Steroids are often prescribed to reduce inflammation and the associated symptoms of various conditions. However, there are other alternatives that can be used to reduce inflammation without the side effects of steroids. Common over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications for arthritis include ibuprofen, naproxen, and diclofenac gel. Enteral nutrition, which is a special diet that only contains fluids, can be used as an alternative to steroids to induce remission.
This approach may be especially helpful for children when there is concern that steroids may affect growth. In adults, studies show that steroids work better at inducing remission than enteral therapy, but liquid diets or supplements can be used to support nutrition. If you prefer to try the liquid diet approach, talk to your healthcare provider. Omega-3 fatty acids, which are abundant in fatty fish such as cod, are among the most powerful anti-inflammatory supplements.
In a study of 250 people with pain due to degenerative disc disease, 59% of participants were able to replace fish oil with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The correct dosage varies depending on the strength of the supplement. Some products come in pill form, while other manufacturers sell omega-3 in oil form. When using these products, people should always follow the instructions on the package.
Like many prescription anti-inflammatory medications, omega-3 fatty acids and fish oil can increase the risk of bleeding. People with bleeding disorders and those taking anticoagulants should not use this supplement. Omega-3 fatty acids are available for purchase online.Curcumin, which is an active ingredient in turmeric, is a plant in the ginger family. Animal studies have suggested that it may help reduce inflammation to accelerate wound healing and even reduce the risk of cancer.
While curcumin is safe to take with low doses of NSAIDs, higher doses may increase the risk of bleeding. Curcumin also increases the risk of bleeding in people taking anticoagulants and in people with bleeding disorders. Curcumin is available for purchase online.S-adenosylmethionine (SAM-e) is a substance that the body naturally creates. It plays an important role in the epigenetic regulation of genes.
Some research suggests that zinc is a powerful anti-inflammatory that may help the immune system and reduce several markers of inflammation. Zinc also reduced the infection rate by 66%. People with zinc deficiency are more likely to have arthritis, suggesting a link between zinc deficiency, inflammation and pain.The usual daily dose of zinc supplements is 11 mg for men and 8 mg for women. Taking more than 40 mg a day can be dangerous.
Zinc can interact with calcium, diuretics, and certain antibiotics, so people should talk to a healthcare provider before trying this supplement. Zinc supplements are available for purchase online.Doctors have long suspected that green tea may fight inflammation, as people who live in regions that consume more green tea have lower rates of inflammation-related illnesses. Research suggests that green tea may inhibit the production of certain inflammatory chemicals. It can also help slow the loss of cartilage, reducing symptoms of arthritis.
Green tea contains caffeine, so it's not safe for people who are sensitive to caffeine. Caffeine can cause stomach problems, such as diarrhea.Some companies produce decaffeinated green tea, but researchers don't yet know if this type of green tea is effective in reducing inflammation. Green tea extract is available to buy online.Boswellia serrata resin, or incense, can relieve both inflammation and pain. It can also help reduce cartilage loss and reverse autoimmune symptoms.
It's a fast-acting supplement that can help with osteoarthritis pain in just 5 days. Combining frankincense with curcumin may increase their potency, and some research has found that people tolerate this combination better than NSAID (diclofenac). Frankincense is generally safe, with few side effects.However, some people report stomach pain and gastrointestinal problems, such as diarrhea. Frankincense supplements are available for purchase online.The amount of omega-3 a person needs each day depends on their age and gender.
People with certain health conditions, such as heart disease, depression, and omega-3 fatty acids, are present in foods such as fish.Potential benefits include reducing inflammation and the risk of heart disease. Corticosteroids inhibit inflammation when prescribed at doses that exceed the body's usual levels; this can reduce the signs and symptoms of inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, asthma or skin rashes.Methylprednisolone and prednisone are corticosteroids that can have a significant impact on the body; they are effective medicines to reduce inflammation.A new class of anti-inflammatory drugs could one day serve as an alternative to steroid medications and possibly help avoid the serious side effects of steroids according to research findings from the Salk Institute for Biological Studies.A combination of inhaled steroids and antihistamines (medicines that block the action of histamines) or antileukotrienes (medicines that inhibit the action of substances called leukotrienes) is likely to be extremely effective at reducing inflammation while avoiding oral steroids.
