What are the methods for reducing inflammation?

From the Guidelines

To reduce inflammation, adopting a Mediterranean-style diet, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, colorful fruits and vegetables, olive oil, and turmeric, while limiting processed foods, refined sugars, and red meat, is the most effective approach, as it has been shown to lower the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis and reduce inflammatory markers 1.

Lifestyle Changes

• Adopt an anti-inflammatory diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, which has been shown to reduce inflammation and improve overall health 1
• Incorporate foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, into your diet to help reduce inflammation
• Limit or avoid processed foods, refined sugars, and red meat, which can exacerbate inflammation

Targeted Interventions

• Consider taking anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, under medical supervision, but be aware of potential side effects and the importance of not using them long-term without medical guidance
• Regular moderate exercise, such as 30 minutes of exercise per day, 5 days a week, can help reduce inflammatory markers and improve overall health
• Manage stress through techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises, which can help reduce inflammation and improve mental health
• Ensure adequate sleep, aiming for 7-9 hours per night, and maintain proper hydration, drinking about 2-3 liters of water per day, to support the body's natural anti-inflammatory processes

Medical Guidance

• For chronic inflammation, consult a healthcare provider, as it may indicate an underlying condition requiring specific treatment, and work together to develop a personalized treatment plan that prioritizes reducing inflammation and improving quality of life 1

From the FDA Drug Label

Adalimumab binds specifically to TNF-alpha and blocks its interaction with the p55 and p75 cell surface TNF receptors. Elevated concentrations of TNF are found in the synovial fluid of patients with RA, JIA, PsA, and AS and play an important role in both the pathologic inflammation and the joint destruction that are hallmarks of these diseases. After treatment with HUMIRA, a decrease in concentrations of acute phase reactants of inflammation (C-reactive protein [CRP] and erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR]) and serum cytokines (IL-6) was observed compared to baseline in patients with rheumatoid arthritis The pharmacological activity of ibuprofen tablets in reducing fever and inflammation may diminish the utility of these diagnostic signs in detecting complications of presumed noninfectious, painful conditions. The pharmacological activity of naproxen in reducing fever and inflammation may diminish the utility of these diagnostic signs in detecting complications of presumed noninfectious, noninflammatory painful conditions

The methods for reducing inflammation include:

• Blocking TNF-alpha: Adalimumab binds to TNF-alpha, reducing its interaction with cell surface receptors and subsequent inflammatory response 2
• Reducing acute phase reactants: Adalimumab decreases concentrations of CRP and ESR, which are markers of inflammation 2
• Inhibiting serum cytokines: Adalimumab reduces serum cytokines, such as IL-6, which contribute to inflammation 2
• Pharmacological activity of NSAIDs: Ibuprofen and naproxen reduce fever and inflammation, although this may diminish the utility of diagnostic signs in detecting complications 3 4

From the Research

Methods for Reducing Inflammation

The following methods can be used to reduce inflammation:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as naproxen, indomethacin, and ibuprofen 5, 6
• Glucocorticoids, which are steroidal hormones that regulate homeostatic and metabolic functions of the body 7, 8
• Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) such as methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, sulfasalazine, and leflunomide 8
• Biological-response modifiers, which are targeted agents that selectively inhibit specific molecules of the immune system 8
• Anti-inflammatory compounds found in virgin olive oil, such as oleocanthal, which has similar anti-inflammatory properties to ibuprofen 9
• Corticosteroids, which prevent the formation of prostanoids and leukotrienes by causing the release of lipocortin 6

Anti-Inflammatory Mechanisms

The anti-inflammatory mechanisms of these methods include:

• Inhibition of cyclo-oxygenase enzyme and reduction of prostanoid synthesis 6
• Inhibition of phospholipase A2 and reduction of arachidonic acid release 6
• Transrepression mechanism, which mediates the anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects of glucocorticoids 7
• Antagonism of histamine, leukotrienes, and platelet-activating factor (PAF) receptors 6

Treatment of Inflammatory Diseases

These methods can be used to treat various inflammatory diseases, including:

• Rheumatoid arthritis 8, 5
• Asthma 7, 6
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) 7
• Allergies 7, 6
• Multiple sclerosis 7
• Tendinitis 7
• Lupus 7
• Atopic dermatitis 7
• Ulcerative colitis 7
• Osteoarthritis 7