Natural Remedies for Inflammation
Inflammation is an immune system reaction that helps the body protect itself from diseases and infection, but sometimes this reaction can be misdirected or misused by the body and cause other problems.
Arthritis is one example of inflammatory responses that are misdirected. Arthritis is used generally to describe inflammation in the joints followed by joint pain. Another type of arthritis known as Myositis causes muscle inflammation.
SymptomsSome common symptoms of inflammation are: joint pain, joint stiffness, redness and a swollen joint that is warm when touched. These symptoms are caused by a release of chemicals from the white blood cells into the tissue or blood. This increases blood flow to the injured or infected area. This reaction is made to protect the body. For example if you break a bone your body produces an inflammatory response and the area begins to swell. The swelling helps support the area so that you don’t cause any more damage. This reaction also stimulates nerves and causes pain so that you will not use the broken bone until it heals properly.
Causes
Sometimes chronic inflammation can occur. When this happens there is the potential for tissue damage. Chronic inflammation can be caused by disease, and by having a foreign object in a wound such as metals that can’t easily be broken down by the body. Some diseases that are generally known to cause chronic inflammation are: Silicosis and other pneumoconiosis, Inflammatory bowel disease, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Chronic cholecystitis, Tuberculosis, Rheumatoid arthritis, and Bronchiectasis.
A doctor should do diagnosis of these diseases carefully. Usually the doctor will need to know your medical history, have you do a physical, ask about the location of joint pain, ask if you have stiffness in the mornings, evaluate other symptoms, and do a number of x-rays and other tests. After finding out the source of inflammation the doctor will treat you in any way possible and most likely have you do physical therapy to keep movement and muscle strength, avoid activities that make the pain worse and discuss options that will help reduce strain on the joints such as braces or canes.
Natural Remedies
- Studies suggest that green tea which has a high content of polyphenols acts as an anti-inflammatory agent. Green teas have also been studied for their ability to fight cancer and heart disease.
- Fish Oils, particularily omega-3 fatty acids can reduce inflammation especially for those afflicted with arthritis.
- Vitamin E has been shown to be effective in enhancing the cardiovascular system and reducing inflammation inside the arteries which is associated with heart disease.
- Moderate exercise may have beneficial effects in reducing inflammation if approached sensibly. Always consult with your doctor before embarking on an exercise regiment.
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