Inflammation is the body’s way of fighting infections and healing. Acute inflammation is a valuable and necessary step within our body’s immune response. However, in some situations, inflammation can last longer than it needs to and lead to long term disease or illness. Additionally, inflammation within the digestive tract can lead to uncomfortable corresponding digestive symptoms and disruption to gut function.
The good news is, subtle modifications to your diet and lifestyle can reduce inflammation within your body today and help prevent long term illness tomorrow. Below we have 5 ways you can prevent inflammation naturally.
1. Incorporate Turmeric into your diet.
Turmeric is a popular adaptogenic root packed with over 300 active compounds including curcumin which boasts powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric can also boost brain function, help fight depression, support liver health and aid digestion. Osteoarthritis studies have found that taking curcumin regularly provides pain relief and suggests that it helps reduce inflammation to speed up healing of wounds and may even reduce cancer risk.
Turmeric has been called a “natural immunomodulator” as it helps to boost immunity when you need it and helps to prevent excess inflammation involved in many chronic conditions. Some research suggests that turmeric could also potentially play a role in preventing cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, neurological disease, and skin diseases. You can find turmeric in our Restore blend, use it as a spice while cooking or take it in supplement form.
2. Take Ginseng Daily.
Ginseng is a powerful plant that has been used in Asia for thousands of years for its medicinal properties. Ginseng and its active compounds called ginsenosides work to reduce inflammation and increase the body’s resilience to stressors of all kinds. Adaptogens like ginseng “micro-trigger” the body’s response to physical, emotional, and environmental stressors (such as light and sounds). Like many medicinal herbs, ginseng also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Research suggests that ginseng may also have immunomodulatory and anti-cancer properties that help control blood sugar levels in diabetics.
Ginseng is also classified as a potent nootropic, meaning it is known to enhance memory and cognitive function. Ginseng is easy to add to your diet. You can drink it in our Energy tea blend or add ginseng roots to recipes such as soups and juices, or take it in supplement form.
3. Sip on Ginger.
Ginger has a wide range of uses, similarly to Ginseng, it has been sought after for its profound healing properties for thousands of years. Ginger contains gingerol, potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents that reduce muscle pain, menstrual pain, and exercise-induced soreness. Studies on Ginger's anti-inflammatory properties prove it to be exceptional at managing inflammation from osteoarthritis and arthritis.
4. Stay Hydrated.
Hydration helps our bodies fight inflammation by flushing out toxins. Most of the water in our bodies is found within our connective tissues (tendons, ligaments, etc.) and joints, where water acts as a lubricant. When we get dehydrated, our bodies take water from other areas, including our joints, and redistribute the water where it’s needed. Taking water from your joints enables toxins to remain, which fuels pain and inflammation. By consuming 1 - 1.5L of water per day you can maintain fluid balance and reduce inflammation by preventing joint friction. Dehydration can negatively impact every organ in your body, including the brain, heart, bladder, and even the skin.
5. Let your body rest.
Getting sufficient hours of high-quality sleep enables a well-balanced immune defence to do its job. In fact, some of the immune system’s most critical work is done while we're asleep. The relationship between inflammation and sleep brings together two fundamental symbiotic body systems. Rest and the immune system are dependent on each other for optimal health, but problems in one can affect the other.
There are chemical markers that reflect the interaction between sleep and inflammation—such as C-reactive protein (CRP) a molecule produced in the liver in response to inflammation signals. Poor sleep quality is often associated with an increase in CRP levels. By prioritizing a healthy sleep schedule that includes daytime activity, reducing screen time and caffeine before bed, and consuming herbs that balance your stress system, you’ll catch more zzzzz’s so your body can go to work, repairing itself as you rest.
Inflammation can appear in the body in a multitude of ways, it can be brought on from a heavy workout, a night of one too many cocktails, from menstruation or as a reaction to poor diet and sleep. By incorporating some of these influential herbs, prioritizing hydration and sleep quality, you can fight it off just as quickly as it comes on. Our Adaptogenic Super Tea blends are designed to incorporate many of these inflammation fighting, immune system fortifying, stress-busting adaptogens and botanicals. Take care of your body so your body can take care of you.