healthiculture.com/10-foods-that-fight-pain/1. Cherries
Helps with: muscle pain and arthritis
Cherries have powerful antioxidants known as the anthocyanins. These phytonutrients are also responsible for the fruit’s dark ruby color. Anthocyanins work in two ways when it comes to eliminating the pain in your body. First, they block-off inflammation, and then they inhibit the pain enzymes. This is also how some pain relievers would work, such as naproxen, aspirin, and other anti-inflammatory medications.
In a study done on people who ate cherries for breakfast, it was found that their inflammation marker has been reduced to 25%. Furthermore, some researchers have discovered that runners who consume 12 oz. of cherry juice twice in a day for 7 days before a run felt less pain on their muscles.
Recommended dosage: 45 each day
2. Ginger
Helps with: sore muscles, arthritis, and headaches
Ginger is a known cure for various conditions. It can soothe stomach pain, ease seasickness, and treat nausea. Ginger works by breaking the intestinal gas in order to block the receptor in the gut that could trigger vomiting. Furthermore, ginger is anti-inflammatory and functions as a natural aspirin. It can relieve you of migraines, muscle aches, and arthritis.
There are many ways to consume ginger and include it in your diet. You can grate it and add to some dishes or you can make it into a juice or smoothie. You can also make it into a
by simply placing gingerroot slices in boiling water. Let it steep for 15 min before drinking.
Recommended dosage: ¼ tsp. every day
3. Cranberry Juice
Helps with: ulcers
Stomach ulcers are a result of the pathogen known as H. pylori. This is responsible for attacking the protective lining of your small intestines. Usually, ulcers are treated with antibiotics. But if you want a natural alternative, then drink cranberry juice. Cranberries are capable of blocking the H. pylori that attack the lining on the intestines.
One study has looked into the effects of cranberry juice on patients who were asked to consume one cup per day for 3 weeks. It was found that the juice was able to eliminate almost 20% of H. pylori infection even without taking any drugs or medication.
Recommended dosage: 1 cup of juice daily
4. Salmon, Herring, Sardines
Helps with: achy joints, back, and neck
Salmon, herring, and sardines are fishes that are loaded with Omega 3 fatty acids and have less mercury in them. They are said to be effective in relieving back pains. Usually, the reason behind back pains is because the flow of blood that transports crucial nutrients into the disk is diminished. When the disks do not get enough oxygen and some other nutrients, they will start to degenerate. This is when you will feel excruciating pain in your back.
By consuming fishes that are high in Omega 3, your blood flow will improve and inflammation in your nerves and blood vessels can be prevented.
Recommended dosage: 2 -3 oz. serving per day
4. Turmeric
Helps with: achy joints and colitis or inflammation of colon
Turmeric has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine. Its key uses are relieving pain and improving digestion. But there is another reason why many people love turmeric. It contains anti-inflammatory properties that can keep your body protected from
damages and joint inflammation.
You can add turmeric into your diet in many ways. Aside from cooking it into a curry dish, you can sprinkle turmeric on your favorite salad dressings or add it to soups. Better yet, take supplements that are made of turmeric.
Recommended dosage: 1 tbsp. each day
6. Yogurt
Helps with: IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
About 20% of Americans are said to be suffering from IBS or Irritable Bowel Syndrome. This condition can lead to stomach pain that brings extreme discomfort to the patient. You can turn to yogurt when it comes to the natural treatment for stomach pain.
It has been found that several bacterial strains from yogurt may help to reduce inflammation, pain, and bloating, and these are all common symptoms of IBS. But take note that not all yogurts in the supermarket have probiotics so be very mindful of the type of yogurt you are buying.
Recommended dosage: 1 – 8 oz. container per day
7. Coffee
Helps with: headaches
The caffeine in your coffee has been found to help reduce pain by narrowing the blood vessels that may have been dilated and could trigger headaches. Furthermore, coffee works in two ways when it comes to reducing pain. First, it lowers the compounds that promote pain in your body, and second, it intensifies the effect of other pain relievers.
However, take note that too much of coffee may not be good for you. This is especially so if you have sleep issues. Keep in mind that the half life of caffeine is 5-6 hours. Therefore, depending on how much you drink and how sensitive you are to caffeine, the effects of caffeine can last up to 14hours. Many people also suffer from caffeine withdrawal that can lead to terrible headaches when they stop taking coffee. So drink in moderation.
Recommended dosage: 2 – 4 oz. cup per day
8. Mint
Helps with: IBS and headaches
Mint is used mainly as a breath freshener. However, there is another good reason why you should include this herb in your diet. The menthol from peppermint has been found to help prevent muscle spasm, which is why peppermint oil is being used for treating IBS.
In addition, peppermint oil may also be useful in treating headaches. Simply rub a small amount of oil in your wrists or temples and breathe in the soothing scent of mint.
Recommended dosage: 1 cup of
daily
9. Edamame
Helps with: arthritis
The pain from osteoarthritis can be a challenge to treat. It is not reversible, but there is hope for relief. Some researchers have found that taking ¼ cup of shelled edamame beans, an equivalent to 40 grams of soy protein for 3 months, may help to reduce the pain for those with osteoarthritis.
Aside from edamame, you can also consume tofu, tempeh, or other fermented types of soy. Adding tofu into your diet is easy. You can use it in soups, desserts, dressings, etc. Firm tofu can also be used as meat substitutes.
Recommended dosage: ¼ cup per day
10. Hot Peppers
Helps with: arthritis
Hot peppers contain capsaicin that can stimulate nerve endings and deplete the chemical that is capable of relaying pain signals. It is for this reason why some of the most effective pain-relieving creams have capsaicin in them.
So if you want a natural way of treating arthritis pain, include hot peppers in your diet. You can use it as ingredients to soups and other savory dishes. Remember that the hotter the pepper, the more it contains capsaicin, the compound responsible for the pepper is pain-relieving effects.
Recommended dosage: ½ tsp. powder daily