People worldwide are affected by chronic pain. For example, in America, it is estimated that a third of the population is affected by it. Many drugs can help fight pain; however, they are also highly addictive and have many side effects. In some cases, such pain-reducing drugs only treat the symptoms but not the underlying causes. Additionally, nutrition is vital when it comes to our health. However, in many cases, the typical diet consists of many foods that promote inflammation, rather than reducing it.
Fortunately, many foods can help to fight pain and can promote many health benefits. It is essential to know which foods have these pain-relieving properties and to incorporate them into your diet.
1. Cherries
Cherries come with a compound known as anthocyanins, a potent antioxidant that can block inflammation and inhibit pain enzymes. Interestingly, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin and naproxen, follow the same principle. Studies show that eating a bowl of cherries for breakfast can reduce inflammation by 25%.
2. Ginger
It is recommended to add ¼ teaspoon of ginger daily to your meals to reap the many benefits of this spicy root. It can ease nausea, seasickness, and is a well-known stomach soother. The belief is that it can break up intestinal gas and even block a receptor in the gut, which leads to vomiting. It is also anti-inflammatory and can help provide relief from muscle aches, arthritis pain, and migraines. If you are unsure how to add ginger to your diet, rest assured that there are many easy ways to do so. Some grate it into dishes, smoothies, or juices. Ginger tea is also very healthy and can allow you to get the powerful benefit that this root has to offer.
3. Flax Seeds and Flax Oil
Flax seeds are popular due to the many health benefits, such as a rich dose of fiber and protein and reduced appetite and weight control. Flaxseed oil, otherwise known as flax oil, is made out of flax seeds and has various uses, ranging from cooking to skincare. Flax seeds and flax oil are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, reducing inflammation, improving heart health, and protecting our brains from aging. Some research shows that flax seeds can reduce cancer cells’ growth, help with diarrhea and constipation, and are great for skin health. Flaxseed can be used in various ways. You can start by using it in your salad, sauces, and dips instead of other oils you might have been using so far, or simply add a tablespoon of it into smoothies or shakes.
For more information read the article: Flaxseed Oil or Flaxseeds – Which Should You Use?
4. Celery and Celery Seeds
There are many celery seed products available nowadays, which makes it easy to incorporate into your diet. Celery is used in both cuisine and medicine and can be found in the form of capsules and tablets, celery seed extract, celery seed essential oil, or celery seed spice. Some benefits of celery and celery seeds are that it is very rich in essential nutrients, such as calcium, iron, and manganese. It also contains proteins and fiber, as well as zinc, magnesium, and phosphorus. It is very low in calories but offers an equal amount of carbs, fat, and protein, a very balanced profile. It is known to be able to support bone health and promote red blood cell formation. Celery is believed to be able to improve blood sugar levels, but can also fight bacteria. It comes with antioxidant properties and is, therefore, a super-food that needs to must be included in your diet.
5. Turmeric
Turmeric has been used for many years in Ayurvedic medicine for its property of speeding up digestion and relieving pain. Researchers were able to show that it also comes with anti-inflammatory properties due to the substance found in it called curcumin. It can protect the body from joint inflammation, tissue damage while promoting good nerve cell function. There are many ways of adding turmeric to your diets, such as sprinkling it on salad dressings, cooked grains, vegetables, and soups. It is recommended to take one tablespoon of turmeric every day. There are also turmeric supplements available; however, your need to make sure that it contains a high level of curcumin (95%). We recommend Coxan – Curcumin.
6. Raw Walnuts and Walnut Oil
Walnuts are considered to be especially beneficial for the lungs, large intestine, and kidneys. It is recommended to eat 9-30 grams a day. Some of the benefits that you can reap from eating raw walnuts or adding walnut oil to your diet include relief from lower back pain, chronic knee weakness, issues with the bowel movement, or wheezing. Walnuts are very rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, helping to promote heart health. Walnuts are also believed to fight oxidative stress and inflammation, leading to many conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, heart conditions, Alzheimer’s, and cancer. Eating walnuts can also you to control your appetite and hunger, leading to weight loss.
Adding walnuts to your diet, even if you’re not trying to lose weight, can help you maintain a healthy weight, which can reduce the risk of suffering from many conditions, which are known to be caused by being overweight. Among its many benefits, walnuts are also known to help you age healthily and maintain good physical functioning, allowing you to maintain independence and mobility. Studies show that eating walnuts can help reduce the risk of suffering from physical impairment when of older age. Although walnuts are known for being high in calories, they are also very high in essential minerals, vitamins, fats, and fiber, which can benefit your health in many ways.
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Note: This post was originally published in June 2014, and has been updated for freshness, accuracy, and clarity.