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What are Anti-Inflammatory Supplements?

Andrea Sigust
Andrea Sigust

An anti-inflammatory supplement is a non-pharmaceutical substance that is primarily taken to combat the effects of chronic inflammation. Inflammation is the body’s response to tissue damage in a localized area. Chronic inflammation is generally experienced for an extended period of time — possibly for many years — and is the result of a complex network of physiological reactions in the body. Most conditions that exemplify chronic inflammation are categorized as diseases such as cancer, asthma and arthritis. Symptoms of chronic inflammation can include acute version as well as other symptoms that are specific to the nature of the inflammatory disease in question.

Anti-inflammatory supplements come in a variety of forms, such as vitamins, minerals, oils and herbs. They can be taken orally in the form of pills or liquids or topically through creams or other agents. Even though most anti-inflammatory supplements are natural substances, they also are effective in synthetic form.

Fish oil tablets, a type of anti-inflammatory supplement.
Fish oil tablets, a type of anti-inflammatory supplement.

Examples of vitamins and minerals that are taken as anti-inflammatory supplements include vitamins A, C and E and selenium. Vitamins A and E are antioxidants that are frequently used to treat arthritis. They have been shown to reduce joint swelling and pain in many patients. Vitamin C is another powerful antioxidant that is known to treat a wide range of inflammatory conditions, including rashes, certain cardiovascular diseases, asthma and arthritis. Selenium is a mineral that is used in the treatment of inflammatory digestive conditions such Crohn’s disease, colitis and irritable bowel syndrome as well as heart disease, cancer and arthritis.

Olive oil, which offers various health benefits, is known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Olive oil, which offers various health benefits, is known for its anti-inflammatory properties.

Various oils are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, including fish oil, olive oil and emu oil. Omega-3 fatty acid and cod liver are two popular fish oils that are taken as anti-inflammatory supplements to combat the symptoms of asthma, arthritis and certain cancers. Olive oil is known for its overall cardiovascular benefits, and like fish oil, it contains natural anti-inflammatory agents. It is used in the treatment of asthma, arthritis and numerous skin conditions.

Some people choose to use supplements instead of prescription anti-inflammatory drugs.
Some people choose to use supplements instead of prescription anti-inflammatory drugs.

Emu oil is oil that is extracted from the fat of an Australian bird called an emu. It used to treat the pain that is associated with chronic inflammatory disorders in the joints, bones and muscle. It also can be used to treat acute conditions in which localized pain and swelling occur.

These and other anti-inflammatory supplements typically can be purchased without a prescription and are not regulated by government health and nutrition agencies. As with regulated pharmaceutical products, however, they also have varying side effects and drug interactions. A doctor or pharmacist can provide additional information about specific anti-inflammatory supplements.

Discussion Comments

Spotiche5

@ocelot60- Instead of fish oil supplements, take flax oil. This form of Omega-3 fatty acid also has anti-inflammatory benefits though it is not has harsh on the stomach.

Flax oil supplements are available in capsule form, or you can also find it in liquid form that can be taken by the spoonful or mixed into drinks.

Heavanet

@ocelot60- You should try taking an Omega-3 fatty acid supplement that is in gummy form. Though this form of the supplement doesn't have as much of this essential oil as the fish oil capsule form has, the gummy form is much less likely to cause upset stomach. Gummy Omega-3 supplements are also easy to take, and taste great.

Ocelot60

I like the idea of using Omega-3 fatty acids for inflammation, but I can't take fish oil capsules because they upset my stomach. Does anyone have some suggestions for some alternative Omega-3 supplements?

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    • Fish oil tablets, a type of anti-inflammatory supplement.
      Fish oil tablets, a type of anti-inflammatory supplement.
    • Olive oil, which offers various health benefits, is known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
      By: margo555
      Olive oil, which offers various health benefits, is known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
    • Some people choose to use supplements instead of prescription anti-inflammatory drugs.
      By: Arcangel
      Some people choose to use supplements instead of prescription anti-inflammatory drugs.
    • Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can reduce swelling.
      By: chardchanin
      Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can reduce swelling.
    • Daily doses of omega-3 and other anti-inflammatory supplements may help patients with osteoarthritis.
      By: maska82
      Daily doses of omega-3 and other anti-inflammatory supplements may help patients with osteoarthritis.