The news is filled with emerging research about inflammation in the body and its negative impact on health. What does this mean? Inflammation is a natural response your body uses to protect itself, fight off infection, and speed up healing. You've experienced your body's inflammatory response if you've ever had a fever, a sore throat with swollen glands, or an infected cut that's become red and warm to the touch. This is a typical (acute) inflammatory response, a sign your body's immune system is resolving the problem. Your body requires some level of inflammation as part of the normal process of living.

However, too much can create imbalances. Chronic inflammation often results from an overreactive immune system impacted by excess exposure to viruses, bacteria, stress, ultraviolet rays, an unhealthy diet, allergies, etc. Instead of resetting back to a normal range, your immune system continues to produce inflammatory markers, prompting your white blood cells to attack healthy tissues and organs

Chronic inflammation, while often not immediately noticeable, can have a significant impact on your body, leading to the development of challenging diseases such as

• Heart disease by increasing C-reactive protein, which increases the risks for atherosclerosis.
• Inflammation impacts diabetes by causing more insulin resistance, worsening diabetes symptoms and, in some cases, can also be the root cause of the first stage of type II diabetes.  
• Uncontrolled chronic inflammation is now recognized as a predominant factor in Alzheimer's disease due to the sustained immune response in the brain, causing brain "macrophages" to overproduce cells and affect the healing process of brain cells. Digestive and bowel disorders are often caused by inflammation (IBS, (colitis, Crohn's)
• Lung disorders, whereby the inflammatory response causes fluid to accumulate in the lungs, narrowing the airways.

The most obvious signs of chronic inflammation are the various forms of arthritis because you can visibly see the effects and feel the pain. However, other symptoms of chronic inflammation could include skin rashes, eye inflammation, hair loss, dry mouth and difficulty in losing weight (negatively influencing hunger signals and slowing down metabolism). 

Herbal Supplements Can Reduce Inflammation

Many natural products work to support inflammatory conditions. Curcumin supplements are the most popular and for a good reason. Curcumin is well-researched for its ability to inhibit the body's production of inflammatory signalling compounds. Using Curcumin can help slow the body's production of eicosanoids (inflammatory compounds) to bring levels back to normal, significantly decreasing chronic systemic inflammation.  

The healing benefits of Curcumin depend heavily on the raw materials used in the product and how they are processed to ensure the product is bioavailable (  how much you absorb).

Natural Factors has a full line of curcumin-based products to support the various forms of inflammation affecting your body. Natural Factors CurcuminRich Double Strength is made with the raw material Theracurmin, which is one of the most absorbed forms of Curcumin available.

• Ginger root is often found in supplements formulated for inflammation, but it can also be a stand-alone supplement for reducing inflammation, especially if the inflammatory issue is in your gastrointestinal system or liver. Natural Factors make both a chewable Ginger and a Ginger capsule.
• Boswellia Serrata has been used for centuries to treat joint pain and inflammation. It provides anti-inflammatory activity in areas with chronic inflammation by turning off the pro-inflammatory cytokines that begin the inflammatory process. Moreover, research shows that the acids contained within Boswellia extract stop the formation of immune cells known as leukotrienes, which are responsible for inflammation.
• Devil Claw and White Willow Bark, although having different components, have NSAID-like solid properties.
• Natural Factors' combination inflammation product, Natural Factors CurcuminRich Joint Optimizer, is an excellent option because it combines beneficial inflammatory nutrients into one supplement.
• Omega 3 supplements help reduce inflammatory markers, promote better gut health, and support brain health. They are also said to help with morning stiffness and help regenerate joint tissue. You can now supplement Omega 3 in capsules and yummy liquids like SeaRich Omega-3. As with all supplements, it is important to discuss any concerns or possible interactions with your present prescribed meds.