Inflammation is one of the body’s natural responses to protect and heal itself.  Acute inflammation can last a few hours or days.  Modern day life can result in muscle aches, stiffness and joint pain.  Staring at a computer screen or mobile device for long periods of time can cause neck and shoulder pain.  Extra sets at the gym or one too many pick up games can hurt for days.

Chronic inflammation can have many causes including an untreated infection or lingering injury.  Other causes include exposure to environmental pollutants and long term stress, something we are forced to endure due to COVID.  Contributing factors that heighten inflammation include smoking, alcohol and obesity.

Long term inflammation puts the body in a constant state of alarm which is not good.   Research shows chronic inflammation can play a role in conditions like asthma, rashes and fatigue.  Increased risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes and Alzheimer’s have also been linked to chronic inflammation.

Steroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can control inflammation but long term use has been linked to ulcers and kidney disease.

We may not be able to surf like 5-time World Champion and Olympic gold medal winner Carissa Moore but we can reduce or manage inflammation like a champ.

Here's what we can do.

1. Choose foods and drinks that are high in antioxidants, polyphenols and have anti-inflammatory properties.  Reduce or avoid foods, drinks and smoking that contribute to inflammation in the body.
2. Monitor your environment for irritants and pollutants
3. Manage stress
4. Exercise regularly
5. Reduce blood sugar
6. Control body weight

Tea To Manage Inflammation
Add tea to your anti-inflammation arsenal.  Phytonutrients in turmeric, ginger and mamaki have anti-inflammatory properties.  These superfoods are featured in our turmeric blends.  Olena is Hawaiian for turmeric and we have both a tea bag version and a loose tea version specifically crafted to help reduce inflammation.

Camellia based teas (white, green, oolong and black) also have proven anti-inflammatory properties because of their antioxidant content.  Research on black teas have shown it to relax arteries and blood vessels to help with circulation which can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Switch out a soda, juice or cup of coffee for one of these.