Superfoods That Help Curb Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is a pervasive problem that affects an estimated 116 million American adults.

Defined as nerve or muscle pain, chronic pain can occur in the back, shoulders, pelvis, knees, head and other parts of the body. Inflammation is the main reason for chronic pain. Symptoms include muscle and tissue pain, fatigue and sleep disturbances.

Many people think that this chronic pain is a problem in old people but the reality is not that,

it has been noticed in adults and even in small school going children. A report passed by American chronic pain association every year more than 105 million people do suffer from chronic pain among which 26% are adults or falls under the category of age around 20. Human body is having its natural ability to fight against diseases and when it reacts to show action against any foreign invasion it produces inflammation which in other words can be called chronic pain.

Chronic pain can interfere with doing even routine activities

People usually seek advice from medical specialists, perform some kind of specialized exercises and take medication to reduce symptoms.

What you eat can also play a key role in reducing your symptoms. Several studies have shown that certain foods may help reduce inflammation, block pain signals in your body and increase brain chemicals that make you feel good.

Brassica Vegetables

There are various brassica vegetables which are rich in anthocyanin; these include cabbage and broccoli etc. These are considered to be cancer preventing food item and useful against many chronic disorders. These are specially effective in treating chronic neck pain. Some of their prominent benefiting properties are

It helps the immune system.

It has such properties which can harm bacteria and virus and prevents the body from external attacks.

They are rich in a chemical compound called indole which fights against cancer causing agents.

It purifies the blood and treats the chronic pain.

Garlic and Onions

According to Arthritis Today, onions are rich in components that can fight inflammation in the joints. Particularly, onions are rich in quercetin, an antioxidant that helps fight enzymes that cause inflammation.

Garlic has anti-inflammatory as well as antibiotic properties that can alleviate chronic pain. Rich in sulfur compounds, garlic also stimulates the production of T helper cells, which can boost the immune system and help reduce swelling and pain in the body.

Green Tea

Green tea is natural food item which has the properties of fighting against such elements which are responsible for developing chronic pain mostly in the joints. It contains a natural compound called EGCG which reduces the production of chemicals in the body which decreases the immunity by damaging the cartilage which is very essential for the bones. It helps the immune system and produces the substances which reduce the inflammation caused by the response of the body for the injuries. Especially it is very effective in healing chronic back pain and chronic neck pain. It also contains antioxidants and hence is a super food helpful for the treatment of chronic pain.

Fenugreek Leaves

These green leaves have high iron content as well as vitamin K that help maintain strong bones and healthy joints. A study has shown that older people who have adequate amounts of vitamin K are less likely to develop osteoarthritis compared with those who have vitamin K deficiency.

Due to its antioxidant properties, fenugreek can also reduce chronic inflammation and swelling. Chronic inflammation is often associated with joint pain, heart disease, dementia and sometimes cancer. By reducing inflammation, fenugreek may reduce the risk of various chronic illnesses and cancers.

Ginger

Ginger is the best natural painkiller. It contains anti-inflammatory compounds called gingerols that reduce chronic pain by reducing inflammation. It also has other substances like paradols, shogaols and zingerone that have analgesic qualities similar to aspirin or ibuprofen.

A 2005 study found that ginger can reduce pain and inflammation more effectively than nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin. In fact, ginger is reported to work like ibuprofen, but without the side effects.

You can chew some raw ginger to reduce inflammation and pain.

Another option is to drink two to three cups of ginger tea daily.

Olive Oil

Olive oil contains polyphenols which are pain killers in several chronic pains. This reduces the inflammation effectively and rich in many other helpful properties because of which it is a super food. It can be used in the following way:

You can use olive oil to give a massage to the affected area. Massage is really effective in healing chronic neck pain and chronic back pain.

It can be taken as a food such as using it for cooking and adding to many other dishes in raw form.

Extra virgin olive oil will give you the better results.

Salmon

Salmon is rich in pain-relieving omega-3 fatty acids and is a good source of vitamin D. Several studies have pointed out a link between vitamin D deficiency and chronic pain.

Also, studies have suggested that the omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon may protect against developing rheumatoid arthritis and could mitigate the severity of the disease.

Tumeric

Another ingredient from your kitchen that can help reduce chronic pain is turmeric. It contains curcumin, an anti-inflammatory element that helps fight pain. Turmeric can also protect the body from tissue destruction and joint inflammation and promote improved functioning of nerve cells.

Just take one tablespoon of turmeric powder with a glass of warm milk daily.

You can opt for turmeric capsules after consulting your doctor.

Yogurt

You may not believe it, but regular intake of dairy products like yogurt can help reduce chronic pain. Yogurt contains two bone-building nutrients calcium and vitamin D. Vitamin D can reduce chronic pain, while calcium strengthens the bones and muscles.

Choose yogurt with probiotics or beneficial microorganisms. These microorganisms help control inflammation, and therefore pain. When buying yogurt, choose one with ‘live and active cultures.'