Acute or short-term inflammation is a normal immune response triggered by factors such as tissue injury or pathogens. Long-term, chronic inflammation, however, is associated with pain and chronic conditions such as arthritis, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. Chronic inflammation may result from infections, accumulation of environmental toxins, obesity, stress, sleep disorders, and excessive intake of certain dietary factors (e.g., saturated fats, trans fats, refined sugar). Addressing these lifestyle factors and incorporating certain dietary supplements can help manage pain and inflammation.

Below is some useful information about top recommended supplements for pain and inflammation support, including popular products from my dispensary.

When supplementation isn’t enough consider acupuncture and other treatment modalities for natural pain management.  Learn more about chronic pain treatments here.

Additionally, a qualified licensed practitioner can teach you at-home care techniques (i.e. castor oil packs, pain patches, to even healthy vaping options) to help you manage pain, particularly if you are dealing with a chronic condition.
The following is for educational purposes only and none of these statements have been evaluated by the FDA. Please consult with your health practitioner before self-prescribing supplementation to help assist you in choices unique to your health and inform you of any contradictions. Products are not sold to the general public and are available only to clients of our office.

Boswellia serrata

Commonly known as Indian frankincense, Boswellia serrata is an ancient herb that has anti-arthritic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory effects. Certain supplement formulations containing acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (AKBA), the active component found in the plant, may help reduce joint pain in as little as five days of treatment. Studies in individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have also shown that Boswellia serrata extracts may protect against inflammatory damage to the intestines. Find Boswellia serrata-containing supplements

Curcumin

Curcumin is an anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory compound found in turmeric root (Curcuma longa) which gives the plant its bright yellow color. Curcumin supplementation has been shown to reduce pain, tenderness, and swelling related to several types of arthritis. The anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin may also have anti-depressant effects and provide protective effects against Parkinson’s disease.
Find curcumin-containing supplements

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Research suggests that higher blood ratios of omega-6 to omega-3 fats may be associated with silent inflammation in the body. The intake of the omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), can be increased by consuming fatty fish (e.g., anchovies, mackerel, salmon, sardines) and/or dietary supplements. Omega-3 supplements have a range of benefits including protecting against cardiovascular conditions and improving inflammatory and neurodegenerative conditions.  Find omega-3-containing supplements

Probiotics

Probiotics are supplements containing beneficial microbes that may improve health by modulating the microbial composition of the gut and the body’s immune system. In addition to supporting gastrointestinal health, research shows that probiotic supplementation may help regulate anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory compounds. Specific probiotic strains have been shown to reduce symptoms of inflammatory conditions, such as atopic dermatitis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and rheumatoid arthritis.  Find probiotic-containing supplements

Magnesium

An essential mineral, magnesium is required for over 300 reactions in the body.  Studies have found that a major mechanism of pain is the excessive stimulation of a brain chemical called “NMDA.” There are but a few medications that help decrease and balance this neurotransmitter, but those that can, come with significant side effects. Magnesium, on the other hand, seems to calm NMDA without the contaminant. In Western countries, an estimated 68% of adults consume below the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of magnesium. Supplementation with magnesium may provide several anti-inflammatory benefits and has been shown to be effective as a muscle relaxer, particularly when bathing.  Most people do not soak in enough or long enough (at least 60 min.) to make it therapeutic.  A great alternative is to utilize a float service like ‘Float Effects‘ to supplement quickly and in a volume not feasible for most of us at home.  Our office has utilized this service and is great for pain and sleep.  Learn more about Low Magnesium can cause Hormonal Imbalance & Infertility.

Consider the anti-inflammatory diet

The key to a successful anti-inflammatory diet is to regulate blood glucose levels and emphasize the intake of anti-inflammatory plant-based foods and omega-3 fatty acids. Visit the Fullscript blog to learn more about addressing inflammation through the diet and to download a guide to the anti-inflammatory diet.

If you have any issues accessing the dispensary, let us know. We may just need your paperwork updated. Additionally, please use caution when self-prescribing as many supplements are practitioner grade and ingredients may already exist in other supplementation in different forms you may already be taking.
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