*This post is in partnership with Pascoe Canada.
Inflammation is a hot buzzword these days but what is it?
Inflammation is becoming a common concern for many who are struggling with health issues and it can be linked with just about every health condition. According to Harvard Medical School, “Chronic inflammation plays a central role in some of the most challenging diseases of our time, including rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, heart disease, diabetes, asthma, and even Alzheimer’s.”
There is also evidence that shows chronic inflammation causes and can advance many diseases. Some examples of chronic inflammation can be arthritis which is inflammation of the joints.
Inflammation happens in the body for a reason and if it doesn’t get addressed, it will keep coming back until you get to the root cause! Inflammation is the body’s immune response. When there is acute inflammation, it isn’t necessarily dangerous as it is the body’s way of naturally defending against damaged cells, viruses, and bacteria. Its goal is to remove these harmful invaders and to heal itself. Without inflammation, wounds would just continue to get worse and could develop a severe infection.
HOW DO WE KNOW IF WE HAVE INFLAMMATION?
Symptoms of inflammation can vary depending on if it is acute or chronic inflammation.
Symptoms of acute inflammation include:
-Pain
-Redness
-Swelling
-Immobility
-Heat on the affected area
Symptoms of chronic inflammation include:
-Fatigue
-Mouth Sores
-Chest Pain
-Abdominal Pain
-Fever
-Rash
-Joint Pain
WHAT CAUSES INFLAMMATION?
There can be many contributors to inflammation such as poor nutrition, food allergies/sensitivities, lack of physical exercise, chronic stress, mood disorders, poor gut health and exposure to toxic chemicals.
FOODS THAT CAUSE INFLAMMATION
As a nutritionist, I feel that it is always best to start with food. Are you consuming a diet that is promoting inflammation in your body? These are the common contributors to inflammation:
Refined Sugar & Artificial Sweeteners: Refined sugars can cause many issues within the body and can feed the bad bacteria in the gut which can contribute to inflammation. Be sure to read labels very carefully when purchasing products. It is also important to know that artificial sweeteners like aspartame are not a better option than sugar. Artificial sweeteners can cause your immune system to react to foreign substances in the body causing inflammation.
Conventional Dairy: This type of dairy comes from cows raised on large factory farms. These cows do not have access to a pasture and are fed a diet of GMO soy and corn which is unnatural and hard for them to digest. These animals do not live in healthy conditions which can result in an unhealthy animal. If the animal is unhealthy, it may require medications like antibiotics which can have a negative impact on the health of the cow. If your body tolerates dairy, choose organic and pasture-raised to ensure the cows are being fed properly and they are not receiving hormones or medications.
Refined Grains: Items like bread, crackers, and cereals are often highly refined and lacking vitamins and minerals. These products can also spike blood sugar levels which can lead to inflammation.
Industrial Seed Oil: These oils are typically found in highly processed foods and fast food. Inflammatory oils include canola, sunflower, safflower, corn, peanut and soy oil. Consuming these oils can throw off your omega-3 and omega-6 ratio which can lead to inflammation.
Alcohol: Alcohol can be quite hard on the liver and overconsuming can cause the liver to become weak. If you are experiencing chronic inflammation, it is best to not consume alcohol.
Conventional/Processed Meat: Processed and conventional meat has the same issue as conventional dairy. It is best to avoid processed meats chicken nuggets (unless homemade with whole foods ingredients), deli meats (with nitrates,) fake meat like soy nuggets, Beyond Burger, factory-farmed raised animals.
FOODS THAT FIGHT INFLAMMATION
Wild-Caught Fish: Salmon is a great source of essential fatty acids especially omega-3s. Omega-3s are some of the most anti-inflammatory substances. Omega-3s can reduce inflammation and help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer and arthritis.
Berries: Berries have a powerful antioxidant called quercetin. Blueberries have been shown to slow cognitive decline and improve memory and motor function due to the antioxidants which reduced inflammation.
Herbs & Spices: Turmeric, ginger, garlic, cinnamon etc. are all amazing for reducing inflammation in the body. Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin which is an active anti-inflammatory component.
Ginger also helps to reduce inflammation and can help to breakdown toxins within the body.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Olive oil is a heart-healthy oil and it is considered an anti-inflammatory food and a cardiovascular protector. Olive oil also helps to fight mood disorders like depression as it supports a healthy brain.
Mushrooms: Mushrooms are incredible foods to include in the diet. They promote better brain function, provide vitamin D to the body, a great source of vitamin B (for energy), and can support immune function by fighting off bad bacteria.
Leafy Greens: Swiss chard is high in antioxidants such as Vitamin A, C and K which can help fight against free radical damage. Try throwing leafy greens into a smoothie for added anti-inflammatory benefits.
HERB FOR INFLAMMATION IN THE JOINTS – Devil’s Claw Pascoagil
Pascoe Agil is traditionally used to help treat inflammation of the joints. Specifically indicated for joint inflammation. It improves the mobility of joints and relieves painful joints. It can also be used for inflammation such as sports injuries, repetitive strain injuries and tendonitis. It is made with naturally sourced medicinal ingredients and contains 240mg of Devil’s Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) dry extract per tablet.
Healing Properties of Devils Claw:
Anti-inflammatory
Anti-rheumatic
Analgesic
Chondroprotective
Sedative
Vasodilator
Antioxidant
Bitter
In a randomized, active-controlled, mono-centric study (2004), it compared Pascoe Agil to NSAIDs Voltaren Resinat(diclofenac) and Vioxx (Rofeoxib)for treatment of non-specific lumbar pain.
The study looked at 61 adults who were dosing with 2 tablets.
The results were measured using pain scales after 6 weeks of treatment. The results showed that all of the pain-relieving products had the same efficacy in the reduction of pain at the end of treatment. Pascoe Agil was found to be the most tolerable but had a longer onset of action.
Pascoe Agil is suitable for ages 12 and up. The blister packed tablets should be taken during meals with liquid and should be taken for a minimum of 2-3 months for the most beneficial effects.
Use Pascoe Agil tablets to help relieve painful joints, inhibit inflammation in joints and improve the mobility of joints.
You can find Pascoe Agil by clicking here.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Inflammation and pain can hold you back from living your life.
Along with proper nutrition and lifestyle, Pascoe Canada’s herbal supplements can be excellent supporting tools to help you to manage pain from inflammation.
To learn more about Pascoe Canada’s products, visit their website here: https://www.pascoe.ca/
Always consult your doctor before you begin taking a supplement or make any changes to your existing medication and supplement routine. This is not medical advice, but it is information you can use as a conversation-starter with your physician at your next appointment.
