This week we look at another range of anti-inflammatory compounds.

These are the most powerful antioxidants and include grape seed flavanols, green tea catechins, acai berry polyphenols, circumin (in turmeric) and resveratrol. While it is possible to get some from our diet by drinking green tea and using turmeric in meals, they are easy to target with well formulated antioxidant supplements. When people call me for information about an inflammatory health problem I usually add these nutrients in a powerful anti-inflammatory supplement to help shift the balance of their bodies from pro-inflammatory to anti-inflammatory. The results are often startling and can show within a few months.

resveratrol is noted for its anti-ageing qualities but I to use it more for its powerful anti-inflammatory functions. Research shows resveratrol reduces inflammatory cytokine activity in respiratory problems (COPD) as published in Thorax, November 2003. To combat severe inflammation I would add 100mg+ of high grade resveratrol extract. Beware of products that contain just resveratrol, as like most antioxidants it is much more effective when combined with other synergistic compounds.

The Indian spice turmeric has long been recognised for its powerful anti-inflammatory effects. We know that it helps to lower levels of the inflammatory COX-2 enzymes.

Grape seed extract is one of the most potent anti-inflammatory antioxidants and I would add as much as 500mg in cases of severe inflammation. Again this should be part of a complex of antioxidants and the best extracts such as ActiVin are naturally extracted to retain their full potency.

Acai berries from South America are loaded with a variety of anti-inflammatory compounds including a complex of phenolic antioxidants that prevent our immune system from generating unnecessary inflammatory cytokines. Avoid the products with just dried acai berries and look for the potent extracts especially when combined with OPC and resveratrol.

The real question is of course how to get these anti-inflammatory nutrients in sufficient quantities and with the right combinations. While we can target some of these compounds in our diets but the real benefit comes when we add them in specialist supplements. The way I have resolved this is to create several antioxidant and anti-inflammatory booster formulations that each have a different emphasis. I guess it also comes down to experience working with these compounds and making sure that recommendations are personalised to get the best results.

John Arts is the founder of Abundant Health. For product information visit www.abundant.co.nz If you have questions or would like a free health plan you can contact John at john@johnarts.co.nz or phone 07 578 9051 or 0800 423 559. You can join his newsletter at www.johnarts.co.nz Read more from John at www.sunlive.co.nz