve inflammation like:

-Changing nutrition

-Exercise

-Stress management

it’s a good idea to work with a doctor and a health coach to understand your own inflammation levels. And once you start an action plan with your healthcare provider to target inflammation, a doctor may recommend supplements that can help.

Keep in mind that supplements are the “extra-credit” of your health and lifestyle plan—they can’t make up for poor overall lifestyle choices. But once you have solid habits, you can implement them for a helpful boost.

5 Key Natural Supplements that will help you with Chronic Inflammation

1- Turmeric/Curcumin with pepper

Turmeric has become a popular ingredient in products in the past few years and for good reason. It’s definitely not a new spice since it’s been used for over 4000 years, and dates back to Indian culture originally. But recently, health experts and nutritionists have spotlighted turmeric for its powerful anti-inflammatory properties, which is why you can find it in just about every form—including as turmeric supplements.

Researchers have found that turmeric, especially paired with pepper, is a powerful anti-inflammatory and can even help with post-workout inflammation. “Turmeric or curcumin is usually paired with a pepper extract so it’s better absorbed in the stomach. That’s why curry is so healthy, but when we take it in medicinal amounts it’s a very potent anti-inflammatory,” Dr. McConnell says. So if you’re cooking with turmeric be sure to add some pepper to your dish, since it helps make the curcumin about 2,000% more absorbable in your body. And if you’re supplementing with turmeric and curcumin, look for a supplement that has pepper or pepper extract to boost absorption.

Fusionary Formulas Turmeric Gold + Inflammation Relief make up a Pain Solution Bundle that orthopedic surgeons, functional medicine doctors, chiropractors, and health practitioners around the US use to support their patients. Our formula has been found to be significantly more potent than other turmeric supplements you find on the shelf. 

2- Quercetin

Quercetin is a flavonoid that is found naturally in many fruits and vegetables that can help lower inflammation. You may have heard about quercetin supplements more in the news lately since it’s undergoing studies for potential to help immune support right now in the pandemic. 

It’s also helpful for people who suffer from allergies or chronic sinusitis. Doctors often use quercetin in people with chronic sinusitis type inflammation, instead of taking Claritin or Allegra. 

Quercetin is an ingredient in Fusionary Formulas’ Immune Booster Formula along with a host of other antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredients. 

3- Fish oil

You’ve heard that eating more fish, especially salmon, is a smart move since it’s packed full of good-for-you nutrients. One of the stars? Omega-3’s. But unless you eat salmon every single day (most people don’t, realistically) it’s a lot more convenient to take a fish oil supplement to ensure you’re getting the benefits no matter what you eat that day.

Fish oil can help to lower inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids have so many other beneficial properties too and are healing in many ways, but they are really strong anti-inflammatories. 

A recent study published in the American Heart Association Journal found that fish oil supplements increased anti-inflammatory molecules in the blood for up to 24 hours. While the debate is still out on just how much fish oil can do for cardiovascular disease , the effects of this anti-inflammatory supplement are promising.

If you are concerned about inflammation, you can ask your doctor to check your inflammation levels with lab testing. They will likely run a CRP (C-reactive protein) test since it is one of the key ways to check out inflammation levels in your body. 

4- Amla

Amla, also known as Indian gooseberry, is a powerful antioxidant that provides a ton of health benefits, including the ability to help lower inflammation. Amla is a great antioxidant and it also has inflammation-moderating properties. It can be good for lowering inflammatory cascades. 

Finally, Indian gooseberry may have some immune-strengthening effects due to its vitamin C content. A single Indian gooseberry contains approximately 600–800% of the Daily Value (DV) for this vitamin. 

Vitamin C can optimize immune health in several ways. It’s an antioxidant, so it works to decrease cellular damage and inflammation.  

While short-term inflammation is a normal and healthy immune response, chronic inflammation is an ongoing immune response that can promote poor health.  

What’s more, vitamin C may help boost your immune system by promoting the proliferation of phagocytes, which are specialized immune cells that help swallow up harmful invaders .It may also help your body develop protective antibodies against perceived threats. 

Amla is an ingredient in Fusionary Formulas’ Immune Booster Formula along with a host of other antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredients. 

5- Boswellia Serrata

Boswellia Serrata, also known as Indian frankincense, has been used for centuries in Asia to treat chronic inflammation. 

According to Ayurvedic practitioners in India, boswellia is highly anti-inflammatory in high quantities, which is why this supplement can be helpful when you take the ideal amounts. Because boswellia is an effective anti-inflammatory, it can be an effective painkiller and may prevent the loss of cartilage.

If you’re thinking about trying any anti-inflammatory supplements, consult your doctor to better understand which supplements and dosing are right for you. Looking for a doctor with a personalized, holistic approach? Reach out to us, we work with great practitioners who utilize natural solutions for their patients. 

Boswellia is an ingredient in Fusionary Formulas’ Inflammation Relief Formula along with a host of other antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredients. 

by

Dr. Shivani Gupta 

 

Author

Dr. Shivani Gupta is a health and wellness author and speaker and has a Master’s and Ph.D. in Ayurvedic Sciences. She is passionate about teaching science-based wellness teachings from Ayurveda and modern science into forms we can utilize and implement. Her work is featured on Psychology Today, Mantra Magazine, Thrive Magazine, and Palm Beach Woman Magazine, among others. When not writing or speaking, she enjoys exploring new teas, spending time with her children, and going to her favorite gym and yoga studio in Boca Raton, FL.