| Inflammation is the enemy of sound health in a number of ways. Swollen nasal passages make us feel congested, even when the body isn't generating mucus. Inflamed joints are painful and can severely restrict free movement. Enlarged blood vessels can damage the heart and the entire circulatory system, leading to possible damage throughout the whole body.
There are many different ways to combat inflammation. Exercise is one – and a half hour of exercise each day can work wonders for reducing inflammation. You'll feel better, you'll be more creative, and your stress will moderate (at least for a while).
Changing your diet can lower inflammation as well. Have you ever looked at the sodium content of the food you eat? Sodium is a major contributor to inflammation. If your diet is heavy on fast food, lunch meat, and processed foods, chances are you're getting two or three times the recommended sodium level each day. So, cutting down on sodium should help with inflammation as well.
But, what about additions to your diet to help reduce inflammation? There are several nutrients that can help your body fight inflammation. One of these is the group of Omega-3 fatty acids. You'll find these in spinach, kale and other greens with big leaves. They're also found in fish, olive oil and walnuts. The fish with the most Omega-3's are tuna, holi and salmon, and if you eat fish twice a week, you should notice results.
One of the natural supplements that helps fight inflammation is Omega-3 tablets. Many nutritionists sell them in stores as well as online, and research shows that Omega-3 supplements will help your body in a number of ways – not just in combating swelling.
Research has also indicated that proteolytic enzymes are key in reducing swelling and inflammation. Remember how great you felt when you were under 25? Remember how quickly you bounced back from pain and from exercise (and from some crazy nights out on the town)? These enzymes help your body fight inflammation – and when we turn 25, our body cuts back on their production. When your body starts to create the chemicals that lead to swelling, these enzymes neutralize them. The swelling stays down, and your body repairs itself faster.
 But the effects go far beyond feeling better after your morning run. Disease from cancer to Alzheimer's all have their roots in inflammation, and these enzymes can help your body stay free of those tragic conditions as well. In some studies, therapy regimens introducing these enzymes to the bodies of patients over 25 helped extend life spans for patients with cancer and were instrumental in the successful treatment of soft-tissue injuries and other sources of inflammation.
Natural supplements containing proteolytic enzymes are available from a variety of retailers. If they meet the approval of your physician, they might be an excellent way to counteract the pain and discomfort of swelling and inflammation in your body. |
