The best anti-inflammatory may not be the standard NSAID or over-counter treatment.
Inflammation is a natural and innate response of the immune system, which occurs when the body suffers an infection, injury, or exposure to certain substances. Unfortunately, this natural response can turn into a chronic issue when the immune system and homeostasis are in poor condition.
One of the most important medical discoveries of recent decades has been that the inflammatory processes of the immune system are involved not just in a few select disorders, but in a wide variety of medical and physical health problems. Indeed, chronic inflammation in its many forms is widely recognized as the most significant cause of death in the world today.
Over 50% of all deaths are attributed to inflammation-related diseases, ranging from diabetes mellitus to heart disease, stroke, chronic kidney disease, and cancer.
Unfortunately, dealing with the pervasive issue of inflammation is extremely complicated.
Treating Inflammation (Acute and Chronic)
Inflammation is a process characterized by the activation of non-immune and immune-system cells, designed to protect human bodies from toxins, viruses, bacteria, and infections. The inflammatory process plays an important part in promoting tissue repair and recovery.
However, even slight changes in the metabolic, neuroendocrine, and immune system operation can turn an acute instant of inflammation into a chronic condition. Inflammation is also a consistent symptom of many diseases, from asthma and rheumatoid arthritis to multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, and type 2 diabetes.
For many practitioners, finding a treatment for chronic and acute conditions alike means not only treating the symptoms of the ailment, but finding a way to reduce the chronic inflammation that occurs as a consistent side-effect. After all, chronic inflammation can also have a negative impact on the immune system, and the ability to recover from chronic conditions.
The most common treatment for both acute and chronic inflammation is often given in the form of steroidal and NSAID medications. Unfortunately, the use of these treatment options is now coming into question, as consumption of NSAIDs frequently causes side effects ranging from increased risk of gastrointestinal toxicity to myocardial infarction. Moreover, studies also reveal that over-the-counter NSAIDs have potent negative effects on human B lymphocytes and on antibody production.
The widespread availability of NSAIDs makes it extremely easy to misuse them. With 20 different kinds of NSAIDs on the market, overdose and mixing medications is common. Additionally, research into NSAIDs is beginning to reveal they may not be safe for certain people. For instance, the FDA recently updated warnings for pregnant women, advising them to stay away from NSAIDs during the latter half of their pregnancy.
To find a more holistic and safer treatment for inflammation, researchers are investigating the benefits of natural compounds, such as dietary supplements. These holistic alternatives to NSAIDs have been used for centuries to reduce pain and inflammation, and they may once again be the best anti-inflammatory option in a world where inflammation is growing increasingly common.
Medicinal Mushrooms as the Best Anti-Inflammatory
Natural anti-inflammatory substances come in a range of forms. Alpha-lipoic acid, a common antioxidant, can assist with protecting cells against damage, while reducing inflammation. This substance has been used to treat problems like heart disease in the past, and handle issues of inflammation. Curcumin as a natural anti-inflammatory too has also been helpful in people with diabetes.
Fortunately, there is a natural solution that could be effective for all patients. Medicinal mushrooms offer a safe, and well-tolerated solution to reducing inflammation. Many of the natural compounds in medicinal mushrooms have been used for centuries to assist with various forms of inflammation.
Bioactive compounds in mushrooms like Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi), support the body in maintaining homeostasis. Reishi mushrooms are immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and anti-viral. High levels of polysaccharides and various diverse metabolites in the Reishi mushroom assist in balancing the body’s crucial functions.
Ganoderic acids, triterpenoids, and other essential compounds in Reishi not only help to minimize inflammation, but they can also mitigate infections and promote wound healing after injury – allowing inflammation to reduce with speed.
Medicinal mushrooms also have a positive effect on the gut microbiota. As prebiotics, medicinal mushrooms help to improve the balance of good bacteria in the gut, contributing to homeostasis, and supporting the natural functioning of the immune system. Substances like Hericium erinaceus  (Lion’s mane mushroom), have been found to have a regenerative effect on the intestinal mucosa, improving microbiota balance, and supporting the long-term functioning of the immune system.
The Best Anti-Inflammatory is a Natural Solution
Medicinal mushrooms are naturally high in substances crucial to improving the performance of the immune system and boosting faster recovery from injury and illness. Medicinal mushrooms include phenolic and indolic compounds, fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, carotenoids, and high levels of antioxidants, capable of fighting against free radicals and other common sources of inflammation.
Perhaps most importantly, because medicinal mushrooms are safe and natural, they offer a reliable solution to all kinds of inflammatory conditions, often working alongside other therapeutic processes. Medicinal mushrooms may even be used as a preventative measure in people pre-disposed to inflammatory conditions.
As the evidence continues to show that the best anti-inflammatory could be a natural solution, medicinal mushrooms represent a safe and adaptable way to treat various kinds of inflammation.