Recent research suggests that some foods can pack as much pain-fighting power as common pain medications like aspirin and ibuprofen. What you eat can help — or hurt. Here are five ways that your eating habits can help you overcome your pain.Fish:
The
omega-3 fatty acids in fish that help keep your heart in top shape may also reduce the inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis, migraines, some autoimmune diseases, and even chronic neck- and back-pain. Aim for two to four meals a week of fatty fish such as salmon, Atlantic mackerel, sardines, or trout — all top omega-3 sources. Halibut, light tuna, snapper, and striped bass are good, too.
Spices:
Turmeric is the golden yellow spice commonly used in Indian curries and has been shown to be a more effective anti-inflammatory than steroid medications when dealing with acute inflammation. Cayenne pepper is rich in vitamin C and is believed to have a positive effect on those suffering from aches and pains. Nutmeg is good for the digestive system and may be just what you need to help your body deal with gastric pressure or indigestion. Fennel is believed to be a good spice to help if you’re dieting. It reportedly increases energy to help you start slimming down more quickly. Ginger contains a quartet of substances (gingerol, paradol, shogaol, and zingerone) that have analgesic qualities similar to aspirin or ibuprofen. You can indulge in a dill pickle the next time you’re feeling a bit achy. Dill is a natural source of mineral salts and can help women suffering from menstrual cramps.
Wine:
Resveratrol blocks enzymes that contribute to tissue degeneration and is found in wine, grapes, blueberries and cranberries. It has an analgesic effect similar to aspirin and can protect against cartilage damage in your back. Though the berries are rich in resveratrol and other powerful antioxidants, the resveratrol in red wine is more easily absorbed due to the form it’s in. Experts, however recommend no more than one daily glass of wine for women. Men can get away with a bit more.
Olive Oil:
The main type of fat found in all kinds of olive oil is monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs). MUFAs are actually considered healthy dietary fats, helpful in lowering your risk of heart disease by lowering cholesterol levels, and help normalize blood clotting. Some research shows that MUFAs also benefit insulin levels and control blood sugar, which is helpful if you have type-2 Diabetes. Caution: olive oil is high in calories, so use it in moderation. 
Berries:
Many berries contain high amounts of the powerful pain-reducing antioxidant anthocyanin. In a USDA study, participants who ate 45 Bing cherries a day for 28 days reduced their inflammation levels significantly. Cherry-juice drinks also reduced symptoms of muscle damage among exercising men, as opposed to those who did not drink, in a University of Vermont study.
I know all of us at Partee Insurance love being pain-free, so we hope you find our tips helpful (and delicious!). Happy eatings!
