7 Minerals & Vitamins for the Healing Process of Inflammation

Pain, redness, swelling - these are typical signs of inflammation in the body.

We have all had an inflammation at some time or another: ear infection, sore throat, bladder infection, or skin inflammation. Almost every organ can be affected by inflammation.

But how does inflammation actually occur, how do we recognise inflammation, and above all, which vitamins and minerals are anti-inflammatory? Read the article & learn more!

How Does Inflammation Occur?

Inflammation follows the same pattern throughout the body. The inflammatory response is the body's attempt to contain a danger, fight it off, and then repair the damage. It is the body's very natural response to pathogens, foreign body-induced skin injuries, and physical stimuli such as heat.

The inflammatory response is controlled by messenger substances that the body releases in the affected area. The effect of many painkillers is based on suppressing these messenger substances. Soon after the inflammation begins, about 12-36 hours, messenger substances trigger the healing process. Within 3-4 days, a vascular, spongy connective tissue develops, causing the swelling to gradually subside.

Parts of the defence system are responsible for recognising the different triggers. When they encounter a trigger, they release certain messenger substances that activate the immune system.

What Are the Signs of Inflammation?

The best way to observe inflammation is to look at a wound. The affected area becomes red, swollen, and painful. Inflammation is our immune system's reaction to injuries or germs entering the body. The inflammatory response is designed to help the body contain the danger, fight it off, and then repair the damage.

There are five main signs of inflammation:

• Redness
• Warmth
• Swelling
• Pain
• The affected part of the body no longer works properly

These signs can vary depending on the type of inflammation. With some inflammations, the swelling is most noticeable because a lot of blood fluid enters the affected tissue.

What Are the Triggers of Inflammation?

There are various triggers for inflammation. These include:

• Bacteria, fungi, or viruses
• Foreign bodies, e.g. splinters or inhaled substances, e.g. pollen
• Wounds
• Chemical or physical triggers, e.g. acid, UV radiation, heat, cold
• Internal causes, e.g. too much uric acid in gout, fatty deposits in the blood vessels, or autoimmune diseases

Which Vitamins & Minerals Have an Anti-Inflammatory Effect?

Diet can play a crucial role in the fight against inflammation. Just as you can inhibit inflammation with the help of certain foods, there are also foods that can promote inflammation in the body. Basically, a supply of all vital nutrients is of great importance for your health.

Pay particular attention to the following vitamins and minerals for inflammation:

• Omega-3: With fats, it is like this: depending on which fats we eat, our body converts them into anti-inflammatory or pro-inflammatory substances. The ratio between omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids plays a decisive role. A healthy ratio is about 2:1, omega 6: omega 3. However, due to today's diets in industrialised societies, this ratio has changed considerably, making inflammation in the body more likely. Omega-3 fatty acids are converted in your body to anti-inflammatory messengers, while omega-6 fatty acids turn into pro-inflammatory messengers.
• Vitamin C: Vitamin C is an essential vitamin that plays an important role in immunity and reducing inflammation by neutralising free radicals, which cause oxidative damage to cells.
• Vitamin E: Vitamin E strengthens the immune system, ensures healthy blood, blood clotting, and circulation, and healthy eyes. It also helps prevent inflammation and should therefore not be missing from your diet.
• Beta-Carotene: Beta-carotene, also called pro-vitamin A, has an antioxidant effect and helps your body protect itself from free radicals. It is known for many health-promoting effects in addition to its antioxidant properties.
• Selenium: Selenium belongs to the group of antioxidants and has an anti-inflammatory effect. Antioxidants protect proteins and enzyme systems. Selenium also positively affects autoimmune processes. As a trace element, selenium must be ingested through food.
• Zinc: Zinc is a trace element involved in almost all life processes in the body. Besides protecting us from free radicals, it is crucial for a healthy immune system. Zinc also has an anti-inflammatory effect and promotes wound healing, which can help people with acne in particular.
• Turmeric: Pure turmeric powder contains just three percent curcumin, the powerful substance. To enhance absorption, black pepper extract (piperine) is added to our turmeric supplements.

Inflammation: Friend or Enemy?

Inflammation is first of all a natural protective reaction against a harmful trigger. However, if the body does not manage to remove the cause of the inflammation, sometimes a persistent (chronic) inflammation develops.

Chronic inflammation can occur when the immune system turns against its own body. This autoimmune response recognises the body's own components as foreign and tries to eliminate them.

What are you waiting for? Support your body's healing process by eating a balanced diet and getting enough vitamins and minerals for inflammation.