Do you suffer from cramps or headaches? Joint pain? A kinky back? Instead of heading straight to the medicine cabinet, you may want to check out the kitchen first. Many foods contain nutrients that help make those aches and pains disappear.
Here are three study-proven and mostly easy-to-swallow ways to banish pain:
FISH — fork it up to fight migraines.
Scandinavian research suggests that consuming omega-3 fatty acids, which are abundant in salmon and tuna, may lower your body’s production of prostaglandins, hormone-like chemicals that can induce inflammation and pain, causing migraines. Just getting the amount of Omega-3s in 5 ounces of salmon or tuna or three egg yolks or 1.5 ounces of walnuts daily or less than 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed gave 87% of subjects’ relief in terms of fewer and less painful attacks. If you’d rather take it in supplement form, rest assured you’re getting the benefits: Brown University scientists found that taking 1.25 grams of fish-oil capsules reduced frequency, severity and duration of migraines just as well – maybe even better. I recommend fresh, wild (not farmed) fish to reduce the mercury toxicity risk.
GINGER – add it to salads and stir-fries to ease arthritis.
Numerous studies show that ginger’s nearly 500 identified active act as COX-2 inhibitors, similar to the prescription anti-arthritis drugs like Celebrex. Proof that ginger is anti-inflammatory: In a University of Miami study of patients with osteoarthritis of the knee, only those who consumed 500 milligrams of ginger extract a day – were able to reduce pain and swelling by 63%. Ginger is one of the best ways to relieve arthritis pain on the planet — and it does it without side effects.
CHILIES – chomp on them if you get a headache.
If you’re in agony and there’s no dentist handy, the fire you feel from eating chili peppers can temporarily numb tooth pain. The key to toothache pain relief or relief from a wide variety of pains is due to capsaicin, a heat-producing compound. British research has shown capsaicin, the active ingredient in hot peppers and especially cayenne, when applied directly to the painful spot, depletes a neurotransmitter called substance P, literally stopping pain signals to your brain. In fact, German scientists found that foods containing capsaicin increased volunteers’ tolerance to pain by an impressive 260%. Hot sauce works great in these situations.
Similar relief can come in a slightly more pleasant form by simply sipping a cup or two of peppermint tea, a powerful anti-inflammatory that reduces swelling and pain. Add a slice or two of ginger for an even bigger anti-inflammatory impact.
cabinet, you may want to check out the kitchen first. Many foods contain nutrients that help make those aches and pains disappear.
