What is Inflammation?

Inflammation is a protective process that the body uses to fight infection and foreign substances such as viruses or bacteria. Inflammation is responsible for the swelling, redness, and pain associated with injuries. Other signs of acute inflammation include heat and loss of movement. Pain management is often an important part of addressing inflammation. Inflammation can become dangerous to your health if it becomes unresolved or chronic.

What are the Causes of Inflammation?

Listed below are some of the most common causes of inflammation:

• Pathogens (germs) like bacteria, viruses or fungi
• External injuries like scrapes or foreign objects
• Cystitis, or inflammation of the bladder
• Bronchitis, or inflammation of the bronchi
• Otitis media, a middle ear infection
• Dermatitis, a condition where skin is inflamed
• Arthritis, inflammation of the joints
• Food allergies/sensitivities
• Autoimmune diseases

Natural Treatments for Reducing Inflammation

Holistic treatment of inflammation involves removing triggers such as eliminating possible infections, making diet modifications, and supplementing with beneficial nutrients to promote healing, and the resolution of inflammation.

Managing Inflammation through Diet

Eating nutrient dense, antioxidant rich, and anti-inflammatory foods can help to promote a healthy immune response and reduce inflammation. These foods are health promoting and protective to the body. Examples include dark leafy greens, colorful fruits and vegetables, healthy proteins and healthy fats, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes.

It is important to eliminate pro-inflammatory foods, such as sugar, refined carbohydrates, hydrogenated or unhealthy fats, and processed foods, because they contribute to pain, swelling, and cellular damage. An increase in inflammation has been associated with most chronic diseases including arthritis, heart disease, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and various cancers.

Managing Inflammation with Natural Supplements

Pathway INFLAMMOVE

Pathway INFLAMMOVE contains comprehensive blend of herbs, enzymes, and antioxidant nutrients
that supports healthy joint mobility. Key ingredients include turmeric, ginger, white willow, boswellia, devil’s claw, papain, bromelain, resveratrol and grape seed extract. This formula is recommended for anyone experiencing either acute or chronic pain and inflammation.

Turmeric

Turmeric has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as cardiovascular, brain, liver, and digestive protective capabilities. Studies support its use in a variety of inflammatory conditions, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, pancreatitis, ulcerative colitis, and post-surgery recover. Pathway TURMERIC extract contains Curcumin C3 Complex, a patented blend of curcuminoids that has been clinically studied.

Proteolytic Enzymes

Pathway PROLYT contains a synergistic blend of full strength enzymes naturally extracted from fruit-in addition to the bioflavonoids quercetin and grape seed pycnogenols. Together, these nutrients ensure proper protein digestion and a normal inflammatory response, blocking the enzyme that gives rise to histamine. This blend also helps to maintain strong connective tissue.

Fish Oil

Studies show that EPA and DHA, the omega–3 essential fatty acids in fish oil, can provide pain relief and promote joint health as well as joint mobility and flexibility. Extensive research has documented the health benefits of EPA and DHA which include not only for joint mobility and inflammation support, but also benefit brain and cognitive function, eye health, pregnancy and lactation, skin and hair health, and promote healthy immune function. 

Holistic Support for Inflammation

Village Green Apothecary offers a variety of natural solutions for alleviating your inflammation and improving your quality of life. Holistic support for inflammation includes:

• Diet recommendations
• Lifestyle recommendations
• Exercise tips
• Natural supplements

We’re here to help! 

Schedule a consultation with one of Village Green’s naturopathic doctors or certified nutritionists for a personal assessment of your unique situation. During your appointment (either by phone or in-person), our professionals will:

• Review your arthritis symptoms and health history
• Examine your diet and lifestyle
• Recommend specialized testing
• Assess possible drug-nutrient interactions or depletions
• Answer any questions you may have
• Evaluate arthritis pain management options
• Create a customized plan that includes natural solutions, custom compounding, diet, and lifestyle recommendation

 Contact a Village Green nutritionist to help you design the best diet plan for your needs by calling 800-869-9159.

  Learn more about our nutrition counseling and wellness services.