What is inflammation? It is one of your body’s defense mechanisms, which is a good thing…usually. Sometimes however the body gets confused and becomes inflamed at the wrong times or responds to the wrong stimulus and then inflammation becomes a bad thing. When your body senses an infection or a chronic condition that it considers is a “threat”, it reacts by becoming inflamed. Blood flow is increased to the affected area, white blood cells and other protective cells move to act against bacteria and viruses, and protective chemicals are released into tissues around the affected area. These actions fight off what the body identifies as foreign invaders and if there truly is one such as a virus or bacteria, then this is a good thing. But there are times when the body sets off this defensive reaction and no foreign invader is present. Certain types of arthritis would be an example of this. Or there are times when something passes into the bloodstream such as food particles which are not foreign invaders, but are identified as such since they are in a place they really shouldn’t be. In these cases the immune system ends up damaging the body and its tissues. Inflammation can also be caused by free radical damage to the body. Free radicals are unstable molecules that attack the body. These are often created from the stresses of modern living such as chlorinated water, pollution, stress, heavy exercise, overwork, poor nutrition, and environmental toxicity.

Foods As Natural Solutions For Inflammation
There are certain foods that contribute to a weakened immune system and aid in leading to what is inflammation that is not necessary. Eating food that is high in sugar and saturated fights is an example of these. According to Scott Zashin, MD, clinical professor at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, this type of diet causes the immune system to be over active which may result in joint pain, fatigue and damaged blood vessels. There are also foods that can help strengthen the immune system and reduce inflammation. Some of these include:

• Fish that are high in omega-3 fatty acids. Broiled or baked fish is much preferable for a healthy diet than fried. AFA bluegreen algae is also a very good source of omega-3.
• Whole grains high in fiber and low in added sugar.
• Nuts, especially almonds, that are high in fiber, calcium, vitamin E and other antioxidants.
• Milk products, low or non-fat with calcium and vitamin D.
• Vegetables high in antioxidants such as bright colored tomatoes (which also have lycopene), squash, broccoli, and other dark green leafy veggies. Blueberries, green tea, sprouts, garlic, blue green algae, edible grasses and tumeric are also good sources of antioxidants.
• Beans are a lean source of protein and have lots of fiber and antioxidant vitamins.
• Bromelain is an enzyme that naturally occurs in pineapple and has been found to reduce inflammation.
• Hot peppers high in capsaicin which is known to reduce inflammation.
• Beets with antioxidants, fiber, vitamin C and betalains (plant pigments).
• Turmeric known to be a natural anti-inflammatory spice, used most often in curry and that turns off a protein that can set off inflammation.
• Garlic with inflammation fighting properties found to work much like NSAIDs

Supplements As Natural Solutions For Inflammation
As mentioned above AFA blue green algae is a great source of omega-3 and antioxidants which both help fight off damage from free radicals and inflammation. Here are some bluegreen algae supplements that are especially helpful when dealing with inflammation.

Algae & Sprouts Supplement – This blend of kale sprouts, red clover sprouts, wheat sprouts, concentrated wheat sprouts, and Dunaliella salina algae is loaded with chlorophyll, glutathione, enzymes, vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients for the best of nature’s antioxidants to nourish your body.

Immune Support Supplement – This combination of phycocyanin (the unique blue pigment from bluegreen algae), Ecklonia cava (Seanol®, a marine algae), standardized turmeric, bromelain, and bluegreen algae was designed to provide the body with nourishment found helpful when dealing with inflammation. Curcumin, found in turmeric, has been the basis of much research and found to have benefit as an anti-inflammatory. Bromelain is an enzyme that naturally occurs in pineapple and has been found to reduce inflammation.

Algae & Plant Based Enzymes Supplement  – A combination of plant-based proteolytic enzymes–bromelain, papain, protease, lipase, and serratiopeptidase, with bluegreen algae, to support your body’s inflammatory response to physical exercise and free radical damage.

Now that you have information on what is inflammation, how it affects you and natural solutions to help you combat it, you can be on your way to strengthening your immune system, helping to ease pains, and nourishing yourself on a cellular level. When you feel good, you are more likely to exercise, get good quality sleep and eat healthier. It all adds up to a healthier you.

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Source:
http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20705881,00.html?xid=healthyliving07312013