Inflammation is basically a reaction to an injured of infected tissue which can be internal or external. It is characterized by redness of the affected area, swelling, pain and sometimes difficult and loss of mobility of the affected limb. Inflammation is not a medical condition in itself, but usually a manifestation or symptom of another underlying medical condition or injury. It is possible to treat inflammation naturally at home. One of the best treatments for inflammation is adequate rest to the affected area, followed by gradual and light exercise and stretching. It is equally important to maintain your weight by sticking to a healthy diet. Several foods are pro-inflammation and aggravate the inflammation further, and should thus be avoided as far as possible. These include junk foods, sugars, dairy products, eggs and meats. Fatty fried foods, pickles and preserved foods are also bad for inflammation.
You should try and consume more of anti-inflammatory food products which are usually rich in proteins, carbohydrates and fiber. Omega 3 fatty acids found in fish, walnuts, flax seeds and pumpkin seeds, are beneficial for reducing inflammation. Proteins help to body to build healthy tissues and repair damaged tissues thus treating and preventing inflammation of the tissues. Food sources rich in protein and anti-inflammatory include soybeans, tofu, soymilk as well as fresh vegetables, seeds, nuts, poultry, fish and sea-food. Though red meats are rich in protein, they tend be heavy so you should opt for leaner red meats. As far as possible you should opt for a diet rich in vegetables and fruits, especially green leafy vegetables since they are excellent for reducing inflammation. You should also increase your intake of fiber by consuming breads prepared with whole wheat and consuming plenty of cereals and pasta. Berries with anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory phyto-chemicals should also be consumed regularly. Apart from this, you should keep your body well hydrated by drinking plenty of water and pure fresh fruit juices. This also brings down to body temperature, cooling it and reducing any inflammation. Though 20% of your water intake is supplied by the food you eat, you should ensure that you are regularly consuming liquids and do not get dehydrated. Sipping on herbal teas is also beneficial for treating inflammations. For external inflammations of the tissue, you can additionally apply cold fermentation to soothe the swelling and redness of the affected area. Avoid applying heat since this can aggravate the inflammation and infection, if any.
answered by M W