The 9 Best Supplements to Fight Inflammation (2024)

Reducing inflammation can relieve pain and alleviate chronic disease symptoms. Give these anti-inflammatory supplements a try to start feeling your best.

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Inflammation affects millions of people worldwide. In the short term, inflammation helps the body heal wounds, repair injuries and fight off infections. But things can quickly go awry if it persists in the body for too long and becomes chronic inflammation. Left unaddressed, it can damage healthy cells, tissues and organs.

The health benefits of reducing inflammation are vast and include pain relief, better mobility, more restful sleep, improved digestion, hormonal control, autoimmune disease support, increased energy and improved cognitive and cardiovascular function. Lowering your inflammation levels can even help you lose weight and age more gracefully.

Anti-inflammatory agents can have broad anti-inflammatory effects or target specific health conditions and organ systems. For example, some anti-inflammatory supplements work better for joint pain than for allergic sinusitis.

This article will help you determine which anti-inflammatory supplement is best for you. Additionally, we’ll briefly discuss an integrative health approach to fighting chronic inflammation, which includes an anti-inflammatory diet, stress reduction and healthy lifestyle changes.

This content is meant to be informative, but should not be taken as medical advice. It is not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention or treatment of health problems. Always speak with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement or exercise regimen.

Our Picks for Best Anti-Inflammatory Supplements:

• Best Curcumin for Inflammation: Transparent Labs Curcumin C3 Complex
• Best Krill Oil for Inflammation: Transparent Labs Krill Oil
• Best Vitamin C for Inflammation: Transparent Labs Immune
• Best Bromelain for Inflammation: Athletic Greens
• Best Spirulina for Inflammation: KOS Organic Spirulina
• Best Creatine for Inflammation: Transparent Labs Creatine HMB
• Best Turmeric Supplement for Inflammation: Transparent Labs Turmeric Curcumin C3 Complex
• Best Vitamin D for Inflammation: Transparent Labs D3
• Best Tart Cherry Juice for Inflammation: NOW Foods Tart Cherry

Best Curcumin: Transparent Labs Curcumin C3 Complex

Pillar Four Media

Key features & specs

• Curcumin per serving: 500 milligrams
• Percent of daily value: Not established
• Nutrition facts: N/A
• Key ingredients: Curcumin, Bioperine
• Certifications: Vegan, third-party tested by Analytical Resource Laboratories
• Sweeteners: None
• Price per serving: $0.33
• Subscription: Your choice of a 30-, 45- or 60-day shipping frequency, 10% savings
• Best for: People in need of broad anti-inflammatory support or relief from autoimmune symptoms, arthritis and metabolic syndromes

Transparent Labs is a supplement company that offers wellness products for a range of health and fitness goals, from weight management to muscle building, improved focus and relief from chronic diseases. As the name suggests, the company places transparency at the forefront of its operations and provides third-party testing and easily accessible certificates of analysis for each of its products.

Transparent Labs Curcumin C3 is the company’s solution to fighting chronic inflammation. Its health benefits include joint health, immune system support and improved cardiovascular function.

If you’ve ever researched natural remedies for reducing inflammation, then you’ve undoubtedly heard about curcumin. It’s the active compound in the spice turmeric and has potent anti-inflammatory properties.

Among the various anti-inflammatory agents out there, curcumin is the one you want if you’re looking for broad anti-inflammatory support. Studies show it also helps with autoimmune diseases, joint pain and metabolic problems.

A caveat to curcumin’s potency is that it isn’t well-absorbed by the digestive tract. To account for this, Transparent Labs Curcumin C3 includes five milligrams of BioPerine (black pepper extract) in its formula to increase the supplement’s bioavailability and effectiveness.

In fact, studies show that BioPerine can increase curcumin’s absorption by 2,000 percent, and that’s why we rank this product as the best curcumin supplement for inflammation. Other curcumin supplements without BioPerine may be cheaper, but likely won’t work as well.

Hundreds of clinical trials have investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin, and numerous studies suggest that 500 milligrams per day is sufficient to reduce inflammation (which is the exact amount contained in this supplement). There is also scientific consensus that curcumin is most effective when taken with a fatty meal.

Overall, customers praise the effectiveness of this product. One reviewer noted that they were “able to stop taking their prescription medication for arthritis” while using this supplement. Some customers complained about the pricing, but keep in mind that you can save 10% per bottle with a subscription order.

Related Post: Everything You Need to Know to Find the Best Turmeric Supplement

Pros:

• Good for broad anti-inflammatory support
• Well-studied anti-inflammatory properties
• Third-party tested

Cons:

• May cause yellow or discolored stool
• Not recommended for people with gastrointestinal issues

Best Krill Oil: Transparent Labs Krill Oil

Transparent Labs

Key features & specs

• Krill oil per serving: 1,000 milligrams
• Percent of daily value: Not established
• Nutrition facts: 10 calories, one gram fat
• Key ingredients: Superba krill oil, phospholipids, omega-3 fatty acids: EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), astaxanthin (from krill oil)
• Certifications: Third-party tested by Analytical Resource Laboratories
• Flavors: Vanilla
• Sweeteners: Sorbitol, glycerol
• Price per serving: $1.17
• Subscription: Your choice of a 30-, 45- or 60-day shipping frequency, 10% savings
• Best for: People concerned with cardiovascular-related inflammation or looking for relief from joint pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis

Transparent Labs Krill Oil is loaded with the omega-3 fatty acids your body needs for proper heart health and immunity. The omega-3s in this supplement come from krill, which are small crustaceans that resemble crayfish.

Fish oil supplements work well against broad types of chronic inflammation and are especially useful for fighting inflammation related to cardiovascular disease. Consider using a fish/krill oil supplement if you have high cholesterol, weight-related comorbidities or want extra immune support.

Transparent Labs Krill Oil is our best krill oil supplement for inflammation because it contains two of the main types of omega-3s—EPA and DHA—plus the antioxidant astaxanthin, which has anti-aging properties.

On top of that, the supplement’s capsule is vanilla-coated to prevent unpleasant side effects like fish burps and indigestion. To further reduce unwanted side effects, take this supplement with a meal.

Past customers seem to be pretty happy with this supplement, with most leaving a 5/5-star rating and calling it a “great product." One review by Deanna B. neatly sums up the general sentiment: “No bad smell, does its job.”

Related Post: The Best Fish Oil and Omega-3 Supplements for Your Brain, Heart and More

Pros:

• Formulated to be highly-absorbable
• Provides nutritional support for heart health and joint integrity
• Provides antioxidant benefits

Cons:

• Contains sweeteners that can produce a laxative effect

Best Vitamin C: Transparent Labs Immune

Transparent Labs

Key features & specs

• Vitamin C per serving: 250 milligrams (as ascorbic acid)
• Percent of daily value: 278 percent
• Nutrition facts: 100 micrograms vitamin D, 50 micrograms vitamin B12, 125 milligrams magnesium, 15 milligrams zinc
• Key ingredients: Vitamin C, EpiCor dried yeast fermentate, organic reishi mushroom, quercetin dihydrate, CurcuWIN Ultra+ turmeric extract, Gingever ginger extract, BioPerine
• Certifications: Non-GMO, gluten-free, third-party tested by Analytical Resource Laboratories
• Sweeteners: None
• Price per serving: $0.67
• Subscription: N/A
• Best for: People looking to reduce inflammation for immunity support and pain relief.

A hallmark of Transparent Labs is its well-crafted, evidence-based product formulas. We list Transparent Labs Immune as the best anti-inflammatory supplement with vitamin C, but we’d be remiss not to discuss its other note-worthy active ingredients as well.

In addition to 250 milligrams of vitamin C (which is more than double the RDA for vitamin C), Transparent Labs Immune contains a host of natural anti-inflammatory agents and powerful antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. These include curcumin, ginger and reishi mushrooms.

Related Post: Best Tens Unit for Pain Relief

Reishi mushrooms have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries and have robust anti-inflammatory properties. They contain ganoderic acids that reduce pro-inflammatory markers like cytokines.

The formula’s ginger component provides antioxidant benefits, helping to reduce free radicals and oxidative stress that contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer. Ginger is also thought to help with pain relief.

Be sure to take this supplement with a full glass of water and/or a meal to balance the supplement’s high concentration of vitamin C. Some people find that taking ascorbic acid (vitamin C) alone upsets their stomach.

There haven’t many reviews written for this product yet, but so far it has earned 5/5-star ratings across the board.

Related Post: The Best Vitamin C Supplements

Pros:

• Contains a comprehensive wellness blend
• No artificial sweeteners or preservatives

Cons:

• Not vegan-friendly

Best Bromelain: Athletic Greens (AG1)

AG1

Key features & specs

• Bromelain per serving: Unknown
• Percent of daily value: Not established
• Nutrition facts: 50 calories, six grams carbohydrate, two grams protein, two grams dietary fiber, <1 gram sugar, 555 micrograms RAE vitamin A, 420 milligrams vitamin C, 83 milligrams vitamin E, three milligrams thiamin (vitamin B1), two milligrams riboflavin (vitamin B2), 20 milligrams NE niacin (vitamin B3), three milligrams vitamin B6, 680 micrograms DFE folate, 22 micrograms vitamin B12, 330 micrograms biotin (vitamin B7), four milligrams pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), 118 milligrams calcium, 130 milligrams phosphorous, 26 milligrams magnesium, 15 milligrams zinc, 20 micrograms selenium, 195 micrograms copper, 400 micrograms manganese, 25 micrograms chromium, 45 milligrams sodium, 300 milligrams potassium
• Key ingredients: Bromelain, alkaline nutrient-dense raw superfood complex, nutrient dense extracts herbs & antioxidant, digestive enzyme & super mushroom complex, dairy free probiotics,
• Certifications: NSF Certified for Sport, made in a TGA registered facility, non-GMO, gluten-free
• Flavors: Natural flavors
• Sweeteners: None
• Price per serving: $3.30
• Subscription: Monthly, 20% savings
• Best for: People looking for a greens powder that contains anti-inflammatory ingredients.

Athletic Greens is a nutritional company that was created to give people an alternative to pills and capsules that can be hard on the stomach. The company is committed to quality and safety, and its Athletic Greens powder (AG1) is made in a cGMP-registered facility to ensure the purity and integrity of the product.

The notable anti-inflammatory agent in this supplement is bromelain—a group of enzymes commonly found in pineapples. Bromelain is particularly useful for fighting inflammation related to digestive problems, allergies, asthma and joint pain caused by rheumatoid and osteoarthritis.

Findings from multiple clinical trials suggest that the optimal dosage of bromelain to reduce inflammation is around 400 milligrams per day. While this supplement does contain less than that per serving, we’ve included it in our list of the best supplements for inflammation because of the numerous other anti-inflammatory agents, antioxidants and phytonutrients it contains.

Customers and advocates of Athletic Greens include health experts and professional athletes, like multi-Ironman champion Angela Naeth and long distance runner Tina Muir. Over 30,000 reviews have contributed to the product’s impressive 4.5/5-star rating. “AG1 has been a game changer for my mood, stamina, and provides the gut health and immunity support I need,” says Registered Dietitian, Kristen Bell.

Related Post: The Best Greens Powders to Bump Up Your Nutrient Intake 

Pros:

• Contains 75 vitamins, minerals and anti-inflammatory nutrients
• Helps fill nutritional gaps
• Easy on the stomach by design

Cons:

• Unspecified amount of bromelain per serving

Spirulina: KOS Organic Spirulina

KOS

Key features & specs

• Spirulina per serving: Unknown
• Percent of daily value: Not established
• Nutrition facts: 10 calories, 20 milligrams sodium, two grams protein, 11 milligrams calcium, two milligrams iron, 46 milligrams potassium
• Key ingredients: Organic spirulina powder
• Certifications: USDA Organic, GMP Certified, non-GMO, gluten-free, plant-based, soy-free, dairy-free
• Flavors: None
• Sweeteners: None
• Price per serving: $0.28
• Subscription: Your choice of a 30-, 45-, 60- or 90-day shipping frequency, 15% savings
• Best for: People seeking relief from allergy rhinitis or who have high cholesterol

The company mission of KOS is to improve nutrition worldwide through plant-based dietary supplements. The brand offers a range of wellness products, including superfood powders, energy supplements, multivitamins and sleep aids.

KOS Organic Spirulina is a powdered supplement form of spirulina—a type of blue-green algae loaded with vital nutrients and powerful antioxidants.

Numerous clinical trials have shown the anti-inflammatory effects of spirulina supplementation, which includes the inhibition of histamines. In one randomized controlled trial (RCT), individuals with allergic rhinitis were fed spirulina for 12 weeks and saw a 32 percent reduction in the pro-inflammatory marker interleukin (IL)-4.

Another RCT conducted in Turkey found that spirulina supplementation significantly improved the symptoms of allergic rhinitis, reducing nasal discharge, sneezing, nasal congestion and itching.

Spirulina has also been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol, triglycerides and blood cholesterol levels in healthy individuals, ischemic heart disease patients and diabetic patients. The buildup of cholesterol in the blood can set off an inflammatory response, and that’s why KOS Organic Spirulina makes our list of the best anti-inflammatory supplements.

“Your body will thank you,” says verified buyer, Keri J. “I add [this supplement] to my smoothies and it gives it a really good taste and texture,” says another customer, Imelda M.

Pros:

• Can be mixed into your favorite drink or smoothie
• Contains 10 percent Daily Value (DV) of iron
• Helps lower cholesterol
• Plant-based

Cons:

• Unspecified amount of spirulina per serving

Best Creatine: Transparent Labs Creatine HMB

Transparent Labs

Key features & specs

• Creatine per serving: 5,000 milligrams
• Percent of daily value: Not established
• Nutrition facts: 12.5 micrograms vitamin D
• Key ingredients: Creatine monohydrate, beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate (HMB), Bioperine
• Certifications: Third-party tested by Analytical Resource Laboratories
• Flavors: Blue Raspberry, Sour Grape, Tropical Punch, Fruit Punch, Watermelon, Black Cherry, Orange, Hawaiian Splash, Peach Mango, Strawberry Lemonade, Unflavored
• Sweeteners: Stevia extract
• Price per serving: $1.67
• Subscription: Your choice of a 30-, 45- or 60-day shipping frequency, 10% savings
• Best for: Athletes and regular gym-goers who want to support their muscle, bone and joint health during and after training.

Transparent Labs Creatine HMB comes in a variety flavors and can be a great-tasting way to boost your creatinine intake. But you may be wondering: What exactly is the connection between creatine and inflammation?

A well-known performance enhancer, creatine has also been revealed to have potential anti-inflammatory properties within bone and muscle tissue. Specifically, creatine is thought to decrease pro-inflammatory markers that contribute to age-related reduction in connective tissue in older adults.

We rank this creatine supplement among the best for inflammation because the formula includes HMB, which is known to prevent damage to muscle cells that can occur with high-intensity physical activity and certain health conditions, like cancer.

The recommended dosage to maintain your body’s creatine stores is three to five grams per day, and there are five grams per serving in Transparent Labs Creatine HMB.

Multiple customer reviews say they really like the taste of this supplement and consider it a great addition to their workout regimens. Some lament the supplement’s price, but note that it's ultimately worth it because of how effective it is.

Pros:

• Formulated with BioPerine to increase absorption
• Third-party tested for purity and potency
• Multiple flavors available

Cons:

• Pricey compared to other supplements on our list

Best Turmeric Supplement for Inflammation: Transparent Labs Turmeric Curcumin C3 Complex

Pillar Four Media

Key features & specs

• Curcumin per serving: 500 milligrams
• Percent of daily value: Not established
• Nutrition facts: N/A
• Key ingredients: Curcumin, Bioperine
• Certifications: Vegan, third-party tested by Analytical Resource Laboratories
• Sweeteners: None
• Price per serving: $0.33
• Subscription: Your choice of a 30-, 45- or 60-day shipping frequency, 10% savings
• Best for: People in need of broad anti-inflammatory support or relief from autoimmune symptoms, arthritis and metabolic syndromes

Transparent Labs Turmeric Curcumin C3 Complex has just two active ingredients: curcumin and Bioperine. Both of these ingredients work cohesively—with Bioperine boosting the bioavailability of curcumin—to reduce inflammation.

Curcumin, the active component in turmeric, is commonly sold as a food supplement. However, it is important to note that products sold as such are not subject to the same quality and the curcumin may have poor bioavailability, which is why choosing a supplement that contains active components from a trusted brand that provides third-party testing and certificates of analysis for its supplements—such as Transparent Labs—minimizes any associated risks.

Turmeric Curcumin C3 Complex reduces inflammation by lowering the levels of enzymes in the body that cause it, according to Mount Sinai. Other clinical studies have shown that it may play a role in improving memory, neutralizing free radicals and may help with pain management.

This anti-inflammatory supplement is rated 4.5/5 on the brand’s website. One review says it has “quality ingredients” and many expressed they are pleased with the product. A couple of critical reviews mention that the smell and taste of the capsule is unpleasant.

Pros:

• Third-party lab tested
• Transparent ingredients and label
• Gluten-free and non-GMO

Cons:

• Reviews mention the capsule has a bad smell and taste
• Expensive

Best Vitamin D: Transparent Labs D3

Transparent Labs

Key features & specs

• Vitamin D per serving: 125 micrograms
• Percent of daily value: 630 percent
• Nutrition facts: 125 micrograms vitamin D3, 100 micrograms vitamin K2
• Key ingredients: Vitamin D3, vitamin K2
• Certifications: Third-party tested by Analytical Resource Laboratories
• Flavors: N/A
• Sweeteners: None
• Price per serving: $0.17
• Subscription: Your choice of a 30-, 45- or 60-day shipping frequency, 10% savings
• Best for: Men and women looking to reduce inflammation related to osteoarthritis. People seeking relief from joint pain and improved mobility.

Transparent Labs prides itself on the effectiveness of its supplements, owing it to the use of technologies that increase the bioavailability and potency of its products. The company also boasts an expert team that's responsible for crafting its supplement formulas.

Transparent Labs D3 is a well-formulated vitamin D supplement for inflammation. It has over 600 percent of the Daily Value (DV) for vitamin D and also includes its ever important sidekick—vitamin K2, making it one of the best supplements to fight inflammation and support bone health.

Vitamin K2 is a significant ingredient because it helps traffic calcium into the bones after it has been absorbed from the blood with the help of vitamin D. Clinical trials have shown that supplementation of vitamin D and vitamin K2 can improve bone health and cardiovascular function in postmenopausal women.

One small study among 15 healthy women indicated that three weeks of supplementation of 20 milliliters of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) enriched with vitamins D, K and B6 can counteract bone loss.

Customer reactions to this product have been mostly positive. Verified buyer Robert W. refers to Transparent Labs D3 as “sunshine in a bottle!” He continues, “I have been taking D3+K2 for a few months now. Easy to take every morning. It's nice to know that if I am stuck in the office too much that I am still getting my essential D3 and K2. Highly recommend this for anyone to get that extra boost in D3, especially if you work inside too long, or during the winter.”

“Feels good, been getting a resupply of them since the quality is on point based on how my body feels. Goes great with my supplement stack,” says verified buyer, Randall I.

Pros:

• Formulated for bone health
• Supports joint integrity
• Contains vitamin K2

Cons:

• Doesn’t contain any additional nutrients

Best Tart Cherry Juice: NOW Foods Tart Cherry

Now

Key features & specs

• Tart cherry juice per serving: 500 milligrams
• Percent of daily value: Not established
• Nutrition facts: N/A
• Key ingredients: Tart cherry concentrate
• Certifications: GMP Quality Assured, non-GMO
• Flavors: N/A
• Sweeteners: None
• Price per serving: $0.17
• Subscription: Your choice of a one, two, three, four, five or six-month shipping frequency, 10% savings
• Best for: People interested in a natural anti-inflammatory supplement from a reputable brand

NOW Foods is a family-owned supplement brand created to empower healthy living through natural products. It offers a wide variety of products, including essential oils, multivitamins for kids, organic beauty products and even nutritional supplements for pets.

NOW Foods Tart Cherry is our best tart cherry juice to reduce inflammation because it has a clinically-determined dosage of 500 milligrams of tart cherry per daily serving and is made in a cGMP-registered facility for quality assurance.

Tart cherry juice is rich in polyphenols, especially anthocyanins. These antioxidative compounds are thought to play a role in reducing blood biomarkers for inflammation and oxidative stress.

Tart cherry juice is also thought to have sleep-promoting properties and is commonly found in natural sleep aids.

Customers had good things to say about this supplement—its 454 reviews have an average of 4.6/5 stars on iHerb.com. One writes, “For me, at least...these tart cherry pills do work against gout. Anytime I feel a flare-up coming, I take two pills every four hours or so and the flare-up goes away.”

“A must-have if you have arthritis,” another writes. “My finger joints are flexible again and [my] sleep also improved. Also great if you work out regularly, no more muscle pain. [I take this supplement] before bed together with magnesium.”

Pros:

• Natural anti-inflammatory
• Antioxidant properties
• Trusted manufacturer
• Low-cost

Cons:

• May have a laxative effect

What Is Inflammation in the Body?

Acute inflammation is the body’s immediate protective response to injury and infection. When this inflammatory response lingers for too long, occurs in healthy tissues or is consistently triggered by benign stimuli, it becomes a form of chronic inflammation.

The immune system plays a major role in inflammation and there are many mediators (e.g. neutrophils, mast cells, T-cells, etc.) that regulate the body’s inflammatory processes. At the cell level, an inflammatory response is communicated throughout the body via a cascade of molecular signals.

Consequently, chronic inflammation can affect a variety of body parts and organ systems and manifest as a number of different inflammatory diseases.

Some common inflammatory diseases include:

• Asthma
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
• Type 2 Diabetes
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Osteoarthritis
• Fatty Liver Disease
• Obesity
• Allergic Rhinitis and Sinusitis
• Endometriosis
• Cancer
• Atherosclerosis
• Chronic Bronchitis
• Alzheimer’s Disease
• Parkinson’s Disease

How Do I Know if I Have Inflammation?

The complex nature of inflammation can make it difficult to diagnose, determine its cause and select the appropriate course of treatment.

Nonetheless, there are several classic signs of inflammation in the body that can help you recognize if you have chronic inflammation. These signs include:

• General body aches and pain
• Fatigue and muscle weakness
• Rashes, itching and sensitive skin
• Consistently swollen lymph nodes
• Digestive problems
• Persistent, low-grade fever

If you suspect that you have chronic inflammation, consult your healthcare provider for additional guidance.

What Are Anti-Inflammatory Supplements?

Anti-inflammatory supplements are a type of dietary supplement designed to reduce inflammation and offer relief from inflammation-related symptoms, like pain and fatigue. Anti-inflammatory supplements come in an array of formulations and may have a single ingredient or a diverse blend of anti-inflammatory agents, depending on the supplement brand and manufacturer.

Benefits of Anti-Inflammatory Supplements

The diverse offering of anti-inflammatory supplements on the market enables consumers to address many different inflammation-related symptoms and diseases.

The benefits of anti-inflammatory supplements include, but aren’t limited to:

• Relief from pain
• Increased mobility
• Better sleep quality
• Improved digestion
• Hormonal control
• Blood sugar management
• Autoimmune disease support
• More energy
• Improved cardiovascular function
• Improved cognition, mood and focus
• Weight loss
• Anti-aging; youthful skin, hair and nails

As an over-the-counter (OTC) solution, anti-inflammatory supplements can be purchased in stores or online without a prescription. Moreover, anti-inflammatory supplements tend to have fewer and less severe side effects than prescription anti-inflammatory drugs.

Natural anti-inflammatory supplements may also have therapeutic benefits over OTC non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like Advil and Motrin. “Numerous studies show that long-term use of NSAIDs can result in worsening inflammation, increasing pain, and a faster need for joint replacement,” says Dr. Medhat Mikhael, a pain management specialist at the Spine Health Center at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in California.

An Integrative Health Approach to Managing Chronic Inflammation

There is clinical evidence to suggest that anti-inflammatory supplements can be effective for lowering your inflammation levels. However, there is even more evidence that supports an integrative approach to inflammation and pain that goes above and beyond a supplement regimen.

An integrative health approach to inflammation includes interventions in addition to supplementation. For example, “weight loss and physical therapy are beneficial interventions in early stage, mild arthritis,” says Dr. Travis Scudday, an orthopedic surgeon with Hoag Orthopedic Institute in Southern California.

An integrative health strategy for inflammation will also include an anti-inflammatory diet and healthy lifestyle changes.

An anti-inflammatory diet is one that excludes pro-inflammatory foods and emphasizes the consumption of foods that help fight inflammation.

Anti-inflammatory foods to include in your diet:

• Fruits
• Vegetables
• High-fiber whole grains
• Legumes
• Monounsaturated fats (avocados, olive oil, nuts, nut butters, seeds)
• Polyunsaturated omega-3 fats (walnuts, flaxseeds, chia seeds, and aquatic foods including salmon, herring, sardines, mackerel)
• Tea
• Coffee
• Dark chocolate with at least 70 percent or higher cocoa solids
• Herbs, spices (turmeric, ginger)
• Moderate amounts of alcohol (wine, beer)

Pro-inflammatory foods you should limit:

• Sweetened beverages like soda, juice drinks, iced tea
• An excess of refined carbohydrate foods like white bread, pasta, rice
• Fried foods
• Processed high-fat meats like bacon, sausage, hot dogs
• Saturated fats like full-fat dairy from cream and butter, partially hydrogenated oils, fatty cuts of meat and poultry
• Excess alcohol

In addition to regulating your diet, making healthy lifestyle changes is a key factor for controlling chronic inflammation.

Healthy lifestyle changes that reduce inflammation:

• Stop smoking cigarettes (an other nicotine products)
• Abstain from alcohol and drugs
• Exercise and stretch regularly
• Get the recommended amount of sleep each night
• Drink water daily
• Avoid social situations that cause anxiety and stress
• Address psychological triggers of harmful behavior with professional therapy

Precautions

Anti-inflammatory supplements are generally safe to consume but may also cause unwanted side effects, including (but not limited to):

• Nausea
• Headaches
• Gastrointestinal discomfort
• Diarrhea

Depending on the formula, anti-inflammatory supplements also have the potential to interact with your prescription medicine. Consult your healthcare provider before taking dietary supplements if you take medication.

How to Choose the Best Anti-Inflammatory Supplement for You

The plethora of anti-inflammatory supplements available on the market can make it difficult to determine the best one for your needs. To simplify your purchasing decision, consider the supplement’s ingredients, dose, form, price and quality.

Ingredients

Varying anti-inflammatory ingredients will target certain types of inflammation better than others. Consult your doctor and reliable health sources to determine which ingredients are best for your type of inflammation.

Dose

An anti-inflammatory supplement’s dose can determine its effectiveness and its potential to cause unwanted or serious effects. In general, never exceed the recommended dosage of any dietary supplement you purchase.

Form

Anti-inflammatory supplements come in various forms, including: pills, capsules, tablets, chewable gummies and powders. Choose whichever form you are most comfortable taking on a regular basis.

Price

A one-month supply of anti-inflammatory supplements typically costs between $15 and $100.

Quality

The best anti-inflammatory supplements are third-party tested and made in a regulated facility by a reputable manufacturer. Supplement brands with high quality products typically place a focus on transparency, evidence-based formulations and safety protocols.

What to Avoid in an Anti-Inflammatory Supplement

Natural anti-inflammatory supplements are considered to be generally safe to consume. However, they may contain ingredients that you want to avoid. Familiarize yourself with the supplement’s formula and avoid those that contain ingredients to which you are allergic or sensitive and have known counter interactions with your prescription medication.

How We Chose the Best Anti-Inflammatory Supplements

We chose our picks for the best anti-inflammatory supplements using a combination of criteria, including: product quality and safety, reputation of the manufacturer, third-party certification status, affordability and customer reviews. Our selection criteria also emphasized supplements that contain natural anti-inflammatory ingredients.

Anti-Inflammatory Supplement FAQs

What is the fastest way to reduce inflammation naturally?

There is no magic bullet for fighting inflammation, but you can reduce inflammation faster by following an integrative approach that involves supplementation with natural anti-inflammatory agents, an anti-inflammatory diet and healthy lifestyle changes.

Does drinking water reduce inflammation?

Yes, drinking water can reduce certain forms of inflammation. Hydration is particularly helpful against inflammation caused by environmental irritants and foreign invaders.

Does coffee increase inflammation?

The effect of coffee on your body depends on your genetics, age and health status. Coffee has anti-inflammatory properties, but some evidence suggests that it may increase inflammation in certain people.

Is turmeric an anti-inflammatory?

Yes, turmeric is a spice that contains an anti-inflammatory compound called curcumin.

What is the #1 vitamin for chronic inflammation?

The #1 vitamin for chronic inflammation depends on the nature of the inflammation you are dealing with. The most well-researched vitamins for chronic inflammation include vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin K2, vitamin E, vitamin C and vitamin B6.

Takeaway: Are Anti-Inflammatory Supplements Worth It?

Yes, anti-inflammatory supplements are worth it, especially if other remedies have failed to provide you with relief. The right anti-inflammatory supplement can help you function, heal and feel a lot better. In addition to supplements, diet and lifestyle changes can reduce inflammation and improve your overall health. If you suspect that you have chronic inflammation, consult your healthcare provider before you purchase an anti-inflammatory supplement and keep them informed of your progress over the course of your supplement regimen. 

Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.