(HealthNewsDigesst.com) – Chronic pain is a real issue for a good number of us and actually affects in excess of 115 million American adults.
The fact that about a third of the U.S population are trying to reduce the level of pain that they are experiencing through various methods such as taking pills, is an issue in itself, but the fact of the matter is that these pills often fail to completely eliminate the root cause of the pain.
Regardless of how well prescribed the medicine is, chronic sufferers are often unable to obtain the complete relief that they seek, which is why people seek out natural remedies and supplements like 4life transfer factor in order encourage their body to heal itself.
Some nutritionists believe that a natural solution to your chronic pain might actually be found in the kitchen, as certain foods have natural properties which can help to reduce inflammation, block pain signals and even offer your body some assistance in trying to heal the underlying problem.
Here is a look at some foods that have natural healing properties to help you tackle your chronic pain.
Start your day with a bowl of cherries
A botanist’s view is that if you can find a pharmaceutical solution, there is a plant that is capable of achieving the same result, without the risk of side-effects that exist with medication.
A fine example of this is the properties found in cherries. There are compounds in cherries called anthocyanin’s and not only do theses phytonutrients give cherries their rich color, they are antioxidants that target pain in two specific ways.
Cherries can help ease arthritis symptoms and muscle pain as the phytonutrients can block inflammation and restrict pain enzymes, in just the same way like anti-inflammatory drugs are able to.
A study published in the Journal of Nutrition revealed that people who consumed a bowl of cherries for breakfast, were able to reduce inflammation by up to 25%.
Fish fights pain
Eating fish like Herring, Salmon and Sardines, which are low in mercury and contain a high level of omega-3 acids, will prove beneficial in fighting back and joint pain.
If you have a healthy back, blood vessels at the edge of your spinal disk are able to transport crucial nutrients to the disks in your back. If this blood flow becomes diminished, the disks become starved of their required source of oxygen and other nutrients, which is when degeneration occurs and back pain follows.
Eating fish which is rich in omega-3 will help to improve your blood flow naturally and help to minimize inflammation in your blood vessels and nerves.
Spice up your food
Another good ally in your battle to relieve aching joints and problems like colitis, is the popular curry spice turmeric.
Turmeric has long been used as a traditional Hindu Ayurvedic medicine that helps to relieve pain and promote more rapid digestion. Another positive point about this spice other than it helps to make great curry dishes, is that it contains a substance called Curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory properties.
Just one tablespoon of turmeric per day can help protect your body from tissue degeneration and reduce joint inflammation. Even if you are not keen on curries, you can get turmeric supplements or just sprinkle it into soups, or mix it in with pepper mill, as they both go well together and gives you more options to improve your health with a natural spice remedy.
Relief but not a cure
You have to be realistic in certain situations and trying to find a culinary fix for pain such as osteoarthritis is a good example where there are opportunities for pain relief, but when wear and tear on your bones and joints goes beyond a tipping point, things like diminished cartilage are not reversible.
Soy protein can help to find some natural pain relief and it was found that about 40g of shelled edamame per day, did help to reduce pain levels for participants who were taking part in a study carried out by researchers from Oklahoma State University.
A nutritional approach to pain management will often result in changes being made to your diet in order to target the best foods for maximum pain relief.
Using dietary supplements so that you also get the right amount of vitamins, minerals and other support substances will definitely help to promote the relief of pain and inflammation, but make sure that you seek the support and advice of a health professional as well as a nutritionist, so that you can achieve your pain-relief goals in the best way possible.
Carol A. Elmore is a physical therapist. She enjoys sharing her insights on the web. Her articles can be found mainly on health and wellness websites.