Inflammation is the body’s biological response to what it sees as threats like; bacteria, infection, viruses, and injury in an attempt to heal and protect itself. Long term, the effects of inflammation can lead to consequences for the body like chronic headaches, joint pain, and fatigue.
Types of inflammation
Acute: The body’s response to a sudden injury. Like a bee sting, or cut.
Chronic: Inflammation that lasts long periods extending from several months to years. Your body continues sending inflammatory cells even though there is no “danger” (ex. Cut, virus, etc) present. Chronic inflammation is a symptom of many autoimmune diseases like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.
Why opt for natural remedies to reduce inflammation?
To keep inflammation under control it’s most common to use over-the-counter NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), and steroids. Both can be helpful to control inflammation for short periods and can provide extreme relief for people suffering from inflammation. But long term both have unpleasant side effects.
NSAIDs
Over-the-counter medicines like aspirin, naproxen, and ibuprofen cause an increased risk of strokes, heart attacks, and high blood pressure. As well as digestion upset. NSAIDs can put you at an increased risk of developing a leaky gut.
Steroids
Steroids can be necessary and very helpful in short bursts, but extended use of steroids can wreak havoc on your body. Long-term use can weaken the immune system increasing the risk for infection. And have been known to weaken the bones increasing the risk of osteoporosis.
Ways to naturally reduce inflammation
These are natural remedies that work for me to reduce inflammation. Always check with your doctor first.
Exercise
Regular exercising reduces the inflammation levels present in the body by activating the sympathetic nervous system. Focus on consistently getting moderate exercise. Low-intensity forms of exercise you can try are walking, yoga, pilates, and swimming. Even taking your dog to the park regularly can be an exercise for you and your dog! Start small and listen to your body.
Diet
The food that you eat can be a huge contributor to inflammation. Trying a diet like the autoimmune protocol will help you narrow down what foods are inflammatory to you. On the AIP diet, you cut out food groups and then reintroduce them one by one. The introductory period can last anywhere from 30-90 days. So you can see which foods irritate you. To check out more about the autoimmune protocol click here.
Foods that cause inflammation in the body
- refined carbohydrates
- fried foods
- sugar
- omega-6 fatty acids
- gluten
- red meat
- processed foods
- trans fats
Foods that can reduce inflammation in the body
- ginger
- garlic
- Omega-3s and other fatty acids (can be found in fatty fish, flax seeds, walnuts, chia seeds, and hemp seeds)
- leafy greens
- vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, etc)
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CBD cream
All of my favorite CBD products come from Truly Beauty. I notice almost instant relief from inflammation and discomfort when I use their unicorn CBD body butter, Blueberry kush CBD bundle, and etc. I will list out all of my favorite CBD products from Truly beauty below. But first I wanted to let y’all know we are so excited to share a 15% off coupon code you can use at checkout. We’ve used Truly CBD products for years so being able to share a code with y’all is so exciting. You can use code “AIPILL” for 15% off at checkout!
- Unicorn CBD body butter
- Blueberry kush CBD body scrub
- Blueberry kush CBD body lotion
- Blueberry kush CBD body oil
- Anti-blemish CBD body mask
- Hemp jelly baby routine
- Pineapple haze bundle
Turmeric
Turmeric is a powerful spice that contains curcumin. Which is a natural anti-inflammatory. It can aid in reducing inflammation, pain, improves memory, lowers risks of heart disease, and fights free radicals. There are many ways of getting your daily turmeric in like supplements, teas, incorporating it into your meals, and vitamins. I feel I get the best results when I drink this tea. My knees feel better within 15-20 minutes. The taste took some getting used to, but now I enjoy the earthly flavor. I even find myself craving it for the benefits and pain relief it gives me.
Inflammation has many benefits. It’s the natural process of the body that helps us recover from injuries and fight off infections. It only becomes a problem when there is too much inflammation, but luckily with the right lifestyle changes. You can naturally heal your inflammation. There are many foods, supplements, and lifestyle changes that can help you begin. While avoiding the negative side effects of over-the-counter medicines.
However, if you feel your symptoms are worsening or not improving after natural treatment alternatives. Always speak with your doctor. They will be able to let you know what other options you have for reducing inflammation.
Let us know if you try any of the natural treatment options, and how they work for you. Click here to get access to our free resource library. There you can find a free symptom tracker printable, so you will be able to see if natural treatment options work for you or not!
