Reduce Pain with an Anti-Inflammation Diet

Eat to reduce pain

Sometimes, we can sound like a broken record but the truth is, what we eat has a lot to do with our quality of life. Many foods can help reduce pain, which can in turn affect our mood and activity. If you are living with chronic pain, or are just tired of waking up every morning feeling sore, maybe it’s time to look at your diet.

Oils (Olive, Peanut, Canola)

It’s a good thing we’ve moved beyond thinking that all oils are bad for us because they, too, can help reduce pain.

According to research at the Monell Chemical Senses Center in Philadelphia. Taste experts there noticed that extra-virgin olive oil produces a “bite” in the throat similar to that of ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. In tests, they discovered a compound in olive oil called oleocanthal that may fight inflammation in a way similar to that of NSAIDs.

Tea

Particularly, green tea.

Green tea may even help reduce inflammation and arthritis pain because of its active ingredient, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a powerful catechin that works to stop production of certain inflammatory chemicals in the body.

Both green and black tea are recommended due to being high in flavanoids.

Fruits & Veggies

What AREN’T avocados good for? We’ve previously mentioned how the beta-sitosterol in avocados reduces inflammation and improves urinary flow for men’s prostate health.They can also help improve the body’s cholesterol balance. Brightly-colored fruits and vegetables carry a lot of anti-oxidants, which can also reduce pain. It was even found that antioxidants helped relieve pain in patients with Chronic Pancreatitis.

Reduce these foods to reduce pain

Oh sugar, we love you so much. You bring us cupcakes, candy and, unfortunately, are added to a ton of processed foods. Combined with unhealthy fats like trans fats, saturated fats and Omega 6 polyunsaturated fats (found in corn, soybean and sunflower oils), the effects of those bad fats can be made even worse. These fats can raise the cholesterol and increase inflammation.

Source: The Anti-Inflammation Diet | Fitness Magazine

Other resources: Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Department of Nutrition, Best Teas for Arthritis Symptoms