Turning down the heat

Reducing inflammation

Inflammation serves as a crucial alarm system within our bodies, signalling the presence of potential threats and mobilising a complex network of biochemical messengers to mount a defence. However, when this system remains activated over an extended period, it can become a source of ongoing discomfort, even after the initial threat has been neutralised. In such cases, a strategic "reset" may be necessary to restore balance.

Finding the root cause

Yet, it's important to recognise that sometimes the perceived "threat" has not actually been eliminated and continues to trigger inflammation. In these instances, the key to lasting relief is not to suppress the immune response but to identify and address the underlying root cause. This targeted approach, which aims to resolve the issue at its source rather than merely alleviating symptoms, is a cornerstone of functional medicine.

Nutrition

The cornerstone to managing inflammation. Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition: Opt for foods abundant in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and additional anti-inflammatory elements. Elimination Strategy: Detect and remove dietary culprits that provoke inflammation, including processed items, sugars, and particular allergens.

Gut health

IBS or gas and bloating are not normal. Abnormal digestion drives inflammation and leads to malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies. A happy digestive system is essential to long-term health.

Lifestyle and Stress Management

Exercise: Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce markers of inflammation. Mindfulness and Relaxation: Techniques like meditation, deep-breathing exercises, and adequate sleep can help in stress reduction, thereby lowering inflammation.

Targeted nutraceuticals

Natural supplements include turmeric (curcumin), fish oil, and other herbal adaptogens with anti-inflammatory properties. Targeted Nutraceuticals: Test for specific vitamins or minerals that you may be deficient in, contributing to inflammation.

Managing inflammation

  1. Lifestyle: Want to dial down inflammation? Make sure you're getting enough sleep, exercise, and stress-busting activities.
  2. Nutrition: Load up on foods rich in omega-3s and antioxidants. A wide varied plant-based diet is ideal.
  3. Gut Health: Gut health is more than probiotics. If you get gas and bloating find out about SIBO. A balanced gut can be your secret weapon against inflammation.
  4. Toxic Load: Cut down on your exposure to environmental toxins. Reduce your plastic exposure.
  5. Nutritional Deficiencies: Get a blood test to spot any nutritional gaps. Knowing what you lack can help you choose the right supplements to fight inflammation.

Take the health assessment to get your health score.

Our top supplements to assist in managing inflammation

  1. Quercetin: This powerful natural flavonoid stabilises mast cells and reduces the release of histamine, helping to control inflammation.
  2. Curcumin: Found in turmeric, curcumin inhibits inflammatory pathways, effectively reducing inflammation at the cellular level. 
  3. NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine): This amino acid precursor boosts glutathione levels, aiding in detoxification and reducing oxidative stress.
  4. Glutathione: Known as the "master antioxidant," glutathione neutralises free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.
  5. Resveratrol: Found in red wine and grapes, resveratrol activates the SIRT1 gene, which helps to combat inflammation.
  6. Vitamin A: This vitamin supports immune function and helps regulate the body's inflammatory response.
  7. Omega-3: These fatty acids down-regulate inflammatory cytokines, helping to reduce systemic inflammation.
  8. Alpha Lipoic Acid: This antioxidant reduces inflammation by neutralising free radicals and enhancing cellular repair processes.
  9. Zinc: This essential mineral modulates the immune system and has direct anti-inflammatory effects.
  10. Boswellia: This herbal extract inhibits the production of leukotrienes, substances that drive inflammation.

Interested in our Doctor's selection?

Our medical team led by our Chief Medical Officer Dr Geoff Mullan has put together a pack of supplements that have synergistic effects based on both clinical experience and the latest research.

If some of the contents are already in your pack our AI will sort these out and only add the new ones. That allows you to merge different specialist packs without duplication.

All the latest news

Links to the research

Bibliography

Quercetin

  1. "Quercetin, Inflammation and Immunity," National Center for Biotechnology Information,https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4808895/.
  2. "Therapeutic Potential of Quercetin: New Insights and Perspectives," National Center for Biotechnology Information, ACS Omega 2020 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7254783/.

Curcumin

  1. "Curcumin: A Review of Its' Effects on Human Health," National Center for Biotechnology Information, Foods 2017 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5664031/.
  2. "Curcumin and Inflammatory Diseases: Learn About Its Potential Role," National Center for Biotechnology Information, APPS J 2013 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3535097/.

NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine)

  1. "N-Acetylcysteine: A Review on Its Clinical Use," National Center for Biotechnology Information, Cell J 2017 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5241507/.

Glutathione

  1. "Glutathione: overview of its protective roles, measurement, and biosynthesis," National Center for Biotechnology Information, Integr Med 2014 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4684116/.
  2. "The role of glutathione in brain tumor drug resistance," National Center for Biotechnology Information, J Env Public Health 2012 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3253456/.

Resveratrol

  1. "Resveratrol: A Double-Edged Sword in Health Benefits," National Center for Biotechnology Information, Biomedicines 2018 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6164842/.

"Resveratrol and inflammation: Challenges in translating pre-clinical findings to improved patient outcomes," National Center for Biotechnology Information, Molecules 2017 

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5560105/.

Vitamin A

  1. "Vitamin A and Immune Function," National Center for Biotechnology Information, J Clini Med 2018 
  2.  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6162863/.

Omega-3

  1. "Omega-3 fatty acids in inflammation and autoimmune diseases," National Center for Biotechnology Information, Nutrients 2010
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3257651/.

Alpha Lipoic Acid

  1. "Alpha-lipoic acid as a pleiotropic compound with potential therapeutic use," National Center for Biotechnology Information, Biochim B A 2010 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2756298/.
  2. "Alpha-lipoic acid: a therapeutic antioxidant?" National Center for Biotechnology Information, Biomolecules 2019 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6723188/.

Zinc

  1. "Zinc in Human Health: Effect of Zinc on Immune Cells," National Center for Biotechnology Information,  Mol Med 2008 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2277319/.

Boswellia

  1. "Boswellia serrata, a potential antiinflammatory agent: an overview," National Center for Biotechnology Information,  Ind J pHarm 2011

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3309643/.

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