Anti-inflammatory supplements, including vitamins, minerals, oils, and herbs, are taken to combat chronic inflammation, which can lead to diseases such as cancer, asthma, and arthritis. Examples include vitamins A, C, and E, selenium, fish oil, olive oil, and emu oil. These supplements can be purchased over the counter but may have side effects and drug interactions. Consult a doctor or pharmacist for more information.
An anti-inflammatory supplement is a non-pharmaceutical substance that is taken primarily to combat the effects of chronic inflammation. Inflammation is the body’s response to tissue damage in a localized area. Chronic inflammation is generally experienced over a prolonged period of time, possibly many years, and is the result of a complex web of physiological reactions in the body. Most conditions that exemplify chronic inflammation are classified as diseases such as cancer, asthma, and arthritis. Symptoms of chronic inflammation can include the acute version, as well as other symptoms that are specific to the nature of the inflammatory disease in question.
Anti-inflammatory supplements come in a variety of forms, such as vitamins, minerals, oils, and herbs. They can be taken orally in the form of pills or liquids or topically through creams or other agents. Although most anti-inflammatory supplements are natural substances, they are also effective in a synthetic form.
Examples of vitamins and minerals that are taken as anti-inflammatory supplements include vitamins A, C, and E, and selenium. Vitamins A and E are antioxidants that are frequently used to treat arthritis. They have been shown to reduce inflammation and joint pain in many patients. Vitamin C is another powerful antioxidant that is known to treat a wide range of inflammatory conditions, including rashes, certain cardiovascular diseases, asthma, and arthritis. Selenium is a mineral used in the treatment of inflammatory digestive conditions such as Crohn’s disease, colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome, as well as heart disease, cancer, and arthritis.
Several oils are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, such as fish oil, olive oil, and emu oil. Omega-3 fatty acid and cod liver are two popular fish oils taken as anti-inflammatory supplements to combat symptoms of asthma, arthritis, and certain cancers. Olive oil is known for its general cardiovascular benefits and, like fish oil, contains natural anti-inflammatory agents. It is used in the treatment of asthma, arthritis, and numerous skin conditions.
Emu oil is an oil that is extracted from the fat of an Australian bird called an emu. It used to treat pain associated with chronic inflammatory disorders in the joints, bones, and muscles. It can also be used to treat acute conditions where localized pain and swelling occurs.
These and other anti-inflammatory supplements can generally be purchased over the counter and are not regulated by government health and nutrition agencies. However, as with regulated pharmaceuticals, they also have various side effects and drug interactions. A doctor or pharmacist can provide additional information on specific anti-inflammatory supplements.
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