If you struggle with issues that revolve around inflammation, I have some unfortunate news to share with you.
While the anti-inflammatory drugs you take provide in-the-moment relief from pain, what they are actually doing over the long term in your body is causing more inflammation.
What is Inflammation?
Inflammation is the body's natural response to injury or infection. It acts as a protective mechanism to heal the body. In this case, short-term inflammation can be a good thing because it's essentially a sign your body is healing.
However, chronic inflammation is a different story. Chronic inflammation is a prolonged inflammatory response that can last from months to years. In this state, the body sends out inflammatory cells, even without an injury or threat to heal. This can be caused or exacerbated by autoimmune issues, infections, chemical exposure, and even from ultra-processed foods [1]. Chronic inflammation has been linked to various health issues, like arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, and even cancer.
When inflamed, many turn to anti-inflammatory drugs for quick relief, but these medications mask symptoms rather than getting to the root cause.
The Hidden Dangers of Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
There is no denying that anti-inflammatory drugs offer quick relief from pain and swelling, however, there is also no denying that their long-term use can actually backfire and increase inflammation.
Medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen work by blocking the enzymes that cause inflammation. However, over time, this blocking can interfere with the body’s natural healing processes, leading to gastrointestinal issues, cardiovascular problems, and even a higher risk of chronic diseases [2]
Research published in the journal "Gastroenterology" found that long-term NSAID use is linked to a significant rise in gastrointestinal complications, including ulcers and bleeding. Another study in "The Lancet" showed that extended use of these drugs can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, especially in those with existing heart conditions. Chronic use of anti-inflammatory drugs can also impair kidney function and worsen conditions like hypertension, further contributing to inflammation in the body.
Understanding these potential dangers is crucial in weighing out the benefits of taking these drugs. I am not saying to never take these drugs if you have a headache or some neck pain, but what I am saying is that it may be beneficial to incorporate some anti-inflammatory foods and natural remedies into your daily routine.
Help Me Lower My Inflammation Naturally
Raw Food for Inflammation
To put it simply, anything you ingest that is not raw is inflammatory.“Raw” pertains to fruits and vegetables that are unheated, uncooked, and unpasteurized. Last I checked, those pills in a bottle are anything BUT raw.
This doesn’t mean that you have to eat “all raw, all the time” to avoid inflammation. What it DOES mean is that the more raw fruits and vegetables you have each day, the less inflamed your body will be.
Here are some foods that can help combat inflammation:
- Red Grapes
- Tomatoes
- Kale
- Spinach
- Collards
- Broccoli
- Strawberries
- Cherries
- Blueberries
- Walnuts
- Almonds
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Turmeric
Celery for Inflammation
One superstar food that virtually destroys inflammation of any kind is celery. Celery is an absolute powerhouse when it comes to gas, bloating, gut health issues, immunity, skin health, and energy levels. There is no match big enough for celery.
Packed with antioxidants and phytonutrients, celery helps reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. Two of its star compounds, apigenin, and luteolin, have amazing anti-inflammatory properties [3]. Apigenin suppresses the enzymes that trigger inflammation, while luteolin tackles inflammatory enzymes and cytokines, reducing inflammation throughout your body.
Plus, celery's high water content and fiber support hydration and digestion, which further help to calm inflammation. By adding celery or its juice to your daily routine, you can naturally combat inflammation and boost your overall health.
Why You Need Celery in Your Life
For years you have probably heard about people drinking celery juice first thing in the morning as part of their healthy routines. And with good reason.
Starting your day with celery juice is an ideal way to reduce inflammation, improve digestion, and improve your energy levels.
Just one bottle of raw celery juice each day can have a tremendous positive impact on your long-term health and overall well-being… unlike taking pills that can likely leave your body in a worse state than where it started.
Get your body on the right track for true health by providing it with the nutrition it needs and deserves.
Reverse Inflammation, Naturally
Part of getting healthy means making informed choices about what goes into your body.
While anti-inflammatory drugs may be effective and offer temporary relief short-term, they can cause more harm than good, especially if used for extended periods of time.
If you want to take preventative steps to combat inflammation or to relieve current inflammation, incorporate raw fruits and vegetables into your diet, especially celery.
By choosing raw, natural remedies over synthetic drugs, you can support your body’s natural healing processes and promote long-term health.
* Check with your practitioner to see if celery juice is right for you.
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