There are shelves full of products in health stores aisles that are labelled as having natural anti-inflammatory function in the body, but are they really having that effect on the body?

Here is a look at the common products and their actual function:

Fish oils or Essential Fatty Acids also known as Omega 3, is from cold water fish. Depending on the source and the quality, fish oils are a good source of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). EPA and DHA have very important roles in the body. EPA and DHA are converted into hormone like substances called prostaglandins, and they regulate cell activity, help cushion nerve activity and promote healthy cardiovascular function as well. In studies, DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) has also been shown to have a strong anti-inflammatory effect on the body, and helps modulate adipose tissue biology and improve insulin resistance in obese individuals.

Glucosamine sulphate – A sugar based compound produced in our body, found in cartilage and connective tissue. Usually found in health stores in pill or liquid form, and in combination with Chondroitin Sulphate and MSM. Various studies have shown that Glucosamine seems to have both osteoarthritis symptom-modifying effects and structure-modifying effects by suppressing inflammatory mediators, which cause cause inflammation, pain and degradation of cartilage, and has been quite effective to treat inflammation and degeneration by osteoarthritis.

MSM – Methylsulfonylmethane or MSM has been used to treat inflammatory conditions as well, allergies and parasitic infections of the gastrointestinal tract as well as the urogenital tract. Research has shown that MSM does in fact inhibit degenerative changes in arthritis, and also delays chemically induced colon cancer tumor onset in animals.

Curcumin / Turmeric Curcumin, is derived from the rhizome of Curcuma longa L. and has both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, inhibits chemically induced carcinogenesis in the skin, stomach, and colon. It also possesses significant anti-inflammatory activity in acute as well as in chronic models of inflammation. The active part of turmeric is the root, which is rich in potassium as well as iron. It contains volatile oil and curcumin. In studies, it has been the oil that seems to possess the anti inflammatory properties along with anti arthritic property. It also has the added benefits of being bile stimulating, liver – protectant, antioxidant, antispasmodic and anticancer effects.

Krill oil Krill oil studies have shown that it does have protective effects against inflammatory bowel disease, including a reduction in inflammation and oxidative stress in the colon.
Studies do suggest that krill oil has both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may benefit patients with IBD –. The omega-3 fats in krill oil, EPA and DHA, play an important role in reducing inflammation before it can do too much damage to your tissues. Several studies have been published on the remarkable effectiveness of krill oil in combating inflammation-related disorders like IBD, arthritis and others.

Talk to your naturopathic physician before starting on any supplements or natural health products. Its better to first identify the root of the problem before you treat it with various products, as these may be helpful short term but in order to resolve the symptom completely, you need to treat the root of the problem.

By: Sushma Shah, Naturopathic Doctor.