Foods That Are Natural Pain Relievers

May 25, 2022

Living with chronic pain is a never-ending fight. It has an effect on all aspects of your life, from day-to-day tasks to relationships and your career. It stresses you out physically, intellectually, and emotionally. Every day, millions of individuals suffer from the impacts of chronic pain. While pain relievers are effective, they can be addictive and have negative effects. Worse, they frequently fail to address the underlying source of the pain.

But there is another option, and it is right in your own kitchen. Certain foods relieve pain by reducing inflammation, inhibiting pain signals, and even treating the underlying conditions.

1. Ginger

Ginger is essentially a miracle root. It relieves nausea and motion sickness, as well as pain, thanks to its anti-inflammatory qualities. Ginger is just as efficient as ibuprofen in alleviating menstruation discomfort. Furthermore, ginger may be consumed in a number of ways, from supplements to tea and cookies to stir fry.

2. Turmeric

Turmeric is the vibrant orange-yellow spice that adds color and flavor to curries. However, it is also an excellent anti-inflammatory food to include in your diet. Turmeric's major active component is curcumin. It has been shown to have potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It has the same efficacy as certain anti-inflammatory medicines but without adverse effects. It accomplishes this by inhibiting the molecule that travels to the nucleus of cells and activates inflammation-related genes.

3. Garlic

Garlic is not just tasty; it also helps to alleviate inflammation caused by joint pain. This is because garlic contains anti-inflammatory sulfur components. Garlic belongs to the Allium genus, which is recognized for producing organosulfur compounds. When extracted and separated, these chemicals exhibit a wide range of antimicrobial properties. They also help with heart health, cancer prevention, and inflammation relief.

4. Cherries

Cherries contain chemicals known as anthocyanins. The chemicals that give cherry their beautiful red color are anti-inflammatories ten times stronger than ibuprofen and aspirin. Cherries can help with pounding headaches and even joint pain. Snack on a handful of the cherries, or drink a glass of sour cherry juice with no added sugar on occasion.

5. Fatty Fish

Fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, and herring, are excellent providers of omega-3 fatty acids. These substances inhibit the synthesis of enzymes that destroy cartilage, which is the major cause of arthritic pain. Omega-3 fatty acids combat both osteoarthritis inflammation and rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Every week, go for two or three 4-6-ounce portions.

6. Coffee

Coffee is more than simply a morning pick-me-up. It is another natural option to relieve pain. Caffeine alleviates pain by constricting the dilated blood vessels that occur with headaches. A modest amount of caffeine is thought to be effective for pain relief, and coffee is the best source of caffeine. Caffeine should not be consumed in excess, although one cup per day is deemed safe.

7. Chillies

Capsaicin, the compound that gives chillies their heat, is widely recognized for its anti-inflammatory qualities in creams and patches. Study shows that consuming spicy peppers also lessen and avoid inflammation. The "burn" also induces the release of endorphins, which suppress pain signals. Hot peppers are also high in B-6 and C vitamins, as well as potassium, fiber, and beta carotene, which your body converts to vitamin A. Carotenoids, which are red and orange pigments found in peppers, are thought to protect against cancer as well.

8. Mint

Peppermint can help you breathe fresher, but there's another reason you should try it. Peppermint oil reduces the painful cramps, gas, and bloating associated with irritable bowel syndrome. For infrequent stomach trouble, peppermint tea is a useful soother. Early studies found that Brazilian mint tea (derived from the herb Hyptnis Crenata) was as effective as a prescription pain reliever.

9. Pineapple

Bromelain, a naturally occurring substance found in pineapple, can help relieve bloating, gas, and even tooth pain. This natural substance can also aid in weight loss and inflammation reduction. This is because pineapple contains proteolytic enzymes, which are digestive aids that aid in the breakdown of pain-causing proteins in the stomach and small intestine. Pineapple can be consumed in the form of pineapple juice, pineapple salad, pineapple chutney, or even grilled pineapple.

10. Grapes

Grapes have anthocyanins, which lower inflammation and the risk of heart disease, obesity, vision problems, and diabetes.   Because of their antioxidant content, grapes are one of the top anti-inflammatory foods. Antioxidants protect cell membranes, which reduces cellular damage. A cup or two of grapes every day can help to minimize the chemicals that create inflammation in your body. You may also gain the perks by drinking grapes in the form of wine. Although it is important to consume in moderation, the fermentation process does not destroy the resveratrol and other anti-inflammatory compounds found in grapes.

11. Citrus

Citrus fruits are high in vitamin C, which provides wound-healing qualities and promotes cartilage health. Vitamin C is a dietary component required for the production of collagen, which aids in the formation and repair of blood vessels, tendons, ligaments, and bone, and is thus beneficial to persons suffering from osteoarthritis. Vitamin C is abundant in oranges, grapefruit, and kiwis.