In addition to providing refreshment, there are drinks which you could use to ease inflammation!
So, what is inflammation?
Your body may experience acute inflammation or chronic inflammation. Acute inflammation is described as the body’s natural reaction to an incident such as a fall, cut or other sudden occurrence. Then, there is chronic inflammation, where the body in not only reacting to occurrences but also doing so in a confused manner because it cannot cope with the events occurring or is being overwhelmed by the damage being done to the body.
When the body is stressed, not functioning as it should or is under attack from infection, inflammation can result in symptoms including redness around the affected region, swelling, reduced flow of blood to certain organs, radiating warmth sensations and pain.
If you have been trying to get rid of inflammation, you are seconds away from learning about 6 great drinks that target inflammation and provide relief. While anti-inflammatory medication that could reduce or eliminate inflammation exists, there are drinks which also help to address inflammatory responses provided by the body.
Below are 6 of the best drinks that can be used to ease inflammation:
#1 – Pomegranate Juice
Studies have shown that pomegranate juice, when consumed for a period of time, can significantly reduce blood flow problems associated with organs in the body, and this can be life-saving for people with Coronary Heart Disease [1]. Researchers claim that drinking pomegranate juice for some months has the possibility of reducing the occurrence of arterial clogging in patients that were affected by a combination of low HDL cholesterol levels, high levels of stress resulting from poor oxidation and a high level of triglycerides.
In some cases, the outcomes of illness could go beyond inflammation and become even more severe if left unchecked. People could have stokes and heart attacks. However, to get immense effects and stay out of the realm of inflammation, especially in relation to the heart and coronary issues, pomegranate juice would need to be consumed consistently in quantities of about 240 ml each day for at least three months [2]. Who knew that a tasty glass of pomegranate juice could ward off inflammation and keep you heart-healthy too!
#2 – Turmeric & Ginger Tea
This related pair of plants is a potent duo that has been used in many traditional medicine applications. Also commonly used as spices, turmeric and ginger can be used to brew a pot of delicious tea and also fight many types of gastrointestinal issues, which can be a major source of discomfort for people. Sometime, it can be difficult to accurately pinpoint the specific cause of gastrointestinal problems and resulting inflammation. In reality, some of these inflammatory conditions and gastrointestinal disorders may never really be accurately diagnosed. In some cases, a proper diagnosis may come only after many years and tests.
Turmeric and ginger contain naturally active compounds that target areas of inflammation. With a delicious cup of turmeric and ginger tea, you could begin to feel the inflammation ease away! The medicinal properties of ginger stem from its volatile oils and compounds. These medicinal qualities can be used to address intestinal ailments, colds, stomach problems, respiratory conditions, vomiting and nausea. There have also been links between ginger and the suppression of cancer cell division and growth [3].
Similarly, the active ingredient in turmeric known as curcumin has been known to possess anti-cancer qualities [4]. Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory plant that provides stabilization effects to free radicals through the provision of adequate oxidation in the body. In addition to stabilizing free radicals which the body desperately needs to do, turmeric may also relieve inflammatory symptoms associated with osteoarthritis, ulcer conditions, colitis and the growth of cancer cells.
#3 – Bilberry Juice
No, this is not blueberry juice, but actually a juice from the bilberry plant. It is related to the other berry plants including American blueberry, huckleberry and cranberry. Sometimes, the bilberry plant is called the European blueberry. Juice may be extracted from fresh bilberries or you could use fresh or dried bilberries to make bilberry tea. Rich in antioxidant compounds like vitamin C, the bilberry plant contains anthocyanosides which attack damaging particles in the body, strengthen blood vessels, minimize intestinal inflammation, possibly treat retinopathy or retina damage, fight the occurrence of cancer, reverse damage to cells and also tackle macular degeneration eye disorder [5]. By helping the body to fight against disease, illness and inflammation, the bilberry plant can act a stronger partner in keeping up the body’s defenses.
Although the bilberry plant has been known to reduce inflammation and pain, doctor supervision and precaution is needed when using this plant or drinking its juice. While juice from the plant is generally safe, consuming too much bilberry leaf and extracts from the leaf could present opportunities for high exposure to tannins and side effects could include spasms and other dangerous conditions. However, moderate consumption of bilberry juice may help reduce inflammation and associated pain.
#4 – Boswellia Extract
Often described as an ancient herb, the Boswellia extract possess anti-inflammatory ingredients and has been used by traditional medicine practitioners to treat a wide variety of inflammation and pain related issues. The Boswellia name comes from a tree by the same name that can be found in regions in like China, India, the Middle East, Africa and India.
The Boswellia tree secretes a gum resin and is able to block the promotion of inflammatory substances which are harmful to the body. This pro-inflammatory blockage characteristic has be described as being preferable to the activity produced by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs which are known as NSAIDs [6]. These NSAIDs focus on reducing inflammation by inhibiting an enzyme known as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Unfortunately, in this process an important enzyme that is needed for the body is also blocked. There are studies being conducted regarding the effectiveness of the Boswellia extract for preventing cancer and some researchers have described this extract as being a powerful inhibitor for the enzymes that tend to promote the growth of cancer cells in humans. Although there are herbal drink versions of this extract, clinical or pharmaceutical grade versions of this extract containing 37.5% of the boswellic acids can be available with physician supervision as well [7].
#5 – Green Tea & Black Tea
Green tea is a highly popular beverage and makes the list of 6 best anti-inflammatory drinks with little or no surprise at all. Black tea also has its nutritional benefits and can provide anti-inflammatory properties.
When you consume adequate amounts of black tea or green tea, you could help diminish the occurrence and propagation of inflammation within the body. Flavonoids are a naturally occurring compound that can be found in both black tea and green tea. Green tea is known to have higher flavonoid content than the amount found in black tea [8]. Hence, green tea could be considered more active than black tea when addressing inflammatory conditions.
#6 – Water!
Yes, drinking water may help ease inflammation. In simple terms, the body needs to stay hydrated to function properly and one of the best ways to keep hydrated is by drinking water. Indeed, it may sound so simple, but this fact is often neglected. It may seem ordinary and plain. Most drinks contain some amount of water. Hence, it is welcoming to acknowledge that water by itself can also provide you with benefits! With a well hydrated system, the body is able to transport nutrients efficiently, while also expelling toxic components from the body.
When you consider the work that your liver and kidneys are doing in your body, know that water is right in there too as part of the body’s vital detoxifying team, constantly protecting and cleansing the body. Water can flush out toxins [9] and can also be a means through which the body regulates its temperature. This eases inflammation and generally increases well-being.
When injury, infection, trauma and other events that can cause inflammation occur, the event sets off a chain reaction including blood vessel widening, warmth, swelling, build up of fluid in the area, potential immobility and an increase of pain sensitivity. However, you can ease inflammation with different types of liquids or drinks which are composed of ingredients that are natural fighters of inflammation.
Most of these drinks may also be purchased directly from grocery or health-food stores. Sometimes, a physician may also recommend or prescript the usage of these drinks. Seeking pure, organic and unadulterated versions of these drinks can offer the most potential rather than varieties of the drinks that have been overpowered with added sugars and preservatives. In addition, if you are taking any medications or may have an adverse reaction to any of the ingredients contained in the drinks, it would be wise to talk with your doctor before use or consumption.
Some of these drinks may provide immediate relief for signs and symptoms of inflammation. However, for all the drinks, consumption over a couple of months or as a consistent part of your life would provide the most benefit. Similar to eating the right foods, you could also drink your way to good and improved health by consuming these 6 drinks to ease your inflammation and live your life to its fullest potential.
If you are looking for other foods that can help you with pain and inflammation, then check out 101 Superfoods for Pain & Inflammation:
Rick Kaselj, MS
