11 Delicious Foods That Fight Back Against Chronic Pain

Aug 08, 2018

What if you could dump all the prescription pain medication from your medicine cabinet? New research at top medical centers indicates that certain foods can alleviate common everyday aches or even chronic pain. These foods get to the root of the pain by relieving inflammation, improve circulation, and balance hormones.

Chronic pain interferes with your quality of life making it hard to spend time with friends and loved ones and doing all the things you like to do. It can make concentrating at work difficult. The following 11 foods can help stop pain when incorporated into your daily diet.

Red grapes are rich in resveratrol, a type of natural phenol that blocks pain. Resveratrol has anti-inflammatory properties that stop cells from responding to signals that cause inflammation. All grapes contain robust antioxidants, but red grapes have the most. Snack on red grapes or add them to salads to get the benefits of antioxidants that can reduce inflammation and pain.

Pumpkin seeds are a great source of magnesium, which can help ward off migraines. Magnesium also helps fight osteoporosis. These tasty, chewy seeds are also loaded with the same omega-3 fatty acids found in fish. They are rich in fiber, zinc, vitamin K, and protein making them a superfood. For more magnesium, snack on a mixture of pumpkin seeds, almonds, and cashews. Too much salt is bad, so choose the unsalted ones.

If you are bothered by joint tenderness or rheumatoid arthritis, fix salmon for dinner a few times a week. Salmon is loaded with anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids that make it a very heart healthy food. The calcitonin and omega-3s in salmon improve circulation which helps reduce inflammation. Don't like salmon? Try other cold water fish like tuna, mackerel, or sardines.

Tumeric is the orange-yellow spice used in Indian dishes like curry. It has long been a staple in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. Curcumin, the compound that gives this spice its color fights inflammation and pain. Studies of people suffering from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis were able to walk better after taking curcumin supplements. Take supplements or add turmeric to recipes. Mix in black pepper to help your body absorb curcumin.

Thyme is a healthy, tasty herb to grow in your garden. The compounds in time block pain receptors in the body. A study using mice as subjects found thyme to be comparable to anti-inflammatory medications. More research is needed on how these compounds affect humans.

Researchers recently discovered an ingredient in extra virgin olive oil that acts as a natural anti-inflammatory. The enzyme oleocanthal acts much like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories such as aspirin or ibuprofen. Use a lower temperature when cooking with olive oil to increase its health benefits.

Capsaicin, the substance that makes chilis hot, is used in creams and rubs to treat serious nerve pain. It relieves the pain by blocking pain signals and stimulating nerve endings. You can also get relief by eating peppers. Along with capsaicin, you'll get a rush of pain-blocking endorphins.

Mint is useful in medicine. Peppermint oil is used to relieve the discomforts of irritable bowel syndrome. Brazilian mint tea was proven in research to be as effective as a prescription painkiller. Peppermint oil rubs relieve tired muscles and ease cramps. Mint is easy to grow in gardens and on windowsills. Chop up mint and use it in recipes.

Research shows that caffeine reduces our perception of pain. One cup of coffee compares to a standard dose of otc pain medicine for headaches. Coffee, tea, soda, and chocolate are sources of caffeine. The bad news is, the caffeine won't be as helpful for your pain if you are already a heavy coffee drinker.

Ginger is a pungent root popular in home remedies for its anti-nausea, stomach-soothing properties. It can also relieve aching joints associated with arthritis. Ginger can fight other pain, too. One study found it to be just as helpful as ibuprofen at relieving period pain. Take ginger in capsule form or use it in recipes.

Plump tasty blueberries are chock full of antioxidants that fight the signs of aging. Those same antioxidants are also a natural pain reliever since they are rich in phytonutrients. Blueberries are just as nutritious when frozen. Put lots of them in your smoothies.

If you have chronic or occasional pain, give some of these foods a try. They all have other health benefits, so there's nothing to lose. Let everyone know how they work out for you.

Our content is created to the best of our knowledge, yet it is of general nature and cannot in any way substitute an individual consultation with your doctor. Your health is important to us!