Inflammation is a common culprit in many medical diseases, everything from the common cold to cancer causes a level of inflammation in the body. Inflammation can cause reddening, swelling, pain, fatigue, and difficulty using your body as usual.
Inflammation can occur from a physical injury such as a broken bone, or an internal disease such as strep throat. When you take steps to combat inflammation, you give your cells a chance to function properly and it can ease the symptoms of inflammation, too.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is an essential vitamin in pain relief in muscles and joints, healthy vision, and a healthy immune system. It can also reduce levels of the inflammatory mediator known as MCP-1. Vitamin A can be naturally found in foods like sweet potato, lettuce, carrots, red pepper, and paprika. If you don’t get enough in your diet, you may choose a supplement.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an essential vitamin that your body does not produce naturally, therefore you have to make a conscious effort to eat foods rich in Vitamin E to avoid deficiency. This vitamin reduces levels of cytokines, which are your body’s inflammatory mediators. Foods rich in Vitamin E include nuts, sunflower seeds, fruits (mango and kiwi), vegetable oil, and vegetables (spinach, broccoli, and tomato). You can take a supplement if you don’t get enough in your diet.
B Vitamins
B vitamins are instrumental in reducing inflammatory responses. Particularly vitamin B6, which helps mitigate compounds responsible for inflammation. It’s found that people with low levels of B6 have a higher level of C-reactive proteins, which play a big part in inflammatory responses.
Food high in vitamin B6 include kale, poultry, tuna fish, bell peppers, mushrooms, and more. Supplements are also available.
Vitamin C
Perhaps most well-known for its ability to strengthen the immune system, Vitamin C also helps regulate inflammation. Research shows Vitamin C can help get rid of free radicals which may cause inflammation. Vitamin C, like Vitamin B6, has also been shown to reduce C-reactive protein.
Vitamin C can be found in citrus fruits and vegetables. Many orange juices offer lots of Vitamin C. When in doubt, supplements can help.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K helps inhibit the inflammatory agents created by white blood cells. Vitamin K also aids in maintaining bone and heart health. Vitamin K can be found in spinach, turnip leaves, cauliflower, broccoli, parsley, romaine lettuce, and swiss chard. There are also supplements available if you don’t get enough in your diet.
Conclusion
Certain vitamins play a key role in reducing inflammation. Inflammation can affect our health in a variety of ways. By eating enough of the right nutrients, you can mitigate inflammation in your body.
Sources:
6 Vitamins that Relieve Inflammation – Step To Health
The Best Vitamins for Fighting Inflammation (verywellhealth.com)
