Top 10 Foods for Tasty and Natural Pain Relief

Pressing pain is a force to be reckoned with: from light headaches and muscle soreness to severe arthritic aches, physical pain is the main reason why most people get addicted to potentially harmful medications. But did you know that you can combat chronic pain without the use of pharmaceuticals? Here are the top ten foods for natural pain relief that both taste great and are known to efficiently eliminate various aches.

This is a guest post by Samantha Olivier, a fitness blogger with a background in nutrition. We hope that you find it enjoyable and informative.

1. Cherries

Some studies show that regular intake of cherries can help counter muscle pains and arthritis. The pain relieving effect of this delicious fruit is mostly due to its high content of powerful antioxidants that both block inflammation and curb the effects of pain enzyme release. This precious feature makes cherries an excellent snack for recovering athletes and people suffering from arthritis.

2. Ginger

Known for its favorable effects on digestive system, ginger can considerably reduce migraine, inflammation, arthritic pains and muscle soreness. You can grate the fresh root and use it as spicing for meat dishes, boil it in water before you add it to your lemonade, or you can opt for dried ginger powder as seasoning.

3. Fish

Fish species such as herring, sardines and salmon contain high quantities of omega-3 fatty acids can help prevent spinal disk deterioration and alleviate back pains by improving blood flow and reducing inflammation. Regular fish oil intake is also known to have a range of benefits for the cardiovascular system, so skipping fish-streaked meals is a definitely a bad idea.

4. Turmeric

A well-known Ayurvedic remedy for digestive problems, turmeric is extremely rich in curcumin, a substance that has a range of anti-inflammatory properties. Regular use of turmeric can help deter joint pains and improve nerve cell functioning, so mix it with black pepper rich in piperine which will boost biovailability and beneficial effects of curcumin.

5. Hot peppers

Although some people’s digestive systems are sensitive to hot flavors, chili peppers are a traditional folk remedy for arthritic pains. Capsaicin found in hot peppers stimulates nerve endings, which is why this veggie is often used in topical arthritis-relieving creams and gels. You can also oust joint pains by adding chili-streaked dishes to your menu if you have the stomach for it.

6. Yoghurt

Real, natural, unpasteurized yoghurt and other dairy products rich in probiotics can help eliminate stomachaches and reduce the unpleasant side-effects of the irritable bowel syndrome. Milk derivatives are an excellent remedy for bloating, constipation and inflammation, so make sure you pick yoghurt enriched with active probiotic cultures.

7. Coffee

Known to dilate blood vessels that accompany headaches, quality freshly ground coffee can both provide your body with precious antioxidants and curb the effects of pain-promoting substances. A morning coffee can also help prevent Alzheimer’s disease, migraines and muscle pains, but do not go overboard with your beloved focus-boosting beverage as excess intake of caffeine followed by a sudden drop of the chemical may induce withdrawal headaches.

8. Mint

Your grandma did not feed you mint tea just for fun’s sake every time you went down with an infection. The methyl salicylate in mint and wintergreen leaves is an efficient natural painkiller and it can also reduce digestive problems, muscle spasms and inflammation.

9. Cranberry juice

To prevent ulcers, drink one cup of cranberry juice a day. Active compounds found in cranberries block absorption of H. pylori in the stomach lining and small intestine, which is why regular intake of the unsweetened juice made from the sour berry can prevent formation of ulcers. If you cannot drink cranberry juice without sugar, add a bit of stevia to make it more palatable.

10. Green tea

Packed with powerful antioxidants and antibacterial compounds, green tea is one of the best herbal drinks to include in your daily diet. With regular consumption, green tea can help prevent inflammation, arthritis pains, cartilage damage, sore gums, dental cavities, mouth ulcers and even reduce the risk of heart disease.

The next time you go down with a headache or muscle pains, do not reach for the commercial medicines – try some of the food remedies listed above instead and enjoy a pain-free life with a diversified, scrumptious menu as a bonus point!

Photo Credit: Health Benefits Times

About the Author

Samantha is a fitness blogger who is currently in the process of establishing her own blog. She has experience as a personal trainer and a degree in nutrition.

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