If you suffer from chronic pain, you may be able to find relief simply by changing up your diet. Many foods have anti-inflammatory properties
Up your omega-3
Omega-3 fatty acids are found largely in fish, but also in flax and chia seeds. There are lots of positive health properties associated with omega-3 from lowering blood pressure to boosting brain power, but one particularly notable property is omega-3’s ability to fight inflammation. When it comes to many types of pain from joint pain to muscular pain, this can make a difference.
Consume more ginger
Ginger has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It’s commonly consumed to ease pain caused by conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. It’s also very effective at fighting nausea and stomach aches. There are a lot of ways to consume ginger from ginger tea to mixing it in with soups and stir fries. Ginger also goes well with fish (a great way to get your omega-3 in too!).
Eat more chillies
If you enjoy the spicy kick of chillies, it could be worth eating more chilli dishes. Chilli can help to numb pain receptors around the body by redirecting the focus towards your mouth. There are topical creams made of capsaicin (the ingredient that gives chilli its spice) that can be applied directly to the skin to also help fight pain.
Drink more coffee
Coffee is an effective pain reliever. Caffeine found in coffee has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to fight many forms of pain. Many sufferers of migraines also find that a daily cup of coffee can reduce and prevent headaches. There are blends of coffee such as CBD coffee that can offer added pain relief. Be wary that coffee withdrawal can sometimes make pain worse.
Eat more red grapes
Resveratrol is an ingredient found in red grapes that can stop cells in the body responding to signs of inflammation. This can make red grapes an effective food for relieving pain. Red wine – which is made from red grapes – has been found to have similar properties (although too much red wine will cause a hangover, which isn’t good for chronic pain). Resveratrol can also be found in food such as peanuts and berries.
Consume less sugar
Elevated blood sugar levels are known to increase inflammation. For this reason, it can be worth cutting down on sugar if you’re suffering from chronic pain. The biggest and most unhealthy sources of sugar are soft drinks and candy sweets. Added sugar can also be found in everything from ketchup to beer to salad dressing, so you need to be careful what you consume. It’s best to always read the back of packaging to get an idea of how much sugar is contained. It’s recommended that men consume no more than 37.5 grams of sugar per day, while women are recommended no more than 25 grams per day).
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Author: Mandy Kloppers
Mandy is a qualified therapist who treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, and many other types of mental health issues. She provides online therapy around the world for those needing support and also provides relationship counselling.
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