4 Foods to Help Manage Your Pain
If you suffer from chronic pain, then you need some relief. While over the counter medication and massage might bring temporary relief, you need something for the long term. For many kinds of pain, you should look no further than your diet to help manage it. Here are four foods that help fight against many types chronic pain.
Ginger
This is more of an herb, unless you buy the root form. Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory agent. This means that it helps to reduce swelling all over the body. In many cases, swelling causes much of the pain that is experienced, so reducing it in turn eliminates the pain. Ginger can be tough to figure out how to use, but a quick search for recipes with ginger will give you a head start.
Natural oil
Oils like olive and coconut also serve as anti-inflammatory agents. Along with that, they help to lubricate the body, which means they help with pain in the joints. With coconut, you’re also getting antioxidants which help with cell repair. Adding either to your diet is very simple. Replace them in cooking, use as a salad dressing, or even take them by the spoonful.
Thyme
This is a funny little herb, as it may not get rid of pain directly, but it is thought to obscure the body’s ability to interpret pain. So, while the ailment may technically still be there, your brain won’t register it. Since thyme is an herb, it can be added to multiple recipes easily. Once you get a taste for the flavor, you can pick and choose where thyme might be good.
Turmeric
This is another spice to add to the list. It is often found in Indian food, and is recognizable by the bright yellow color. Be careful with it because the color is so potent, it can stain clothes, surroundings, and even your skin. Turmeric is another great anti-inflammatory. It has a distinct smell and flavor, so if you don’t like it, it is available in capsule form. Some people even swear by its ability to take swelling from the skin, and therefore use it topically. It’s certainly one to add to the list.
Chronic pain can be debilitating. If you suffer from this ailment, then try adding these foods to your diet to help you get through. While the effects might not be felt immediately, stick with it and you’ll be feeling better in no time.