Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury. It often observed as pain, redness, swelling, heat and even loss of function. Although inflammation can be good in some cases, depending on when and where it is happening, it can also be bad. Inflammation is a normal, healthy response to injury that helps the body to heal but it can turn into a bad thing when it goes on too long or takes on an overly strong position, which can lead to many problems, including arthritis, acne, asthma, vasculitis, autoimmune disease and (of course) chronic pain. Chronic inflammation, or inflammation that lasts for several months or years, has been liked with coronary artery disease, Alzheimer’s disease, polycystic ovarian syndrome and type 2 diabetes.
Research has found that Tucker, GA chiropractic adjustments can help to reduce inflammation, including chronic inflammation, by eliminating the underlying cause. For example, both swelling and edema each happen at a subluxated joint, which results in the release of neuropeptides, or small molecules that cause chronic inflammation. When subluxation is eliminated through chiropractic care, proper joint biomechanics are thus restored, which can reduce edema and inflammation (or swelling). This process reduces the release of the neuropeptides that contribute to chronic inflammation.
In addition to seeing a chiropractor regularly, there are steps patients battling inflammation can take to go alongside their Tucker chiropractic care regimen, including the implementation of these four superfoods into their diets.
Tucker, GA Chiropractic Recommended Superfoods to Reduce Inflammation
Eating foods that are proven to have anti-inflammatory properties is a great way to reduce inflammation. Here is a quick list of four of the best superfoods to consume to combat inflammation in your life.
Ginger
Ginger is used in cooking, often for its sharp and aromatic taste that it offers to any dish. This flowering plant can also be used to help with health problems, including a reduction in pain and inflammation. This is due to the high gingerol content, which is a bioactive compound that features powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties.
You can add ginger to your food or take it other ways. Ginger extract may help to improve health conditions by regulating inflammation within the body. Eating raw ginger on a daily basis has also been linked to a reduction in muscle pain. Try an anti-inflammatory ginger drink as well by boiling water and mixing in thinly sliced or grated ginger along with a little turmeric and lime juice.
Ginger is also a helpful food when it comes to other common health problems, including colds and nausea and vomiting. If you battle carsickness, ginger may also help with that.
Yucca Root
Yucca is another plant that has been used for centuries to make medicines, offering amazing health benefits overall. The yucca plant contains phytochemicals and pain management capabilities as well as antioxidant properties, which may help to regulate non-chronic inflammatory responses. One study also found that the Yucca plant can help the body to fight chronic pain and disorders associated with inflammation.
You can easily incorporate Yucca into your diet. Simply use yucca in soups and stews or any other dish in place of potatoes!
Boswellia
Derived from the Boswellia serrata tree, this herbal extract is also great for managing chronic pain and other health issues, thanks to its strong anti-inflammatory properties. Boswellia is also used for religious uses as well as cosmetic products. If you want to reap the anti-inflammatory benefits of Boswellia, try making a Boswellia smoothie by adding in your favorite fruits and non-dairy milk as well as some freshly ground flaxseed.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek is widely used in food preparation but also has traditional medicinal uses as it is believed to help with pain, inflammation, the common cold and many other ailments. The fenugreek leaf can also improve your health by reducing your risk of metabolic disorders, such as type 2 diabetes and obesity.
Fenugreek has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, including the ability to reduce the risk of allergic inflammatory diseases. The plant is also a good source of phenolic antioxidants, which are beneficial to your health and can help with reducing inflammation and pain.
Use fenugreek in a number of ways, including in supplement form or as a tea. To drink fenugreek tea, simply boil water and add crushed fenugreek seeds. Mix in other tea leaves or herbs and sweeten with your natural sweetener of choice. Remember to strain the mixture before drinking!
Remember to you check with your doctor before taking any supplements to make sure they won’t interact with any medication you currently take. And to ensure your body is able to fight its best against chronic inflammation, keep seeing your chiropractor in Tucker, GA!