Natural Cures For Inflammation

It is a natural auto immune response of body tissue against injury, irritation or infection. Common symptoms of inflammation are pain, heat, redness, itching and burning sensation. Inflammation is not the issue in itself but a response to a biological problem like infection or injury. Inflammation is an important part of beginning the healing of body tissue as it is the inflammation that indicates the existence of infection or injury. 

However, in cases of extreme trauma, tissue damage  can cause loss of function and body part as well. Common causes of inflammation are burns, exposure to toxins, infection, entrance of foreign bodies in the bloodstream,, injury and trauma. Inflammation can occur not only on the outer skin but also internal organs. In this feature we will discuss various natural cures that can help you in alleviating inflammation.

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Natural Cures For Inflammation

Omega3 Fatty Acids

Not all fats are bad for your body and health and Omega 3 fatty acids are examples of such fats. These fats are proven to be anti-inflammatory in nature and aid in healing the body tissue and its repairs. These fatty acids can be synthesized in the body but in a very limited and inadequate quantity.

These fats are also known to lower the cholesterol levels in the body and this is why they are considered important in the daily diet. Common sources of these fats are oily fish, salmon, mackerel, walnuts, Cod liver oil, eggs, strawberries, kiwi fruit, milk, whole wheat pasta, canola oil, flax seeds etc. However, it is important to note that many sea foods have high mercury level and can especially cause damage to pregnant women and the foetus.

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Turmeric

Turmeric is a an anti-septic herb which has strong anti-inflammatory properties. For getting relief from inflammation, you can use turmeric either by external application or internal consumption. For medicinal purposes, buy the raw herb and grind it yourself. Refrain from using the readymade food grade turmeric as there are high chances of existence of additives in packaged turmeric.

You may either dry and grind the turmeric or just rub it against the hard surface of stone to obtain its paste. Apply this paste on the inflammation and let it dry. Cover it up lightly if you are stepping out or even getting into the bed because this herb leaves a yellow tinge and also stubborn stains on the clothing. For oral intake, mix the paste in the  warm milk, mix it thoroughly and drink twice a day.

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Vitamin D

It is a fat soluble vitamin and is synthesized in our body when it is exposed to direct sun. This is one reason why sunlight is so good for you and even infants are recommended direct exposure to sun once in a day for half an hour at least. Vitamin D helps in absorbing the calcium in the body. Apart from this, studies have shown its positive effects in controlling the inflammation by inhibiting the pain signal.

In fact experiments have proved direct association of its deficiency with cascading effects of inflammation. Chronic inflammatory diseases have also shown improvement on increasing the intake of vitamin D. Apart from sun, you can get vitamin D in moderate levels from certain food items as well. Fortified cereal, caviar, eggs, mushrooms, fortified dairy and soy products are some examples of food stuff that can provide you with daily dosage of vitamin D. Increase the intake of these food items if the region where you live does not receive enough sunlight especially during monsoons and winters.

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Vitamin E

Vitamin E is the vitamin for youthful looks and skin. It aids in production of new body tissue and replacement of dead skin layer in the body. It delays the appearance of wrinkles on the face. It is a known remedy for skin and gum inflammation. Many skin ointments have vitamin E as its base ingredient. Though it does not relieve pain but heals the inflammation and shortens the duration of its existence. It is a fat soluble vitamin and hence stored in our body tissue. It is also acts as an anti-oxidant.

However, right dosage of this vitamin is necessary as it has anti-coagulant properties and since it is stored in the body, it takes time to bring its levels down if excess accumulation does take place. Nuts like pine seeds, walnuts and peanuts contain vitamin E in high quantities. Apart from the nuts, avocados, wheat germ oil, broccoli and sunflower oil are also important sources of vitamin E.

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Avoid and limit

Studies and various experiments have shown a link between consumption of trans fats and inflammation. Trans fats increase the levels of low density lipoproteins which harden and narrow the arteries delaying the healing process and increasing the inflammation. Cakes, pizza dough, butter, chips, ready to eat packaged food and fried foods contain large amounts of trans fats. Gluten and refined carbohydrates are another group of food stuff that causes and increases the inflammation.

Not only this, it also obstructs the expeditious healing and repair of the body tissues. Processed sugars in cakes, puddings, tea, coffee and chocolate must be replaced by honey which is much healthier and is lower in calories. Refined flour must be completely eliminated and replaced by whole wheat and whole grain items.

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Natural Anti-oxidant

Nature has gifted us with various natural anti-oxidants. They get absorbed in the body easily and quickly. The property of anti-oxidant comes from a compound called polyphenols which is not a nutritional compound. When it comes to natural anti-oxidant, lets start with green, chamomile, valerian root tea are considered beneficial as natural anti-oxidants. They protect the body from free radicals and flushing out the harmful toxins that increase the inflammation in the body.

Valerian root and chamomile also have mild sedative properties that can help in putting you to sleep over the inflammation. Vitamin C rich diet also acts as an anti-oxidant. Oranges, lemons, kiwi, strawberries are high on water content and anti-oxidant properties as well. Vitamin A in form of carrots, spinach, broccoli, dried herbs, other dark leafy vegetables are anti-oxidant in themselves.