Do you ever feel sore and red after inhaling some dust? Or constant body pains and frequent fatigue for no apparent reason? These could be signs of inflammation.

Inflammation, while a normal part of the body’s defense, can manifest uncomfortable symptoms and greatly affect your daily grind. But with the right anti-inflammatory supplement, you won’t have to put up with them; they can help prevent various inflammatory factors. 

Having trouble deciding on the best anti-inflammatory supplement for your health needs? We’ll walk you through how these supplements work, what ideal ingredients they should have, and ways to maximize their effectiveness.

Understanding Inflammation

Inflammation is key to the body’s healing process when external factors trigger an immune reaction. The immune system sends out inflammatory cells and cytokines to shield the body from pathogens or foreign elements like bacteria, injuries, allergens, or organisms that could result in infections or diseases. 

As a result, the bodily response results in symptoms like pain, swelling, redness, heat, fatigue, and loss of function. In some cases, inflammation occurs without manifesting symptoms.

There are two types of inflammation:

Acute inflammation 

Acute inflammation is the body’s immediate response to exposure to external factors like dust,  insect bites/stings, injuries, or infections. This type of inflammation is the more common type.

The tell-tale signs of acute inflammation include:

• Redness, swelling, and pain in the affected area(s)
• High body temperature
• Loss of function

These symptoms can manifest within minutes, hours, or days, depending on the cause. The time they take to appear, or last, depends on what caused it, the affected body part, and individual factors. In some cases, the symptoms can rapidly worsen.

Chronic inflammation

Chronic inflammation happens when the immune system sends inflammatory cells, even without triggering factors. This type of inflammation greatly increases the risk of chronic, autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, or. Alzheimer’s. 

Signs of chronic inflammation include:

• Abdominal pain
• Chest pain
• Fatigue
• Fevers
• Joint pain or stiffness
• Mouth sores
• Stomach problems
• Skin rash
• Weight gain or loss
• Frequent infections
• Anxiety and depression

Unlike acute inflammation, chronic inflammation is more long-term, possibly lasting months to years.

Causes and Effects of Chronic Inflammation

Certain lifestyle habits and factors can increase a person’s risk of chronic inflammation. A person may be more likely to develop chronic inflammation if they:

• Drink too much alcohol
• Smoke frequently
• Have a high body mass index (BMI) 
• Do infrequent or excessive physical exercise
• Experience chronic stress.

Anti-Inflammatory Supplements Overview

How Do Anti-Inflammatory Supplements Work?

Anti-inflammatory supplements are formulated with select ingredients, nutrients, and minerals that fight against inflammation and relieve its effects on the body. Their anti-inflammatory properties inhibit the immune responses of inflammatory enzymes like cyclooxygenase,  monocytes, T and B lymphocytes, and cytokines,

Top 3 Anti-Inflammatory Supplements

1. Physio Flex Pro Vitality Bundle (with Biorixil)

Physio Flex Pro

Physio Flex Pro is a multi-faceted joint support supplement that aims to restore optimal movement and flexibility.

The formula includes naturally occurring compounds and superfoods like bromelain, chondroitin, and selenium citrate, clinically proven to have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help improve musculoskeletal health, restore mobility and strength, and repair key connective tissues. 

Other ingredients like ginger, turmeric, boswellia, garlic, and methylsulfonylmethane provide cartilage protection and shield the joints from stress and wear and tear. 

Biorixil

Biorixil is an omega-3s-based supplement that pairs excellently with Physio Flex Pro. They offer additional and stronger anti-inflammatory protection and pain relief to improve mobility and overall musculoskeletal strength and resilience.

Compared to most omega-3 supplements, Biorixil has a higher EPA and DHA content at 150 mg and 300 mg, with an overall omega-3 blend amounting to 550 mg.

Pros

• Uses high-quality, all-natural ingredients
• No additives, fillers, or preservatives
• Soy-free
• Manufactured in FDA-compliant facilities
• Fast and tracked USA Shipping
• 60-day money-back guarantee

Cons

• Not vegan-friendly
• Unsuitable for users with milk or egg allergies

2. 1MD CurcuminMD Plus 

1MD CurcuminMD Plus harnesses the power of curcumin and the boswellia serrata — two anti-inflammatory powerhouses that can reverse the effects of inflammation, especially on the joints and bones, and restore healthy mobility.

1MD boasts its clinically studied, patented ingredient blend, Longvida® Optimized Curcumin, which is 285 times more bioavailable than regular turmeric to achieve maximum absorption and optimal results. 

The boswellia serrata, on the other hand, complements this curcumin formula and creates a synergistic effect that promotes healthy joints, protects the cartilage from damage, relieves inflammation, and protects against oxidative stress. 

Pros

• Uses globally-sourced ingredients
• GMP-certified
• 100% suitable for vegans and vegetarians
• Free from peanuts, wheat, and shellfish
• Free shipping (U.S. only)
• 90-day money-back guarantee

Cons

• May require long-term, more consistent usage to see results

3. Cymbiotika Inflammatory Health 

Three’s definitely a crowd for Cymbiotika’s Inflammatory Health supplement, which brings out the best of three multifunctional compounds with strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities that’s sure.  

Inflammatory Health’s formula consists of carefully measured concentrates of nobiletin, palmitoylethanolamide, and curcumin, scientifically and clinically proven to combat inflammation and help maintain a healthy inflammatory response. This trio also provides strong antioxidant properties to help combat oxidative and electrophilic stress.

Pros

• Uses only three ingredients
• GMP-certified
• Non-GMO
• Gluten-free
• 100% suitable for vegans and vegetarians
• Free from various allergens 
• Free shipping 
• 90-day money-back guarantee

Cons

• Heavy price tag

Key Ingredients for Ant-Inflammatory Supplements

Curcumin (Turmeric)

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a perennial, herbaceous flowering plant endemic to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. It’s easily identifiable for its rich golden-orange color, which it owes to its active ingredient, curcumin, which is mainly responsible for its powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which contribute to decreasing oxidative stress.

Studies show that turmeric is beneficial for various conditions like arthritis, digestive disorders, respiratory infections, allergies, liver disease, depression, and many others. Turmeric could be beneficial in doses ranging from 500-2,000 milligrams daily, depending on the condition one is taking turmeric for.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Fish Oil)

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats that help all the cells in your body function optimally by providing calories for energy and facilitating various bodily functions, particularly the cardiovascular and endocrine systems, and influence cell and tissue metabolism and function and bodily response to signals.

There are two principal types of omega-3 fatty acids – EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Studies show that these two types help fight chronic inflammation and prevent the risk of inflammatory diseases. Here, EPA produces eicosanoids, molecules that play a unique role in innate immune responses, while DHA regulates hormones that deactivate inflammatory responses.

EPA and DHA are mainly sourced from seafood and fish oil. However, small amounts of DHA can be sourced from dairy, eggs, and certain types of meat.

Ginger

Ginger has been used for thousands of years for culinary and medicinal purposes. But it’s also noted for its medicinal properties, particularly having potent anti-inflammatory properties, which inhibit inflammatory responses in the body. It also prevents nausea, manages weight loss, lowers cholesterol levels, protects nerve function, and reduces cancer risk.

While ginger is added to various dishes, one can take it as tea or chew on a piece of its root to experience its health benefits.

Green Tea

Green tea is a type of tea that is made from Camellia sinensis leaves and for its clean, earthy taste.  It’s particularly rich in antioxidants, which may help protect the cells from damage, prevent oxidative stress, and support overall health. 

Green tea fights bodily inflammation. Studies show that green tea has a higher anti-inflammatory effect due to its higher flavonoid (catechin) content than most tea types. Compared to oxidized teas like black tea, it’s one of the least processed or oxidized types made from dried and steamed unoxidized tea leaves, allowing it to preserve more of its polyphenol content.

Garlic

While garlic is more known for its culinary uses, it’s also rich in potent antiseptic, antibacterial, and antifungal medicinal properties. Garlic has strong anti-inflammatory benefits, partly due to diallyl disulfide, an organosulfur compound that studies prove has strong anti-inflammatory properties that inhibit the effects of pro-inflammatory cytokines. 

Garlic also contains allicin, a defense molecule that helps lower cholesterol and blood sugar and has anticarcinogenic effects.

Black Peppers

Black peppers are a worldwide kitchen staple for adding flavor to dishes. Widely considered one of the principal spices, black peppers also offer a variety of health benefits, with their antioxidant properties fighting against free radical damage in the cells.

Various studies have proved black pepper exhibits antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Its chemical compounds, such as piperine, have shown promise in combating the early acute inflammatory process, while bioperine is known to increase bioavailability. 

Boswellia 

Boswellia is an herbal extract from the Boswellia serrata tree and was commonly used as frankincense during Biblical times. Boswellia has notable anti-inflammatory properties that can effectively treat inflammatory conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease. 

Boswellia also works as an effective analgesic, relieving pain and protecting joint cartilage from damage and degradation.

Bromelain

Bromelain is a combination of proteolytic enzymes extracted from the stem and fruit of pineapples. It effectively treats inflammation, particularly for arthritis symptoms, and helps ease inflamed stiff joints. Bromelain’s analgesic properties make it an effective pain relief agent in treating muscular, arthritic, and perineal pain. 

Aside from anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, bromelain also has strong anticarcinogenic properties that prevent tumor growth and the risk of various cancers.

Choosing the Right Supplement

Factors to Consider

• Ingredient quality – Always review a product’s label or research the ingredient profile to ensure you’re compatible and safe with all its ingredients. Read more about harmful chemicals, possible allergens, dietary no-nos, and how they affect your health. 
• Individual health needs – Make sure the supplement of your choice suits your health needs/conditions well. Check if the product is safe for any existing health conditions or if it interacts with any medications you might be taking.
• Affordability – Always check if the product price fits well into your monthly budget. That will help you take the supplement more easily and consistently. 

Safety and Side Effects

Common Side Effects

Anti-inflammatory supplements are generally safe. However, some side effects like headaches, dizziness, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, gas, and stomach pains have been reported but are extremely rare.

Some supplements may also contain ingredients that can cause harmful side effects for certain individuals, so it’s best to check the ingredient label first or consult a trusted healthcare provider to avoid adverse effects before settling for a supplement.

Interaction with Medications

Turmeric/Curcumin

• Anticoagulants
• Anti-diabetes medications
• Anti-tumor medications
• Anti-cancer medications
• Estrogen

Omega-3 fatty acids

• Blood thinning medications
• Corticosteroids
• Cholesterol-lowering medications
• Cyclosporine
• Non-steroidal inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Bromelain

• Antibiotics
• Anticoagulants
• Sedatives

Ginger

• Blood-thinners
• Antidiabetes medications
• High blood pressure medications

Garlic (in large amounts)

• Anticoagulants
• Blood thinners
• HIV medications

Green Tea

• Blood-thinners
• Blood pressure medications
• Cholesterol medications

Black Peppers

• Anti-histamines
• Blood-thinners

Boswellia 

No known interactions

FAQs on Anti-Inflammatory Supplements

Our Top Pick  

While we dig all our top 3 anti-inflammatory supplements, Physio Flex Pro’s Vitality Bundle really does make a great bang for your buck. This bundle not only ensures stronger, more effective anti-inflammatory protection with its synergistic combination, it lets you save up to 15% off than buying supplements separately. It’s definitely worth the subscription!

Conclusion

Inflammation, acute or chronic, may deter you from living your best life. Thankfully, anti-inflammatory supplements can help manage inflammation and allow you to live and move more comfortably, especially when it’s paired with a healthy diet and lifestyle. 

When in doubt about choosing the best supplement, ask your trusted healthcare provider or pharmacist for advice on ingredient blends and compatibilities.