Inflammation Information :)

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Help through your diet:

Inflammation


# Eliminate polyunsaturated vegetable oils, margarine, vegetable shortening, all partially hydrogenated oils, and all foods that might contain trans-fatty acids (such as deep-fried foods).Use extra-virgin olive oil as your main fat.
# Increase intake of omega-3 fatty acids.
# Eat more fruits and vegetables.
# Eat ginger and turmeric regularly.

 

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Borage oil (GLA)
Borage oil, evening primrose oil, and black currant oil are natural sources of a fatty acid called GLA (gammalinolenic acid). Very hard to come by in the diet, GLA is an effective anti-inflammatory agent with none of the side effects of anti-inflammatory drugs. It also promotes healthy growth of skin, hair, and nails. They are frequently suggested for skin conditions (including brittle nails and hair), arthritis, autoimmune disorders, and premenstrual syndrome. Do not expect immediate results; it takes six to eight weeks to see changes after adding GLA to the diet. These three products vary in the amount of GLA they supply and in cost.

 

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Ginger
Ginger, the familiar spice, has a number of remarkable properties that recommend it for home use. It is a good treatment for nausea and motion sickness as well as a natural anti-inflammatory that is worth trying in all cases of arthritis, bursitis, and other musculoskeletal ailments. It tones the cardiovascular system and reduces platelet aggregation, as aspirin does. You can make a tea of fresh ginger by using about one half teaspoon of the grated root to eight ounces of boiling water. Cover and steep for 10 to 15 minutes, then strain, and add honey to taste if desired. You can also eat candied ginger or buy honey-based ginger syrups. Health-food stores sell powdered extracts of ginger in capsules as well as alcohol extracts; both forms are convenient to use. One to two grams of powdered ginger a day is an average dose, but some people report successful treatment of inflammatory conditions with higher doses taken over several months. High doses may cause a burning sensation in the stomach; to minimize this, take ginger with food.

 

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Turmeric


Technical Name:

(Curcuma longa) Rhizome related to ginger

Used For:

Arthritis, tendinitis, bursitis; it acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent

Available In:

As culinary spice, in powdered form; as medicinal extract, in tablets or capsules. Labeled as standardized turmeric extract or curcumin.

Herb Drug:

None known

Interaction:

In rare instances, daily use over extended period of time can cause stomach upset and/or heartburn; do not use if you have gallstones or a bile duct dysfunction; if pregnant, do not use without your doctor's approval.

When Buying:

Look for products standardized for 95% curcuminoids. Products made by New Chapter containing curcumin are highly recommended. For cooking, brightly colored and aromatic powder is best.

Warning Dosage:

400 to 600 mg of extracts (tablets or capsules) three times per day or as directed on product. Dried spice is not effective for treating conditions.

Child Dosage:

Do not give to young children.

 

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Bursitis
The bursae are the cushioning sacs that minimize friction in joints. Inflammation of a bursa, or bursitis, usually results from traumatic injury to a joint, often from repetitive use of or pressure on some part of the body. Bursitis of the shoulder is a common disaster for baseball pitchers. "Housemaid's knee" is another variety, the result of spending too much time kneeling. Conventional medicine treats bursitis with anti-inflammatory drugs, which are very rough on the stomach, and with local injections of cortico-steroids, which may suppress immune function. The most important aspect of treating bursitis should be identifying and eliminating the cause. That may mean immobilizing and resting the affected joint to prevent further irritation and allow healing to begin. Acupuncture can provide symptomatic relief of the pain of bursitis and is much safer than anti-inflammatory drugs and injections of steroids.