How To Get Rid Of Inflammation In Body In South Africa
What is Inflammation?
Inflammation is a process by which your body’s white blood cells and the things they make protect you from infection from outside invaders, such as bacteria and viruses.
How To Get Rid Of Inflammation In Body In South Africa
Treatment of inflammation will depend on the cause and severity. Often, there is no need for treatment.
Sometimes, however, not treating inflammation can result in life threatening symptoms.
During an allergic reaction, for example, inflammation can cause severe swelling that may close the airways, making it impossible to breathe. It is essential to have treatment if this reaction occurs.
Without treatment, some infections can enter the blood, resulting in sepsis. This is another life threatening condition that needs urgent medical treatment.
Acute inflammation
A doctor may prescribe treatment to remove the cause of inflammation, manage symptoms, or both.
For a bacterial or fungal infection, for example, they may prescribe antibiotics or antifungal treatment.
Here are some treatments specifically for treating inflammation:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) will not remove the cause of inflammation, but they can help relieve pain, swelling, fever, and other symptoms. They do this by countering an enzyme that contributes to inflammation.
Examples of NSAIDs include naproxen, ibuprofen, and aspirin. These are available to purchase online or over the counter. People should check first with a doctor or pharmacist to ensure they make the right choice.
People should only use NSAIDs long term if a doctor recommends them, as they can have adverse effects. Aspirin is not suitable for children.
Pain relief: Acetaminophen, including paracetamol or Tylenol, can relieve pain but does not reduce inflammation. These drugs allow the inflammation to continue its role in healing.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids, such as cortisol, are a type of steroid hormone. They affect various mechanisms involved in inflammation.
Corticosteroids can help manage a range of conditions, including:
- arthritis
- temporal arteritis
- dermatitis
- inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- systemic lupus
- hepatitis
- asthma
- allergic reactions
They are available as pills, injections, in an inhaler, or as creams or ointments.
Long-term use of corticosteroids can be harmful. A doctor can advise on their risks and benefits.
Treatment for diseases that involve long-term inflammation will depend on the condition.
Some drugs act to repress the body’s immune reactions. These can help relieve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and other similar autoimmune reactions. However, they can also leave a person’s body less able to fight an infection if it occurs.
People who have undergone transplant surgery also need to take immunosuppressant drugs to prevent their bodies from rejecting the new organ. They, too, need to take extra care to avoid exposure to infections.
Herbs for inflammation
Various herbal supplements may help manage inflammation.
Harpagophytum procumbens: Also known as devil’s claw, wood spider, or grapple plant, this herb comes from South Africa and is related to sesame plants. Some older research from 2011 has shown it may have anti-inflammatory properties. Various brands are available to purchase online.
Hyssop: People can mix this plant with other herbs, such as licorice, for the treatment of some lung conditions, including airway inflammation. However, the hyssop essential oil has led to life threatening convulsions in laboratory animals, so caution is necessary.
Ginger: People have long used ginger to treat dyspepsia, constipation, colic, and other gastrointestinal problems, as well as rheumatoid arthritis pain. Ginger is available fresh in groceries or online in supplement form.
Turmeric: Curcumin, the main ingredient in turmeric, may have benefits for arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, and some other inflammatory conditions. Supplements with turmeric and curcumin are available online.
Cannabis: A cannabinoid called cannabichromene Trusted Sourcemay have anti-inflammatory properties. People should check first if cannabis-related products are legal where they live.
Learn more here about anti-inflammatory supplements.
These herbs are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for medicinal use. Always talk to a doctor before using any herbal or other supplements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the fastest way to get rid of inflammation in the body?
To reduce inflammation fast, limit your intake of sugar and processed foods. Perhaps, more importantly, though, pursue exercise, stress-reducing behaviors, a good night’s sleep, and a diet full of colorful, anti-inflammatory foods.
How do you treat full body inflammation?
- Correct, control, or slow down the disease process.
- Avoid or change activities that aggravate pain.
- Ease pain through pain medications and anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Keep joint movement and muscle strength through physical therapy.
- Lower stress on joints by using braces, splints, or canes as needed
What are the 5 classic signs of inflammation?
Based on visual observation, the ancients characterised inflammation by five cardinal signs, namely redness (rubor), swelling (tumour), heat (calor; only applicable to the body’ extremities), pain (dolor) and loss of function (functio laesa).
What is the strongest anti-inflammatory?
Research shows diclofenac is the strongest and most effective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine available
Why do I have so much inflammation in my body?
The most common reasons for chronic inflammation include: Autoimmune disorders, such as lupus, where your body attacks healthy tissue. Exposure to toxins, like pollution or industrial chemicals. Untreated acute inflammation, such as from an infection or injury
Can inflammation be cured?
Treatment of inflammation will depend on the cause and severity. Often, there is no need for treatment. Sometimes, however, not treating inflammation can result in life threatening symptoms.
What vitamins are good for inflammation?
Vitamin E. Packed with antioxidants, vitamin E boosts your immune system and may also ease inflammation. If you have rheumatoid arthritis, you might find it helps manage pain when used with standard treatment. You can easily get it from the foods you eat.
How long does it take to reduce inflammation in the body?
Acute inflammation should go away within a few days, unless it’s left untreated. If you’re experiencing any signs of long-term inflammation, make an appointment with your doctor. They can run some tests and review your symptoms to see if you need treatment for any underlying conditions.
Does apple cider vinegar help with inflammation?
Apple cider vinegar is known for its anti-inflammatory effects and numerous health benefits
Are eggs inflammatory?
Consuming eggs regularly can lead to an increased amount of swelling and joint pain. The yolks contain arachidonic acid, which helps trigger inflammation in the body. Eggs also contain saturated fat which can also induce joint pain.
Are bananas anti-inflammatory?
Bananas are versatile fruits with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties that can help counteract inflammation and support the body’s immune system. People may benefit from an anti-inflammatory diet and avoiding pro-inflammatory foods.
Coffee may help reduce inflammation in most people. However, some people may experience increased inflammation following coffee consumption. If this applies to you, consider reducing your intake.
Are eggs an anti-inflammatory food? Yes. Eggs are a source of vitamin D, which has anti-inflammatory effects. 10 They’re also a good source of protein and B vitamins.
Does vitamin D reduce inflammation?
An active metabolite of vitamin D—(not the over-the-counter version) — is involved in shutting down inflammation, which could potentially be beneficial in patients with severe COVID-19
Does low vitamin D cause inflammation?
A vitamin D deficiency results in a chemical stimulus that causes the nociceptors to send pain signals to your spinal cord or brain stem. Inflammation.
Can too much vitamin D cause inflammation?
Hypercalcemia can cause acute pancreatitis, which is the term for inflammation of the pancreas. A 2017 review found that 2 of 19 people with vitamin D toxicity experienced acute pancreatitis as a complication. Each had taken an average of 6,000,000 international units (IU) of the vitamin over 1–3 months.
Can drinking water reduce inflammation?
Health experts recommend that a diet rich in anti-oxidants as well as staying hydrated with enough water are great ways to reduce inflammation in the body. Water is specifically recommended because it can flush toxins and other irritants out of the body.
What happens when inflammation occurs in the body?
The inflammatory response (inflammation) occurs when tissues are injured by bacteria, trauma, toxins, heat, or any other cause. The damaged cells release chemicals including histamine, bradykinin, and prostaglandins. These chemicals cause blood vessels to leak fluid into the tissues, causing swelling
Is honey an anti-inflammatory?
In addition to its use as a natural sweetener, honey is used as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial agent. People commonly use honey orally to treat coughs and topically to treat burns and promote wound healing.
Does lemon help with inflammation?
The antioxidants in lemons are also powerful anti-inflammatory agents. They can help to reduce swelling (even minor internal swelling), thereby enabling your body to repair any damaged tissue
How do I reduce inflammation in my joints?
Preventing Joint Inflammation
- Keep a healthy weight.
- Exercise regularly.
- Don’t smoke.
- Eat a healthy diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Is rice an inflammatory food?
Refined carbohydrates Foods that contain flour, such as breads and crackers, and foods such as white rice and instant mashed potatoes are high-glycemic foods that cause inflammation. These refined carbs are also linked to obesity and a host of chronic conditions.
Does zinc help with inflammation?
Some research suggests that zinc is a potent anti-inflammatory that may support the immune system and reduce several markers of inflammation. According to a 2014 paper, zinc decreased inflammation and oxidative stress among older adults.