Inflammation is really a pain. It seems to be going around a lot these days. In fact, the root of discomfort in the majority of cases I attend is pain from inflammation. So, what do we do? Well, we can take over the counter pain pills. If that doesn’t work there are always prescription pain pills. But all of those meds can cause problems of their own; some of which are worse than the pain.
The good news is that there are some inexpensive, natural things we can do to decrease inflammation.
Step 1: Stop Eating Junk
You’ve probably heard the saying “you are what you eat“, right?
Honestly, that’s a pretty terrifying thought these days. Do you really want to be this guy?!
The modern diet is chock full of things that can increase inflammation.
I mean, who wants to be a big pile of junk food? Definitely not me, and I bet not you either. There are some simple steps anyone could take to improve their health! Cut out some of the junk in your diet, add some probiotics and prebiotics, and take some anti-inflammatory herbs!
One of the first things you can do to decrease inflammation in your body is to stop eating processed and unhealthy foods. I’m talking about things like refined carbs, sugar, white flour, bread, pasta, pizza dough, and breakfast cereals. All of these things are super high in refined carbohydrates, which the body rapidly breaks down into sugars. Too much sugar leads to too much insulin, which is a highly inflammatory hormone.
Cutting back on red meat will help to decrease inflammation too. Especially red meat cooked at high temperatures. And process red meats (smoked, salted, cured, corned, canned) are even worse. They tend to be high in advanced glycation end products which is a fancy way to say “Stuff that increases inflammation”. I’m not saying to never eat red meat. Just don’t over do it.
Step 2: Add some probiotics
Don’t worry, it’s not all about cutting out fun foods! You can also add things to your diet to help decrease inflammation, like probiotics. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that live in your gut and help with digestion, mind and mood health, immunity support, and inflammation control. If you’ve ever taken antibiotics, been stressed, had a prolonged illness, or just live in our modern environment, chances are that you need to rebuild your gut flora with probiotics. A great way to rebuild these good-guy bacteria is to eat fermented food such as kimchi, yogurt, sauerkraut, kombucha, apple cider vinegar (with the mother), etc… You can also take probiotic supplements if that works best for you. Just make sure you are getting a good product with a wide variety of bacteria species from a reliable source.
Step 3: Add some prebiotics
Now, you might be wondering… what are prebiotics? And how do I add them to my diet? Prebiotics are basically the food that probiotics need to survive and thrive in your gut. Now that you have invited all of these lovely probiotic friends to a dinner party, it’d be nice to give them some dinner! Some examples of prebiotics include burdock root, garlic, flaxseed, dandelion root, and other herbs that are high in insoluble fiber. So, if you’re taking probiotics, don’t forget to give them some lunch! If you need the easy button for some good prebiotics, take a look at this digestive prebiotic formula.
Use herbs that decrease inflammation quickly
Are there herbs that can help with inflammation? You bet there are. In fact there are many fantastic herbs out there that can help with inflammation such as Boswellia, turmeric, black cohosh, burdock, devil’s claw, ginger, and yucca. Do you want to make them work even better? Try adding some fresh-ground black pepper to the mix. Black pepper massively improves the absorption and bioavailability of other herbs.
Here are the easy buttons if you’d like to try any of these.
Now, I could talk about these herbs and their benefits for hours (and do so in the online school). If you’re interested in learning more, check out the Homegrown Herbalist School of Botanical Medicine. We have plenty of resources to help you take charge of your health and feel your best!
So, if you’re tired of feeling lousy and want to do something about it, start by making some simple changes to your diet and adding in some natural supports like probiotics, prebiotics, and anti-inflammatory herbs. Your body will thank you, and you’ll be feeling amazing in no time!
I learned about you from Caroline and Josh’s YouTube channel. I love how real and down to earth you are. I also love that you treat herbs as Gods gift and not some fairy magical thing. You are a blessing. thx so much
Thanks for all your insight and information. I enjoy your videos
Great article and enjoyed the YT video!
I tinctured some yucca last fall and my Mom is going to begin taking it now. She has what her orthopedic surgeon called a ‘train wreck’ of a back. Surgery a few years ago helped one problem and caused a billion others. She is elderly now and has other issues as well. We’re hoping that yucca will be helpful for her.
I have done your course with the school of traditional skills. I feel the way you teach is very stimulating and doable. I’m wondering when to sign up with you 🤔.
We’re ready when you are Laura 🙂
What could you tell me that could help with memory loss ?
Check Out Memory and Alertness: https://homegrownherbalist.net/product/memory-alertness-tincture/
Love this stuff! Thank you
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My wife has serve back pain . She had 5 back surgeries on the discs in her back. Prescription pain medication doesn’t work. Do you have some herb mixtures you could recommend
Shoot me an email
https://homegrownherbalist.net/contact-us/
Hello do you have or recommend anything for a hiatal hernia. Hope the spelling is correct
Digestive herbs like chamomile or hops or catnip or fennel can help with the discomfort, cramping, pain etc… But those things are secondary issues. A large glass of water while standing can often pull the stomach back down into position. But, really it’s a mechanical problem that will need a mechanic to fix it. Doctors are good mechanics.
you mentioned these herbs as interfering with cytokine and prostaglandins., all of them? and if so does that mean they would help with a cytokine storm?
thank you!
I use cytokine balance for that.
https://homegrownherbalist.net/search-results/?q=cytokine