Living with chronic pain comes with many challenges. The pain infiltrates every aspect of your life, from personal hygiene to diet. But did you know a good diet could work in tandem with your clinical treatment to ease the pain? It’s true; even the most reputed pain clinics seem to agree!
How Does Food Relieve Chronic Pain?
Inflammation is a major culprit behind chronic pain. Thus, nutritional intake that is rich in anti-inflammatory properties can do wonders. A healthy diet strengthens the immune system in our gut, positively influencing the microbiome that plays a part in pain sensation.
Often prescription drugs cause side effects like drowsiness, memory loss, etc. Guess what? Researchers say a balanced diet can provide significant relief.
What Are Some Foods You Should Eat More?
Whole Grain
Oatmeal, Brown rice, whole-grain bread, quinoa, and other unrefined grain food products are replete with dietary fiber. Fiber is known among medical circles for its excellent anti-inflammatory properties. Making whole-grain the staple carb source in your diet is a step in the right direction.
Blueberries And Tart Cherries
The berry family has to offer some promising candidates in the anti-inflammatory lineup. Blueberries, in particular, are rich in phytonutrients that battle pain. If you can’t find fresh berries, frozen ones will suffice.
Tart cherries, too, are known to soothe muscle pain, along with other fruits like strawberries and oranges.
Virgin Olive Oil
Virgin olive oil contains a compound known as oleocanthal that has properties similar to ibuprofen. Oleocanthal is what causes the mild peppery burn at the back of your throat.
Extra virgin olive oil also contains lubricin, a chemical compound that prevents cartilaginous decay. This is why patients with osteoarthritis are often suggested to use extra virgin olive oil while cooking. Cook on a low flame to keep the compounds from breaking down.
Salmon And Tuna
Salmon is an excellent source of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids. Salmon can ease rheumatoid arthritis and is even known for being heart-healthy. Tuna, sardines, and mackerel house similar properties as well.
Ginger And Turmeric
Known for its effective stomach-soothing properties, ginger has been a popular ayurvedic medicine for ages. It can also fight nausea and menstrual cramps.
Curcumin, the compound that gives turmeric its bright yellow-orange color, is another pain-relieving agent. A glass of turmeric milk before bed can result in considerable improvements in patients with arthritis. Recently medical science has also discovered several benefits of curcumin in cancer treatment.
Seeds And Nuts
Almonds, cashews, and pumpkin seeds (pepitas) are powerful sources of magnesium. Magnesium is used to treat chronic migraines. It can also help patients with osteoarthritis.
Red Wine
The skin of grapes contains a compound known as resveratrol that can ease herniated discs. The research pertaining to this is still in its early stages, but scientists have enough proof to suggest that a little red wine every now and then definitely does no harm.
A Pain-Free Life With Dr. Robinson
We are a pain clinic with ideals firmly rooted in holism and mutual trust. Our highly-skilled experts offer safe, non-surgical alternatives to abating chronic pain. You can schedule an appointment with our doctors, who will come up with a customized treatment plan for you. With Oklahoma City’s best pain management providers, are you ready to put your pain in the past?
**Disclaimer: This content should not be considered medical advice and does not imply a doctor-patient relationship.
