Can the food you eat help reduce and fight chronic pain? Some experts believe it's possible. Chronic pain affects over 116 million American adults which is over a third of the population. For those who suffer with fibromyalgia or chronic pain, finding relief can be hard. Pain pills reduce the suffering but they address the symptoms and not the cause of the pain. Pain pills can be addictive and produce side effects. The key is to fill your diet with foods that can sustain health and prevent pain.
Here are anti-inflammatory foods that may help you beat the pain.
Ginger - Ginger has been used for thousands of years for all types of ailments. Ginger is a traditional stomach soother, helps with nausea, seasickness, offers relief from migraines, arthritis pain, and muscle aches. Ginger has properties that are similar to ibuprofen.
Cherries - Cherries block inflammation and inhibit pain enzymes just like aspirin. Cherries can help with arthritis and muscle pain caused by exercise.
Sage - Sage has been shown to boost memory and help to reduce swelling. It can also help a scratchy and irritated throat by sipping on a tea made from brewed sage leaves.
Turmeric - Turmeric has been know to help achy joints and colitis. Turmeric speeds up digestion and helps protect the body from tissue destruction and preserves good nerve cell function.
Leafy Greens - These are packed with chlorophyll and vitamin K which slows the body's production of pain-triggering hormones. A study shows that older adults with ample levels of K were less likely to develop osteoarthritis.
Omega-3s - Omega-3 fatty acids are found in cold water oily fish, flax seeds, canola oil, pumpkin seeds, olive oil, avocados, and nuts. These have been linked to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, relieve back pain, improve blood flow and decrease inflammation. Omega-3s are also an excellent source of protein and antioxidants.
Coffee - Coffee can provide relief from headaches and provide more antioxidants than a serving of berries.
Green Tea - Green tea has been used for centuries for a variety of medicinal purposes. It is an excellent source of polyphenols which may help to reduce free radicals which can cause inflammation.
Hot Peppers
Eliminate one bad food item per week from your diet by exchanging it with a healthy fresh, good for your food. Cut back on eating out and make gradual steps to incorporate exercise into your daily routine. As always with anything that pertains to your health and your individual needs, consult with your health care professional to determine what foods and diet are right for you.
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