The secrets to reducing painful inflammation

Growing awareness about the causes and effects of inflammation has raised the dietary consciousness of many.  It’s been implicated as the culprit behind everything from acne to swollen joints, and even cancer and  heart disease. You can’t develop immunity to inflammation; there’s no vaccine. But there are ways to protect yourself.

Recommended diet and lifestyle changes to control inflammation include foods that are high in anti-oxidants: 

• fresh fruits and vegetables 
• fatty fish — rich in essential fatty acids; and
• whole grains, like rice and oatmeal that are unprocessed, low in refined carbohydrates and without sugar.

Exercise is high on the list of life-style improvements that ease inflammation. The ideal amount? Not too much (which raises inflammation), but not too little. Target five days a week of steady exercise (brisk walking, swimming, biking) for 30 to 45 minutes.   

A good night’s sleep is another important factor. Research shows that not enough sleep (less than six hours), or too much (more than eight hours) results in more inflammation. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine reports that most adults need between seven and eight hours of quality sleep a night.
Although symptoms can appear quickly, inflammatory conditions develop over time.  In addition to upgrading your diet and exercise habits – adding  recommended supplements can speed recovery and help protect against further damage.

One such supplement currently available is Nopalea, an all-natural formula derived from the Nopal cactus, or prickly pear, which has been used since ancient times for food and medicinal purposes.

Recent scientific research shows that the Nopal cactus is suggested to have potent anti-inflammatory properties, thanks to rare and powerful nutrients called betalains.  There are 24 known betalains in nature; some are found in beets and rainbow swiss chard, but Nopal cactus fruit is thought to contain the most concentrated amounts.

Now available for a free trial, Nopalea is a delicious, sugar and preservative-free anti-inflammatory wellness drink rich in betalains sourced from the Nopal.  It’s reported to have a variety of health benefits: Everything from reduced aches and pains to improvement in breathing and skin conditions.