What to Take for Inflammation: NSAIDs vs. Natural Anti-Inflammatories
NSAIDs vs. Natural Anti-Inflammatories
Inflammation is the body’s natural response to illness, injury, and stress. Systemic inflammation may also be related to poor dietary habits and lifestyle habits.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a class of over the counter drug that are commonly used and widely suggested by doctors. In general, NSAIDs are medications that help reduce the inflammatory response, decrease fever, and prevent pain. NSAIDs also do not contain steroid compounds.
An increasing amount of research points out that NSAID use doesn’t come without risk. The use of NSAIDs comes with the risk of a variety of alarming side effects. Evidence is mounting that suggests NSAIDs are associated with adverse effects to the cardiac and renal systems, as well as potential damage to the gastrointestinal tract. Because of all the risks associated with NSAID use, it makes sense that people are looking for more natural ways to reduce inflammation and manage pain.
How do NSAIDs work?
At their most basic level, NSAIDs work to relieve pain, fevers, and inflammation. NSAIDs exert their effects on the body by inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are a naturally synthesized compound created by the body in response to injury or illness and are fundamental to the overall inflammatory process. These prostaglandins are essential to the inflammatory process and are created by an enzyme called COX. NSAIDs generally work to inhibit this enzyme and block the inflammatory process.
Commonly used NSAIDs include:
- Advil/Motrin (ibuprofen)
- Aleve (naproxen sodium)
- Aspirin
- Celebrex
Unfortunately, research on NSAID use indicates that they can disrupt some vital organ systems and oftentimes carry more risks than benefits. The dangerous side effects associated with NSAID use have led to increasing interest in more natural products to relieve inflammation for both healthcare professionals as well as the general public.
Natural anti-inflammatories have been used for thousands of years for pain relief and to treat inflammation. Traditionally, these nutraceutical preparations have been derived from plant compounds.
Examples of natural anti-inflammatories:
- Curcumin (compound found in turmeric)
- Reservatrol (an antioxidant found in green and purple plants)
- Capsaicin (compound found in chili peppers)
- Fermented Soy
- Ginger
- Cannabidiol (also known as CBD)
Natural anti-inflammatories offer the body a gentler, and often a more synergistic, alternative for the body. One way of approaching natural alternatives is not only adding specific ingredients into your life but by increasing the overall anti-inflammatory meals in your diet. This can include using some of the items listed above as well as eating a diet full of plants, vegetables and whole grains while limiting foods like red meat, dairy and processed items. One of the most important things to remember is our health is tied to what we eat. Whole foods are key to a healthy diet and a healthy life.
Also, a positive for most natural anti-inflammatories is they rarely have side-effects with use. But, as with anything you are adding to your health regimen it is best to discuss their use with your healthcare provider.
Inflammation is a natural response to illness, injury, and stress. And ongoing inflammation may also be related to poor dietary habits, illness and disease. In most cases, additional support is essential to the necessary healing process and to promote overall health.
How Haelan 951 can help
Haelan 951 is an immune-boosting nutritional aid with a proven history of improving overall health and quality of life. Our product contains extremely bioavailable anti-inflammatory compounds from natural plant sources. Haelan 951 is specially formulated to contain calculated levels of various immune-boosting phytonutrients, each having been studied for their effects on inflammation, oxidation, and immune function. This 100% naturally derived nutritional aid contains immune-modulating compounds that may help reduce systemic inflammation without the unnecessary risks associated with pharmaceuticals such as NSAIDs.