Anti-inflammatory Foods That Ease Chronic Pain. Part 3
Foods Have Anti-Inflammatory Properties
There are certain foods available that have “anti-inflammatory properties”. They can reduce pain and inflammation. Adopting an anti-inflammatory diet can be a safe and alternative approach for dealing with chronic pain.
Most Easily Available Anti-Inflammatory Foods
Garlic:
Garlic has anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties. It boosts our immune system and helps reduce swelling and inflammation.
Ginger
It is one of the oldest roots that is being used in ancient Ayurvedic treatment for its great benefits. The substance called “gingerol” is responsible for its anti-inflammatory properties. It is believed that it can work like anti-inflammatory drugs without any side effects.
Whole grains
Whole grains are the good source of fiber and have higher nutritional value than refined carbohydrates. But, one surprising benefit of whole grain is that it can reduce the level of C-reactive protein. C-reactive protein is a marker that increases in various inflammatory diseases like in rheumatoid arthritis.
Foods Have Antioxidant Properties
Actually, antioxidants are the substances that neutralize free radicals and prevent cell damage. It is believed that free radicals may contribute to chronic pain. If left unchecked, these excessive free radicals can further damage the already inflamed tissues. Apart from neutralizing these free radicals, antioxidants increase our immunity and improve the overall health. So, it is wise to include “Antioxidant foods” in our diet to reduce pain and inflammation.
Best Sources Of Antioxidants
Green Tea
Green tea is an excellent source of polyphenols, which is a great antioxidant and helps reduce free radicals in the body that can cause pain and inflammation.
Cherries
Not only cherries, but raspberries and strawberries have an exceptional nutritional value. Anthocyanins are the active ingredients (similar to aspirin) that have wonderful antioxidant properties.
Cayenne
Capsaicin is the active compound in cayenne that makes it a profound antioxidant agent and helps in reducing inflammation.
Green Leafy Vegetables
Dark leafy vegetables (spinach, kale, and collard) are well-known source of nutrition. They contain an abundance of carotenoids – the antioxidant that protects cells and plays a vital role in reducing inflammation.
Turmeric
If we are talking about anti-inflammatory foods how can we ever forget the great “turmeric”? It is an important component of ancient Ayurveda medicine and used extensively in Indian cuisine. The curcuminoids are the active and powerful ingredients in turmeric, can be as powerful as non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs in fighting inflammation.
The best part of turmeric is that it can be used as a part of a diet, as a supplement and topically too. It is considered as one of the best natural anti-inflammatory products.
So as a conclusion, it is amazing to see that including these foods and modifying the diet, helps in reducing the intensity of chronic pain. But for a complete and better relief, only diet modification is not enough.
Adopting a healthy lifestyle such as eliminating unhealthy and processed foods from the diet, eating a balanced and nutritious diet, regular exercising (according to your body condition), maintaining an ideal body weight and paying enough attention to overcome your mental stress, are some easiest ways that will control your pain more effectively. And you would be able to enjoy your life more peacefully!
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51/2 Chenturpuram Main Road,
Katupakkam, Chennai-56
