Author:
Randy Alexander
Date Of Creation:
4 April 2021
Update Date:
1 July 2024
Content
Prostaglandin is a hormone-like substance that is released naturally by the body when tissues are damaged and helps to regulate the body's functions. Although our bodies need prostaglandins, problems can arise when prostaglandin levels are too high, as they can cause pain, inflammation and fever. In this case, you can lower prostaglandin levels naturally with food. However, you should consult your doctor first to ensure it is safe to change your diet and use herbs. Also, talk to your doctor if you are treating a chronic medical condition that causes prostaglandin levels to rise.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Choose the right food
Eat more omege-3 fatty acids to reduce prostaglandin production. Many studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant and antiarrhythmic properties. Fish oil is also known to inhibit the production and reduce the potency of certain prostaglandins.
- Omege-3 fatty acids compete with omege-6 fatty acids for a site of binding called the COX 1 enzyme, an enzyme that converts omega-6 fatty acids into prostaglandins. The more omega-3 fatty acids that block the COX 1 enzyme, the less omega-6 fatty acids are converted to prostaglandins.
- Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids include: sardines, salmon, mackerel, soybeans, flaxseeds, walnuts, and tofu. The recommended dosage of omeaga-3 fatty acid is 0.3 g -0.5 g per day.
Eat foods rich in vitamin E to reduce inflammation. A group of compounds called vitamin E have been shown to have antioxidant-like properties. Vitamin E is also known for its anti-inflammatory effect thanks to its ability to inhibit prostaglandin synthesis, thereby helping to lower prostaglandin levels in the body.- Foods rich in vitamin E include: sunflower seeds and oils, almonds, safflower oil, hazelnuts, peanut butter, spinach, broccoli or barley germ oil.
Eat whole grains to control inflammation. Research has shown that whole grain foods have a variety of health benefits, including an anti-inflammatory effect in the body. This means that these foods indirectly decrease prostaglandin levels.- Whole grain products include: barley, quinoa, oats, flour, brown rice and 100% whole wheat pasta or bread.
- Refined grains have been overprocessed and lost many valuable nutrients. You should limit or avoid refined grains like white bread, white pasta, white rice, and many breakfast cereals.
Eat mangosteen to prevent the production and synthesis of prostaglandins. Mangosteen is a tropical fruit originating from Thailand. The fruit has white patches on the inside, sweet and fragrant. In Thailand, this fruit has long been used as a medicine, and some recent studies have found that mangosteen acts to inhibit prostaglandin production or synthesis in the body.- Fresh mangosteen can make a nutritious snack or dessert. You can also add mangosteen to salads or make jams.
Add pomegranate to your diet to get more phytochemicals. Pomegranate is a delicious fruit, filled with tiny red, pearl-like seeds with a sweet taste. This fruit has many health benefits thanks to its high content of phytochemicals. Studies have shown that pomegranates have the ability to inhibit prostaglandin production and synthesis, thereby helping to lower prostaglandin levels.
- You can eat fresh pomegranate seeds, mix them into desserts or savory dishes like salads or sauces.
- If you don't like to eat pomegranate seeds, try drinking pure pomegranate juice. Don't buy juices, cocktails or concentrated juices.
Eat more pineapple to increase the amount of bromelain in the body. This bright yellow fruit contains an enzyme called bromelain. Bromelain has been shown to reduce prostaglandin levels by inhibiting prostaglandin production and synthesis. Pineapple is the only source of bromelain.
- Eating fresh pineapple as a snack, mixed in salads, yogurt or fresh cheese is a great way to supplement with bromelain.
Increase your intake of tomatoes to take advantage of the antioxidant lycopene. Tomatoes are very popular vegetables and contain a high amount of a carotenoid compound called lycopene. This is an antioxidant thought to have the ability to prevent prostate cancer, cardiovascular disease and reduce inflammation. Lycopene is believed to reduce inflammation by acting on chemicals in the body that are ultimately responsible for the production of prostaglandins and other inflammatory mediators.
- Cook dishes with tomatoes, or use processed or heat-treated tomato products (such as canned tomatoes or ketchup). The cooking and heating process of tomatoes converts lycopene into a form that is more easily absorbed by the body.
- You can eat cooked tomatoes, sprinkle tomato sauce on noodles or vegetables. Add canned tomatoes to soups, stews and sauces.
- Raw tomatoes can be mixed in salads, or you just need to sprinkle a little salt and sprinkle with olive oil before serving.
Eat more garlic and onions to reduce inflammation. Onions and garlic contain allicin, an active ingredient that acts as an anti-inflammatory, helping to block prostaglandin production. Besides, these two spice vegetables are also known for their antibacterial, anti-tumor, anticoagulant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Use plenty of garlic onions when cooking. This is a great spice for many dishes such as soups, stews or sauces, besides braised dishes, dishes cooked in clay pots or stews.
Cook with herbs and spices to improve overall health. Many herbs and spices are known for their health properties, one of which is anti-inflammatory. You can add these anti-inflammatory foods to your diet by using a variety of fresh or dried herbs and spices.
- Cook dishes with turmeric. Turmeric is a bright yellow or orange tuber that is best known as an ingredient in curry powder. Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin that has been shown to inhibit prostaglandin production. Besides, turmeric also works to reduce pain and inflammation associated with degenerative joint disease.
- You can buy turmeric either fresh or powdered. Try using turmeric powder in scrambled eggs, baked vegetables, mixed with rice dishes, sprinkled in salads or in salad dressings, or even added to smoothies.
- Many cultures also use turmeric as a tea. You can make turmeric tea by boiling turmeric in water for about 5 minutes. Strain tea and drink 3-4 times a day.
- Add ginger to your diet. Studies have proven that ginger has anti-ulcer, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects ..
- Use fresh ginger in soups, marinades, stir-fries or curries. You can also brew fresh ginger in hot water to make ginger tea.
- Dried ginger is great for adding to seasoning, baking, and sauces.
Drink green tea to take advantage of polyphenols. Many studies show that green tea can lower prostaglandin levels in the body. Green tea polyphenols have antioxidant properties, helping to reduce the damage caused by free radicals in cells.
- Make green tea by steeping 1 teaspoon of dried green tea leaves in 8 ounces of hot water. Don't stir green tea in boiling water, as the heat destroys the beneficial ingredients in the tea.
- Add some honey to green tea. Studies show that honey can help lower plasma prostaglandin levels ..
Make sure the menu is on the right track. A menu can be very helpful when you want to add specific foods to your diet. It will help you figure out which anti-inflammatory foods to incorporate in each day and week.
- Gradually add different foods to your menu every week. This will make it easier for you to adapt than forcing yourself to eat a variety of new foods at once.
- You should also choose foods and drinks you can eat every day. A cup of green tea every morning can be the first step that you can easily take.
- Remember that you don't have to eat all of the anti-inflammatory foods every day. Choose from a variety of foods to eat throughout the week.
Method 2 of 3: Avoid eating inflammatory foods
Limit saturated fats that are harmful to health. Saturated fats are used to synthesize prostaglandins in the body ..
- Foods that contain saturated fats include: processed meats (such as sausages, hot dogs or bacon), fried foods, fast foods and whole dairy products (such as apricot or butter).
Limit alcoholic beverages to 1-2 cups per day. Stop drinking or cut down on alcohol. High alcohol content increases prostaglandin production.
- Women should only drink a maximum of 1 drink a day; The limit for men is 2 drinks.
Limit added sugar as it can cause inflammation. Several studies have demonstrated that added sugar stimulates the release of a number of chemicals with inflammatory properties. Limiting these foods can help reduce inflammation, especially if you are eating regularly.
- Foods to limit include: sweets, cakes, soft drinks and desserts high in sugar.
Reduce your intake of omega-6 fats, which are substances that contribute to the production of prostaglandins. These fats are mainly responsible for the production.You can reduce prostaglandin production by limiting omega-6 fats.
- Omega-6 fats are found in foods such as: corn oil, safflower oil, mayonnaise, sauces, soybean oil, peanut oil, and vegetable oil.
Method 3 of 3: When to need medical treatment
See your doctor before trying to lower your prostaglandin levels. Our bodies need prostaglandins to be healthy. It helps the body recover from damage, regulates the menstrual cycle and ovulation, maintains healthy muscles around the lungs and digestive tract, among other uses. Don't try to lower prostaglandin levels unless you are sure it is too high. You should see your doctor for an official diagnosis before starting the change.
- Your doctor may order blood tests to check your prostaglandin levels. Taking a sample is painless but may be uncomfortable.
- Talk to your doctor before changing your diet or using herbs. It is usually safe to change your diet or take herbs, but sometimes these changes are harmful. Some foods and supplements may react badly to medications you are taking or worsen certain medical conditions. Talk to your doctor first to make sure these changes are safe for you.
- Tell your doctor about foods you add and remove from your diet. Likewise, ask your doctor about the supplements you want to take, as well as the medications and supplements you take.
- This is especially important if you are treating or controlling an underlying medical condition.
- Work with your doctor to treat an underlying medical condition. High prostaglandin levels are often caused by a number of diseases, such as knee injury or degeneration. If this is the case, you will need medical treatment to lower prostaglandin levels. See your doctor to make a treatment plan.
- If you take natural remedies seriously, tell your doctor that you are looking for natural treatments. Note that your doctor may still recommend medical treatment if needed.
- Some conditions can get worse over time, so it's best to be monitored by your doctor.
- Ask your doctor about anti-inflammatory medications if your diet isn't working. Depending on the cause of your prostaglandin levels, some anti-inflammatory drugs may help. Your doctor can determine if the drug is right for you and what dosage to take. Talk to your doctor about taking anti-inflammatory medications if changing your diet is not helping you get better.
- For example, your doctor may recommend you take over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) if you have a lot of pain from joint injury or inflammation.
Advice
- Always consult your doctor before making any dietary changes to ensure safety.
- Choose healthier cooking methods, such as steaming or baking instead of frying. Use olive oil and healthier vegetable oils in place of butter or lard.
- Find a variety of anti-inflammatory foods and incorporate them into your diet gradually.
- Eat more or more often of the anti-inflammatory foods you already enjoy.
