An interesting article 6 NEW ANTI INFLAMMATORY FOODS Got chronic pain? Part of the problem may be inflammation, a protective response by the immune system to any type of bodily injury. The relationship between inflammation and pain is well established, so substances that are known to be anti-inflammatory are often suggested for pain treatment. Many pain medications work by reducing inflammation, but foods with anti-inflammatory properties may also have a place in pain management. Check out this list of anti-inflammatory foods you can begin adding to your diet today. Pain Treatment Diet Booster: Virgin Olive Oil Switch cooking oils to combat pain. A specific compound found in virgin olive oil may inhibit the activity of cyclooxygenase, an enzyme involved in inflammation and the development of cancer. Many large studies have also associated it with lower blood pressure and lower body weight, says Christopher Cannon, a cardiologist in Boston and co-author of The Complete Idiots Guide to the Anti-Inflammation Diet. To take advantage of olive oils health benefits, use it in place of standard oil for grilling and sautéing, making marinades and salad dressings, and as a substitute for butter in baked goods. Just be sure that the label says virgin or extra-virgin. Its your cue that the oil is from the first olive pressing and has not undergone treatment with heat or chemicals so it retains more healthy compounds. Pain Treatment Diet Booster: Rooibos Tea Tea made from the rooibos bush native to South Africa is rich in polyphenols, plant-based substances that act as antioxidants, which can protect the bodys cells from damage by free radicals, according to a review published in the journal Physiotherapy Research. Many antioxidants are also anti-inflammatory, says Jonny Bowden, PhD, CNS, a Los Angeles-based nutritionist and author ofThe 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth.Oolong, white, and green teas also contain high levels of antioxidants and can treat pain, Bowden adds. The best way to enjoy rooibos tea and its antioxidant-rich cousins is to simply grab a tea bag, a cup of hot water, and brew some soothing chronic pain relief. Pain Treatment Diet Booster: Tempeh Made from fermented soybeans, this food is rich in isoflavones, compounds that may help manage pain and guard against disease. The soy isoflavone called genistein reduced inflammation and pain in mice, according to an Italian study published in the European Journal of Pharmacology. Tempeh has a chewy texture and is rich in protein &emdash; use it in place of ground meat in soups, stews, and other dishes. Pain Treatment Diet Booster: Turmeric This traditional Indian spice, available as an orange-yellow powder, is rich in curcumin, which Bowden calls one of the most powerful anti-inflammatories on the planet. Research reported in the journalAlternative Medicine Review indicates that curcumin may have the potential to relieve inflammatory conditions like Crohns disease and irritable bowel syndrome and may also provide protection against cancer. You can add curcumin to your pain treatment diet by using turmeric to flavor meats, vegetables and curries. However, since the spice is often added in such small amounts, Bowden recommends taking a curcumin supplement as well. Pain Treatment Diet Booster: Walnuts Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can lessen inflammation and reduce the risk for stroke and heart disease, according to Cannon. A quarter-cup of walnuts contains 2.3 grams of omega-3s, which is about as much as 3 ounces of salmon, he says. Research in the Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition also points out that walnuts have phytochemicals, which contain anti-inflammatory agents. To get more walnuts in your diet for pain relief, eat them as snacks, fold them into muffins or add them to salads and Greek yogurt for extra crunch. Pain Treatment Diet Booster: Amaranth The highly nutritious amaranth plant is considered a grain, but its legume-like seeds also give it qualities similar to a bean. The seeds contain a substance called lunasin, which has been shown to inhibit the release of pro-inflammation molecules in the body, according to an analysis published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. For an amaranth boost, use it along with regular flour when making baked goods, pancakes and homemade pasta. You can also add its leaves to salads.
Posted on: Wed, 19 Mar 2014 05:28:13 +0000
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