4 Natural Anti-Inflammatory Supplements

 healthy diet is the first step towards a healthy pain-free body. By eliminating junk food from your diet and replacing it with fresh fruit, vegetables and quality meat you’ll start to feel a lot better and your levels of inflammation will decrease. However due to the abundance and convenience of junk food and the stressed lifestyles a lot of people live, it becomes very difficult to enjoy healthy meals every day. On top of this, we’re being exposed to many toxic chemicals and pollution causing all kind of harm and inflammation in our body. A typical result of a western lifestyle is high levels of inflammation. The problem with inflammation is wherever it is present, there are harmful free radicals too. These free radicals cause damage to cells, speed up the ageing process and result in pain and discomfort. An easy way to bring down joint pain and inflammation is to start by eating well, combined with moderate exercise and enough sleep. These three factors will all translate to less inflammation in your body. As well as a basic healthy lifestyle, there are 4 supplements to consider that have been proven to help with joint pain specifically. [1] Curcumin The yellow pigment associated with the curry spice, turmeric, and to a lesser extent ginger. It exerts potent anti-inflammatory effects, and these anti-inflammatory effects are protective against joint discomfort and arthritis. Traditionally used in Chinese and Indian Ayurvedic medicine to treat arthritis turmeric/curcumin blocks inflammatory cytokines and enzymes. Several recent studies show that curcumin has anti-inflammatory properties and modifies immune system responses, resulting in less joint pain. [2] Astaxanthin A pinkish carotenoid pigment found typically in marine life but originating from the algae. Astaxanthin is produced by algae called haematococcus pluvialis in times of stress. It produces astaxanthin to protect itself from changes in its environment whether it be toxins or chemicals in the surrounding water, UV rays from sunlight exposure, or being eaten by another creature. [3] As a relatively new discovery, astaxanthin has been used in many clinical trials over the last five years with more and more benefits being discovered. It has shown extreme promise in aspects of the body that can suffer from free radicals and inflammation such as the joints. By reducing inflammation in joints, astaxanthin helps eliminate and prevent joint pain. [4] Omega 3 Omega-3 fatty acids have gained huge popularity over the last 10 years and have been shown to reduce inflammation and joint pain. According to the results of at least 13 studies involving more than 500 participants, people with rheumatoid arthritis who took omega-3s supplements had a reduction in joint pain. Clinical trials examining omega-3 fatty acids for arthritis have shown fish oil to lower joint pain and stiffness, as well as allowing sufferers to reduce their anti-inflammatory drugs. [5] Resveratrol Part of a group of compounds called polyphenols commonly found in grapes, peanuts and berries.They’re thought to act as antioxidants, protecting the body against inflammation and cell damage. [6] It’s gained a lot of attention for its reported anti-aging and disease-fighting powers as well as it's ability to help reduce the levels of inflammation in the body and help to reduce joint pain. Remember you cannot supplement out a bad diet and unhealthy lifestyle. Proper nutrition and exercise will always produce the best results but if you're looking to take it one step further, these three natural supplements may be a great way to help. Aim to reduce the levels of inflammation throughout your entire body with antioxidant rich food and supplements. This will translate to higher levels of antioxidants ready to help fight away free radicals and cell damage in your joints.