What are you doing to decrease inflammation?

This article discusses ways to decrease inflammation of muscles and joints.

Inflammation is defined as swelling, heat or pain due to injury, infection or toxins...

What can you do to decrease inflammation in your joints?

10 Nutrient Applications:

1. Calcium and Magnesium both relax the muscles; magnesium inhibits inflammatory prostaglandin synthesis.

2. Zinc promotes healing.

3. Ginger in addition to its therapeutic effect for nausea, also has powerful abilities to combat inflammation.

4. Turmeric has excellent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties along with curcumin the active component of turmeric and is responsible for the yellow pigment.

5. Quercetin is a potent bioflavonoid and powerful antioxidant.

6. High potency Vitamin C with bioflavonoids is essential to the healing process. Bioflavonoids decrease the release of inflammation mediators and inhibit the inflammatory process.

7. Proteolytic enzymes help to counteract inflammation and should be taken on an empty stomach.

8. Essential Fatty Acids are precursors to potent anti-inflammatory substances.

9. Milk Thistle is supportive of liver function and pathways of detoxification. Removal of wastes and toxins is crucial in decreasing inflammation. Silymarin, which is one of the main ingredients in milk thistle, has an anti-inflammatory effect on blood platelets, and the ability to inhibit free radical production and leukotriene synthesis.

10. Boswellia Serrata has been reported to have strong analgesic (pain -relieving) effects along with anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activity.

Dietary and Lifestyle Applications:

1. Use the RICE method - REST, ICE, COMPRESSION, ELEVATION for initial stages of injury (first 24-36 hours following injury).

2. Ice for 20 minutes out of every hour. After the initial stage, you can ice for 20 minutes and then alternate ice with moist heat (20 minutes each), ending with ice treatment. This will aid in increasing circulation for healing.

3. Diet is important. Avoid (decrease) meat and animal fats to decrease arachidonic acid levels (pro-inflammatory fatty acid). Eat fish (wild) for omega-3 source, which decreases leukotriene (pro-inflammatory) production. Eat organic fruits and vegetables - minimum of 5 servings/day. Avoid (decrease) all refined foods, sugar, soft drinks and white flour products. Increase garlic consumption, which is an anti-infectious agent. Drink plenty of filtered water (1/2 your weight in ounces).

The material contained in this article is for informational purposes only. It is not meant for diagnosis.

Dr. Wayne Fichter, DC, is the head doctor at Disk and Spine Northwest and can be reached at (208) 215-3261.