Chronic Pain and Nutrition Relieving Pain with a Proper Diet Many people suffer from chronic pain, and whether that pain is managed by a doctor or not, there are still ways sufferers can help relax some of the pain. Many researchers concede that the pain might be relieved with the proper diet. Combining anti-inflammatory herbs, nutrients and lifestyle changes could help calm the nerves and bring some relief. Chronic Pain and Nutrition There are a few anti-inflammatory herbs in our kitchens right now. This will be welcome news to chronic sufferers begging for relief. These herbs include: basil, cayenne, chives, cilantro, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, black pepper, cardamom, chamomile, cinnamon, garlic, parsley, turmeric, and rosemary. These ingredients should be used in as many recipes as possible and also in teas or mixed with honey. There are a number of recipes including these ingredients. The most important thing to remember about ginger and tumeric is that they work best when they are strong. Its highly recommended to mix these into teas. There are also lists of foods which will help chronic pain sufferers. Changing eating habits is a lifestyle change, but so is the onset of chronic pain. Try this list to see if any of these foods help reduce the pain. Salmon This fish contains Omega-3 fatty acids. This fat falls under the category of good fat and can help relieve some pain. When purchasing salmon, try to purchase pink organic filets. Commercially raised salmon include toxins, which could actually exacerbate pain. Find ways to incorporate salmon into your daily meals. Onions Onions help with pain thanks to their quercetin. This is an antioxidant popular for fighting enzymes which could cause inflammation. Some of that pain might be reduced because the nerves arent allowed to flare up as often. Onions also contain a number of sulfur compounds to build up the immune system. Theyre great in a salad, on a burger or cooked into meals. Try to eat raw onions to reap the greatest benefits if possible. Blueberries Blueberries have long been famous for their high level of antioxidants. Some of these antioxidants which curb pain are anthocyanins. These antioxidants help fight against free radicals, which trigger inflammation, making pain worse. Make a smoothie out of blueberries with coconut milk and banana. Cherries also contain anthocyanins. Sweet Potatoes This food contains a high amount of carotenoids, which are antioxidants similar to anthocyanins. These strengthen the immune system and prevent inflammation. If you want more carotenoids, add papayas, carrots, mangoes and red peppers to your diet as well as sweet potatoes. Once youve changed your diet, you can begin exercising to help with the pain. Exercising with chronic pain is a different type of exercise. Simple aerobics such as walking can sometimes help stir the blood and slow inflammation. Light swimming helps keep the joints moving. Yoga, Tai Chi, Pilates and simple stretching will help keep the nerves active and hopefully keep them from flaring up. Adding more nutrients to the diet and participating in light exercise could keep the pain at bay. It might not go away completely, but it might become more manageable with less medication if the sufferer can make some simple life changes.
Posted on: Mon, 17 Mar 2014 17:00:30 +0000