Chronic inflammation is a growing problem, affecting a significant portion of the global population. In fact, according to a recent Nature Medicine publication diseases that have been linked to chronic inflammation are “the most significant cause of death in the world today,” with more than 50% of all deaths being attributable to an inflammation-based illness.
Natural anti-inflammatory supplements are rapidly gaining recommendation as a valuable tool for protecting against the high levels of inflammation in the current Western world. Nature’s study also indicates that the evolution of inflammation-based ailments is affected by changes in the social, environmental, and lifestyle factors we are exposed to as a society.
Every day, more people experience an increase in inflammatory conditions exacerbated by exposure to free radicals, poor nutrition, and stress.
Through natural anti-inflammatory substances, it’s possible to balance the body, and reduce the threat of inflammation.
What are Natural Anti-inflammatory foods?
Many anti-inflammatory substances are chosen for their unique bioactive compounds and beneficial nutritional makeup. Alpha-Lipoic acid, for instance, is an antioxidant which protects cells against damage, restores levels of vitamin C and E, and reduces inflammation. Alpha-Lipoic acid has been proven to reduce inflammation linked to problems like heart disease, liver disease, and other disorders. Curcumin, a component of the turmeric spice, is widely renowned for its health benefits, and ability to decrease inflammation in diabetes, heart disease, and IBS.
Even more traditional substances like fish oil supplements can be effective as anti-inflammatory agents. Fish oil supplements decrease inflammation associated with heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, often thanks to substances like eicosapentaenoic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid.
Found in blueberries, grapes, and other fruits with purple skin, resveratrol can reduce inflammation in individuals with various conditions, including insulin resistance. Combined with vitamin C, and beta glucans (the main bioactive compound in medicinal mushrooms), resveratrol can significantly suppress the growth of tumors, and reduce inflammation.
Medicinal Mushrooms as Anti-Inflammatory Supplements
Unfortunately, many common natural anti-inflammatory supplements aren’t suited for every situation. While not every natural anti-inflammatory supplement works perfectly for every patient, ongoing research into this topic has revealed a new range of holistic ways for practitioners to treat and prevent inflammation-based diseases.
Medicinal mushrooms have been used extensively throughout the centuries for their nutritional and medicinal values. Modern research confirms that these products can help with various kinds of inflammations. Mushrooms contain bioactive compounds to protect the body against various inflammation issues within the body. Reishi mushrooms, for instance, contain high doses of triterpenoids, which enhance the immunomodulatory functions of the body.
Since inflammation is an immune system response, it makes sense that improving the performance of the immune system would also support the body in fighting unnecessary inflammation. Ganoderic acid in Reishi can support the body in reducing inflammation in all parts of the body, reducing responses to infections and external stimuli.
Many medicinal mushrooms, including Reishi are naturally rich in anti-inflammatory components, such as phenolic and indolic compounds, mycosteroids, fatty acids, vitamins, carotenoids, and biometals. Metabolites from medicinal mushrooms can also contain antioxidant properties, which fight against other issues that may cause problems with inflammation long-term.
Natural Responses to Inflammation
Crucially, anti-inflammatory substances like medicinal mushrooms should be recommended as part of a holistic treatment strategy when all of the information has been thoroughly considered. If the underlying source of the inflammation requires its own treatment strategy, mushrooms may be used as a supplement to enhance the wellbeing and recovery of the patient.
Medicinal mushroom supplementation, in addition to other treatment methods, is particularly valuable because well-designed supplements do not have a negative impact on other treatment options. Whereas other supplements can interact poorly with medicinal substances given as a pharmaceutical therapy, mushroom-based supplements have not been found to have any similar negative interactions.
Additionally, unlike some of the natural anti-inflammatory supplements mentioned above, mushrooms are generally well-tolerated by most people.
Moreover, they have been proven safe in many studies. It is always best to look for nutraceuticals with extracts which are deemed by their own security studies to be safe and healthy.