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Evening primrose oil (Oenothera
biennis) is a rich source of gamma-linolenic acid
(GLA), an essential fatty acid that has been shown to decrease
joint pain and tenderness.
Recommended dose: 240 mg daily.
Fish oil. The omega-3 fats EPA
(eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) found in
deep-water fish, such as salmon or herring, encourage the
production of anti-inflammatory prostaglandins. These healthy fats
also lower bad (LDL) cholesterol while raising good (HDL)
cholesterol.
Recommended dose: 1,500 mg, 3x/day.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is
believed to suppress cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and other
inflammation-related enzymes. Preliminary studies show ginger may
also lower cholesterol and prevent blood clotting by keeping
fibrinogen levels low in the blood.
Recommended dose: 200–300 mg in gelcaps,
3x/day.
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is often used
in combination with ginger. It has been shown to kill
Helicobacter pylori a bacteria that may cause stomach
ulcers and ignite inflammation.
Recommended dose: 0.3–1 ml of the
standardized liquid extract, 3x/day; or 300–500 mg
standardized curcumin capsules, 1–3x/day. For better
absorption, many take curcumin in combination with bioperine, or
black pepper extract.
Vitamin C was found to lower levels of
C-reactive protein (CRP), a biomarker for chronic inflammation, by
24 percent (Journal of the American College of Nutrition,
2004, vol. 23, no. 2).
Recommended dose: Study participants took 515 mg
of vitamin C daily for two months. In the study, the reduction in
CRP occurred only when vitamin C was taken alone. Patients who
received an antioxidant containing vitamins C and E and
alpha-lipoic acid experienced no significant drop in CRP.
Sources: Decker Weiss,
NMD, FASA, Richard Fleming, MD; Nancy Appleton,
PhD.
Note: Please consult your health practitioner for side
effects and doses specific to your needs.
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