Many people experience stiff, painful joints and often blame inflammation, but what exactly is it? According to Selvan Naicker, Brand Manager for ActiveEze™, inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury, infection, or harmful stimuli. It plays a critical role in healing, but when prolonged, it can negatively impact the body, especially the joints.

Acute Inflammation

Acute inflammation is short-term and occurs when the body responds to an injury, such as a sprained ankle. This often leads to redness, swelling, heat, pain, and limited movement in the affected area. It is the body’s way of sending immune cells and nutrients to aid healing.

Using a topical anti-inflammatory such as ActiveEze™ Active Warming Gel, which contains MSM, can help ease the pain and discomfort caused by muscle and joint inflammation, speeding up recovery.

Chronic Inflammation

Chronic inflammation, on the other hand, is long-term and occurs when the body continues sending inflammation signals even when there is no injury or infection. This can lead to serious health conditions such as arthritis, heart disease, and autoimmune disorders.

“Inflammation is necessary for healing, but when it continues unnecessarily, it can become harmful. Lifestyle changes such as adjusting your diet, exercising, and improving sleep habits can help manage chronic inflammation. In severe cases, medical intervention may be required,” explains Naicker.

How Diet Can Help Reduce Inflammation

An anti-inflammatory diet can play a vital role in reducing chronic inflammation. Incorporating nutrient-rich foods into your daily routine can support your body’s healing process.

Foods That Help Reduce Inflammation:

• Leafy greens, berries, and cruciferous vegetables (rich in antioxidants).
• Omega-3 fatty acids from salmon, flaxseeds, and olive oil.
• Whole grains such as oatmeal, brown rice, and quinoa instead of refined grains.
• Herbs and spices like ginger, turmeric, and garlic, which contain natural anti-inflammatory compounds.
• Hydration through water, herbal teas, and hydrating beverages to help flush out toxins and reduce inflammation.

Foods to Avoid or Limit:

• Processed foods high in refined sugars and trans fats.
• Excessive alcohol and smoking, as they contribute to inflammation.

Exercise and Supplements for Inflammation Management

Diet is essential, but combining it with low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, or yoga can improve circulation and reduce fat, both of which help manage inflammatory markers.

Adding ActiveEze™ capsules to your routine can also aid recovery. Formulated with Opti-MSM®, these capsules help reduce joint pain, inflammation, and muscle fatigue, providing additional support for joint health.

Managing Stress and Sleep to Reduce Inflammation

Although stress cannot always be avoided, learning to manage it effectively can reduce inflammation levels. Chronic stress leads to increased inflammation, so incorporating meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga can help manage stress naturally.

Getting enough sleep is also essential, as poor sleep increases stress and inflammation. Creating a consistent sleep routine and prioritizing restful nights can make a big difference in how your body handles inflammation.

Final Thoughts: A Holistic Approach to Inflammation Management

Reducing inflammation requires a combination of diet, exercise, and lifestyle adjustments to support overall health. If chronic inflammation persists despite these changes, consulting a medical professional may be necessary.

By making intentional choices about nutrition, movement, stress management, and supplementation, you can support your joints and overall well-being, keeping your body strong, pain-free, and ready for anything.

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S0 ActiveEze™ CAPSULES. Per white capsule: Opti-MSM 800 mg. Per green capsule: Opti-MSM 700 mg; Zinc 5 mg; Copper 0,5 mg; Selenium 0,03 mg; Magnesium 24,12 mg. D 3.5 Connective tissue medicines: other – Health Supplement. This unregistered medicine has not been evaluated by the SAHPRA for its quality, safety or intended use. Nativa (Pty) Ltd. www.nativa.co.za. 260 Cradock Avenue, Lyttelton, Centurion, 0157, Gauteng, South Africa. Customer Care Tel Number: +27 860 628 482. Customer Care e-mail: health@nativa.co.za.

S0 ActiveEze™ WARMING GEL. Ingredients: Gaultheria procumbens (Wintergreen) Leaf Oil 5 % m/m; Menthol 2 % m/m. D.33.7 Complementary Medicines: Discipline – Specific Traditional Claims – Combination Product. This unregistered medicine has not been evaluated by the SAHPRA for its quality, safety or intended use. Nativa (Pty) Ltd. www.nativa.co.za. 260 Cradock Avenue, Lyttelton, Centurion, 0157, Gauteng, South Africa. Customer Care Tel Number: +27 860 628 482. Customer Care e-mail: health@nativa.co.za.