The use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatories drugs (NSAIDs) is starting to get out of control. These over-the-counter drugs are great for minor injuries and sudden aches, but many people are taking them regularly for chronic conditions. More and more studies are coming out every day on the risks associated with the daily use of these medications, with side effects ranging from peptic ulcers, kidney failure, or even heart attack. Your Rochester chiropractor can recommend more natural alternatives that can prevent inflammation in a similar way as these drugs without the side effects. Let’s talk about some of the more non-conventional anti-inflammatory options that may be helpful for those chronic inflammatory conditions.
Ginkgo Biloba
This Chinese herb has been used for thousands of years. While traditional Chinese medicine used the leaves and seeds, modern versions extract the beneficial nutrients and package them in a more dense supplement. The reason Ginkgo is a powerful anti-inflammatory is due to the high concentration of antioxidant compounds. Ginkgo has a high level of flavonoids and terpenoids, two compounds known for their antioxidant properties. Research has shown that Ginkgo reduces inflammatory markers that are produced from a number of chronic diseases such as arthritis, IBS, cancer, and chronic heart disease.
Garlic
Historically, garlic has been used for thousands of years all around the world to treat many different digestive disorders. Today garlic is one of the most researched medicinal foods and has studies showing strong evidence of its anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. Garlic contains compounds that have been shown to affect the cells responsible for the inflammatory process, improving their efficiency and allowing them to control inflammation without an overloading immune response.
Turmeric
This golden-colored strong-smelling spice has been used in India for the last 4500 years. Turmeric contains a significant amount of curcumin, the nutrient responsible for its medicinal properties as well as its yellow color. Curcumin is a very powerful antioxidant but has unique properties that make it specifically useful for inflammation in the gut. Studies have shown turmeric reduces inflammatory damage caused by IBS, diabetes, and also can help prevent stomach and colon cancer. Turmeric can also be applied directly to the skin and has been shown to help improve the rate of wound healing.
These are just three of the many different types of natural anti-inflammatory herbs and foods that you can introduce into your diet. If you are interested in learning more about natural anti-inflammatories, schedule a free consultation with your nutritionist in Rochester. Here at Rush-Henrietta Family Chiropractic, your Rochester chiropractor has been trained in supporting all inflammatory conditions using natural non-pharmacological methods. Schedule an appointment and learn more about these NSAID alternatives.
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