Inflammation

Inflammation is the process by which white blood cells and the things they make protect the body from infection from bacteria and viruses. In some diseases, like arthritis, the body’s defense system (immune system), triggers inflammation when there are no outside invaders such as bacteria or viruses, to fight off. These are called autoimmune diseases.

The inflammation can be acute or short-lived, or chronic and long-lasting. Acute inflammation goes away within hours or days, while chronic inflammation can last for months or years even after the first trigger is gone. Conditions linked to chronic inflammation include: 

• Cancer

• Heart disease

• Diabetes

• Asthma

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Psoriatic arthritis

Symptoms of Arthritis

• Redness

• Swelling eg. swollen joints

• Pain, joint pain

• Stiffness, joint stiffness

• Other symptoms may include fever, chills, fatigue, muscle stiffness, and headache.

The inflammatory disease is diagnosed by physical exam, x-rays, and blood tests for biomarkers such as c-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).

Treatment of Arthritis

Treatment may include medication, rest, exercise, and surgery to correct joint damage. As well as lifestyle changes, diet modification, supplements, and herbs. Treatment plans depend on the type of inflammation (disease), age, overall health, and medications you are currently taking.

Goal of Treatment

The goal of treatment is to correct, control, or slow down the disease process; avoid or change activities that aggravate pain. Additionally, physical therapy may be used to maintain joint movement and muscle strength, lower stress on the joints by using braces, splints, or caines as needed.

Medications

Non steroidal antiinflammatory drugs , corticosteroids, anitmalarial medications, and DMARDS (Disease Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs). These medications are prescribed by your MD.

Lifestyle Modifications

A few modifications to your lifestyle may help in treating inflammation:

• Quit smoking

• Limit alcohol intake

• Maintain healthy weight

• Manage your stress

• Have regular physical activity

Foods to Eat

Vegetables: broccoli, kale, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower
Fruits: coloured fruits eg. berries, grapes, cherries
High fat fruits: avocados and olives
Healthy fats: olive oil and coconut oil
Fatty fish: salmon, sardines, herring, mackerel, and anchovies
Nuts: almonds, walnuts
Peppers: bell peppers and chili peppers
Chocolate: dark chocolate
Spices: turmeric, fenugreek, cinnamon
Tea: green tea
Red wine: up to 5 ounces (140ml) of red wine per day for women and 10 ounces (250 ml) per day for men

Foods to Avoid

Avoid foods which can trigger inflammation:

• Refined carbohydrates eg. white bread, white pasta

• Fried foods eg.French fries

• Sugary drinks eg. sodas

• Red and processed foods eg. beef, hotdogs

• Margarine shortening and lard

Anti Inflammatory

Herbs and Spices

Diet plays an important role in your health and it can affect inflammatory processes in your body.

1. Ginger (Zingiber officinalis) - ginger contains more than 100 active compounds such as gingerol, shogaol, zingiberene, and zingerone to name a few. These help in reducing inflammation in the body.

2. Garlic (Allium sativum) - it is rich in sulfur compounds that appear to reduce inflammatory markers and increase levels of beneficial antioxidants. 

3. Turmeric (Curcurna longa) - has potent anti inflammatory properties and reduces inflammatory markers in the body, providing relief for people with osteoarthritis. If taken with black pepper, absorption increases.

4. Cardamom - increases antioxidant and decreases markers of inflammation in the body.

5. Black pepper (piper nigrum).

6. Ginseng and its active compounds called ginsenosides appear to reduce inflammatory markers.

7. Green tea (Camelia sinensis)  - its antiinflammatory effects are considered due to its polyphenols especially EGCG.

8. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)- is rich in polyphenols that appear to have anti inflammatory effects. 

9. Cinnamon - there are two types of cinnamon: ceylon cinnamon, also called “true” cinnamon, and cassia cinnamon, which is commonly available. Use 1 teaspoon (2.5g) of cinnamon per day

The inflammation is a natural process that can increase health complications when it continues for too long, this is also known as chronic inflammation.

To learn more about how to address inflammation issues, schedule an appointment with our clinic today.