Alternative Medicine

If you are looking for anti inflammation supplements, you probably have these 2 problems:

• First, you don’t want to take, or keep taking, prescription and OTC pain killers anymore. Maybe you can’t bear the well known side effects; maybe you want to treat your body right with a natural treatment.
• Second problem – you don’t know WHICH anti inflammatory supplement to choose. This guide will help you choose the right one for you.

Here are the Top 10 Natural Anti-Inflammatories to help you decide:

1. Proteolytic Enzymes

Research indicates these enzymes work throughout your entire body to help it fight inflammation. They also cleanse and “thin” the blood (so you can’t use them if you are taking blood thinners) and boost the immune system. Unfortunately with the nutrient-deficient food we’re eating today, most of we adults have very low levels of these enzymes!

2. Bromelain

This special natural compound which is extracted from pineapple contains several proteolytic enzymes that have been shown to short-circuit multiple pain pathways in the body. Many studies have already shown how it reduces inflammation and removes “waste” and toxins from the blood.

3. L-glutathione

This is a “famous” ingredient in anti inflammation supplements. There are literally over 20,000 research studies available on how glutathione can help your body in everything from cancer prevention to more supple skin.

Glutathione is quite literally THE most important antioxidant in your body.

It is the ONLY antioxidant in your body that has the ability to eliminate ALL free radicals, not just specific types!

4. Turmeric Extract

The best way to use this one is by eating it, but moat of us don’t like its taste. Turmeric “seeks and destroys” free radicals that cause pain and swelling among other diseases. A recent study done at the prestigious Sloan-Kettering Cancer Research Center in New York, found that Turmeric was more safe and precise than aspirin in eliminating inflammation (without the well known side effect of aspirin – stomach irritation).

5. Papain

Papain is unique in that it’s been shown to actually attack tumor cells and boost the immune system!

It also contains a wide range of proteolytic enzymes. Many nutritionists suggest taking it for diabetes, herpes, cancer and indigestion.

6. Boswellia Extract

Besides being a natural anti-inflammatory, Boswellia also helps keeping a healthy blood circulation. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled study, 30 patients received 333mg, 3x a day of Boswelia.

The group who received the Boswelia had a significant reduction in pain and swelling and experienced an increase in joint mobility and flexibility as compared to the placebo group.

7. Devil’s Claw

One of the hundreds of studies even found that this herb is as effective in reducing inflammation as a common arthritis medication – phenylbutazone, but without the side effects of course.

A series of studies completed in Germany found that the main ingredient in Devil’s Claw was indistinguishable from Vioxx in the treatment of chronic low back pain!

8. Ginger Extract

This root is very popular in Asian medicine, over 2500 years old. It’s an anti inflammatory, but also eliminates nausea and reduces pain. It reduces the amount of prostaglandins, which are responsible for the feeling of pain. In other words, it does what NSAID’s and prescription pain meds do, but naturally

9. Vitamin E

Vitamin E is very well known for its anti-oxidant properties.

Vitamin E has been shown to be beneficial in numerous situations and conditions such as controlling high blood pressure, maintaining healthy and balanced cholesterol levels and boosting immune system function.

10. Citrus Bioflavanoids

Citrus bioflavanoids aid in the absorption of vitamins and act as important anti-oxidants.

They also inhibit collagens and elastase, the enzymes responsible for the breakdown of connective tissue. In addition to protecting connective tissues, they also protect against free radical damage. That way your joints and ligaments stay as healthy as when you were a teenager!