Inflammation is the body’s natural response to an injury or illness and aids in the healing process. However, when it comes to inflammatory disorders (where the body attacks its cells and tissue) this creates daily inflammation. Examples of inflammatory disorders include rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus, and ankylosing spondylitis (AS).
Chronic inflammation can cause pain and other symptoms. It can also weaken your body’s defense against diseases. By reducing inflammation in the body, you can alleviate symptoms and restore your ability to ward off disease.
Patients have turned to natural treatments to reduce inflammation for some time now. If you have an inflammatory disorder, changing your diet and lifestyle, as well as biologic interventions, may help improve your symptoms.
Dietary Changes
Some foods cause inflammation. For this reason, one of the goals of inflammatory disorder treatment is to abstain from consuming such foods while incorporating more anti-inflammatory foods into the diet.
Antioxidants, for example, help lower inflammation in the body. Antioxidant-rich foods are fruits and vegetables, such as tomatoes, berries, broccoli, spinach, and kale. Omega-3 fatty acid-rich foods (such as wild salmon and nuts) also have anti-inflammatory compounds.
Some spices have anti-inflammatory benefits. Turmeric (featuring compound curcumin) has been confirmed by studies to overpower inflammatory proteins. Ginger, (which is noted for its anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects) inhibits the synthesis of proinflammatory cytokines that can help reduce inflammation.
Avoid foods that cause inflammation, such as refined carbohydrates, sodas, french fries, sweets, and red meat.
Lifestyle Changes
Stress, a lack of sleep, being sedentary, smoking, and drinking can also increase inflammation in the body. With lifestyle changes, there is much that one can do to reduce inflammation levels. Exercise, stress management, better sleep hygiene, smoking cessation, and drinking only occasionally benefit clients, especially those with inflammatory disorders.
- Exercise is one way to maintain a healthy weight. Weight management can help reduce inflammation in the body. Adipose tissue, especially visceral fat, releases inflammatory signals.
- Getting enough restful sleep helps to manage stress levels. Studies show that even one night of little sleep can cause tissue-damaging inflammation.
- Make time to relieve stress so you can prevent adverse effects on the body. Chronic stress can hinder your body’s ability to regulate inflammation.
- Stop smoking and scale back alcohol consumption to detoxify the body. Cigarettes that contain toxins promote inflammation, and so do alcoholic drinks.
Biologic Drugs
Biologics are drugs developed to stop unnecessary inflammation. They contain compounds of living organisms that will target the specific area where your immune system is malfunctioning. This remedy prevents the progression of inflammatory disorders. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors, such as adalimumab, etanercept, and infliximab, are the most commonly used biologic drugs.
Self-treatment is not advisable for those with inflammatory disorders. While there is information you can find online about natural treatments, it is not a substitute for guidance by a medical professional. If you are interested in trying natural treatments for inflammatory disorders, seek the help of an integrative and functional medicine expert who can guide you through customized treatment.
Integrative and Functional Medicine Expert in Weatherford, TX
Patients with inflammatory disorders rarely see overall improvement with conventional treatment alone. At Alpha Care Wellness Center, Dr. Catherine Oseni (who is board-certified and fellowship-trained in integrative and functional medicine) will create a treatment plan that addresses the underlying cause of your chronic inflammation.
Dr. Oseni’s treatments are holistic and natural. Treatment plans combine nutraceuticals, botanicals, homeopathy, and nutrition and lifestyle changes. Dr. Oseni will be with you on this path as she continues to modify treatments until you achieve the desired outcome. For any questions or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Oseni, call us today at (817) 550-6332 or fill out our online appointment request form. We look forward to helping you reach your health and wellness goals.
