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Herbs with Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Inflammation is a normal process of the immune response against infections, injuries, and toxins. The cells respond to these situations through a natural process that releases different substances in the affected area or organ.

It usually resolves after a few hours or days, so it only becomes a minor annoyance. However, the inflammatory response can last for a long time, and if it is not treated, it can lead to diseases like chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS).

To reduce systemic inflammation and improve health, it is necessary to follow medical recommendations and make lifestyle changes, such as including certain foods and herbs in the diet that have anti-inflammatory effects. This article will discuss systemic inflammation, how it affects the body, and potent anti-inflammatory herbs that you can include in your diet with Mitogenesis team guidance.

What are the causes of systemic inflammation?

When the body is attacked by a pathogen or sustains damage, the immune system can respond by inflaming the damaged area. This process allows our body to attack infections more easily and heal the damage they cause. Acute inflammation will subside once the body has eliminated the damage and the healing process begins.

On the other hand, chronic inflammation, also known as systemic inflammation, is triggered by other factors and, if left untreated, will lead to serious conditions that will affect overall health. Several known factors trigger this type of inflammation.

  • Chronic stress. Prolonged stress overstimulates the body and promotes the release of hormones, such as cortisol. The body cannot process the excess of these hormones, which can promote inflammation.
  • Persistent infections and exposure to toxins. Being exposed to toxins or certain viral and bacterial infections can cause constant inflammation. An example is biotoxin illness.
  • Autoimmune diseases. In a common disease, the immune system attacks pathogens and foreign cells that enter the body, but in an autoimmune disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, the immune system attacks the body due to hyperactivity. This produces chronic inflammation.
  • Unhealthy diet and sedentary lifestyle. The excessive consumption of ultra-processed foods and lack of physical activity not only contribute to obesity and cardiovascular problems. They can also generate an inflammatory response in the body and affect the immune system's reaction.

How does systemic inflammation affect the body?

Chronic inflammation has serious repercussions on health, in addition to affecting the immune system's response, as it becomes overstimulated and is more difficult to recover from in the event of an actual infection or damage.

Among the main consequences of this inflammatory process, the following stand out:

Cardiovascular diseases

Inflammation is key in the development of conditions such as arteriosclerosis, a condition that hardens the walls of the arteries, increasing blood pressure, limiting blood flow, and preventing all organs from receiving the adequate amount of oxygen through the blood. Inflammation can also cause other heart problems, such as heart attacks, the formation of clots, and others.

Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance, which prevents the body from regulating blood glucose levels. While chronic inflammation is not the main factor for its development, it is closely related, so it can increase the likelihood of suffering from it if combined with weight and inadequate diet factors.

Neurodegenerative disorders

It has been associated with neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, with inflammatory processes in the brain. The central nervous system is highly exposed to chronic inflammation, especially because it does not have the ability to replicate its own cells, and the damage is often permanent.

Obesity

This disease that affects more than 40% of adults in the United States is multifactorial. Chronic inflammation is one of the factors that contributes to storing visceral fat and hinders metabolic regulation, making exercise and diet less effective.

Cancer

Cancer is the abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells. It is a multifactorial disease, but some organic processes can promote its development. Chronic inflammation creates an environment that promotes the growth of tumor cells.

Herbs with anti-inflammatory properties and their mechanisms of action

For centuries, traditional medicine has used herbs and roots in the treatment of diseases. With the development of medical sciences, many of these products were analyzed and used to develop specialized medications and treatments. Although their use has decreased, they are still recommended by health specialists to improve immune protection, promote optimal health, and serve as an adjunct to certain medical treatments.

In the case of inflammation, there are several herbs that have anti-inflammatory effects and provide health benefits. It is important that, before introducing these foods into your diet, you consult with a medical specialist, such as Dr. Mel from Mitogenesis, who will guide you with an integrated treatment for various diseases, such as CIRS, biotoxin illness, or cancer.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

Curcumin is the active compound in turmeric and has been shown to have properties for inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines and blocking the action of NF-kB, a key protein in the inflammatory response. If included regularly in the diet, it will promote inflammatory reduction, protect the cardiovascular system, and improve brain health. It can also be recommended as an aid in some inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

It has been used to relieve joint pain and digestive problems and strengthen the immune system. Although it also contains important anti-inflammatory compounds: gingerols and shogaols. These molecules help inhibit the production of prostaglandins and cytokines that promote inflammation.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

Researchers have studied its benefits in promoting cardiovascular health and protecting the brain from cognitive decline. It is an herb that has a lot of rosmarinic acid and carnosol, which are chemicals that help reduce inflammation by stopping enzymes that cause inflammation from working.

Oregano (Origanum vulgare)

Various studies have been conducted on its properties to combat respiratory and digestive infections, with promising results. Among its compounds, it contains carvacrol and thymol, which have significant anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects.

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)

It is popularly used to relieve digestive problems, reduce stress, and promote sleep in people with mild insomnia. It is an herb with high levels of flavonoids, such as apigenin, which help reduce the activity of inflammatory prostaglandins.

Green tea (Camellia sinensis)

It is very popular in traditional Eastern medicine for its benefits in cardiovascular health, brain protection, and weight control. Recent studies have demonstrated its richness in catechins, which inhibit the activity of free radicals and alleviate chronic inflammation.

Nettle (Urtica dioica)

It contains phenolics, a group of compounds that regulate the body's inflammatory response. Regular consumption helps reduce the symptoms of diseases related to chronic inflammation, such as arthritis. It also has benefits for kidney function.

Relationship between chronic inflammation and the immune system

For the immune system to function properly, it largely depends on the body's inflammation being balanced. If not enough, it won't fight pathogens or damage, but too much will weaken defenses.

Consuming herbs with anti-inflammatory properties will help with immune health and regulate the body's inflammatory response. Additionally, many of these foods also contribute to

  • Reduce oxidative stress. Many of these herbs, in addition to having anti-inflammatory effects, are rich in antioxidants, which helps protect cells from oxidation and free radicals.
  • Balance the immune response. They help regulate and modulate the immune system. For example, they help prevent autoimmune diseases by regulating the body's cytokines.
  • Promote cell regeneration. Combined with a healthy diet and exercise, they facilitate the repair of damaged tissues and optimize the functioning of the immune system.

Contact our Mitogenesis medical expert in Scottsdale, AZ

Chronic inflammation has a very severe impact on health, so regular consumption of herbs with anti-inflammatory properties will help reduce the effects. Always follow the recommendations of medical staff, maintain a balanced diet, and engage in regular exercise.  

Before incorporating these herbs into your diet, consult a specialist, especially if you are undergoing treatment for chronic diseases or have any pre-existing conditions. Incorporating them into your daily diet can be a natural and effective strategy to promote a healthier life.

At Mitogenesis Regenerative Medicine, we can find a comprehensive strategy that can transform your life, alleviate inflammatory processes, and detoxify the body to improve overall well-being and quality of life.  

If you wish to contact Dr. Mel Schottenstein at Mitogenesis or learn more about the treatments we offer, please call us or fill out a contact form with your information!

Sources:

Which Herbs Can Help Reduce Inflammation? (https://www.healthline.com/health/osteoarthritis/turmeric-and-anti-inflammatory-herbs)

Review of Anti-Inflammatory Herbal Medicines (PMCID: PMC4877453 PMID: 27247570)

Anti-Inflammatory Herbs and Spices (https://www.thepaincenter.com/blog/anti-inflammatory-herbs-and-spices/)

Anti-Inflammatory Foods (https://www.va.gov/files/2023-09/Anti-Inflammatory%20Herbs%2C%20Spices%20and%20Condiments.pdf)

Which Herbs Can Help Reduce Inflammation? (https://www.healthline.com/health/osteoarthritis/turmeric-and-anti-inflammatory-herbs)

Reviewed by:

Dr. Mel Schottenstein

Naturopathic Doctor

NMD, MBE, MScN, FICT, FSCT

Disclaimer: The information in this article is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for the advice of your physician or other health care professional. Do not use the information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Always consult with a healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem.

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