10 Foods That Fight Pain
Ginger
A staple of traditional medicine, this pungent root is probably best known for its anti-nausea, stomach-soothing properties. But ginger can also fight pain, including aching joints from arthritis as well as menstrual cramps. One study found ginger capsules worked as well as over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen at relieving period pain.
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Blueberries
These little juicy gems have lots of phytonutrients that may fight inflammation and lessen pain. If it's not berry season, frozen blueberries can have the same or even more nutrients than fresh. Other fruits with antioxidants and polyphenols, including strawberries and oranges, can have a similar soothing effect.
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Pumpkin Seeds
Pepitas are a terrific source of magnesium, a mineral that may cut the number of migraines you get. It may also help prevent and treat osteoporosis. But despite what you may have heard, it doesn't seem to stop leg cramps at night. For more magnesium, add almonds and cashews, dark green leafy vegetables (like spinach and kale), beans, and lentils to your diet.
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Salmon
Loaded with anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids, salmon makes just about all of the "good for you" lists. It's considered heart-healthy and may relieve joint tenderness if you have rheumatoid arthritis. Other varieties of cold-water fish, including tuna, sardines, and mackerel, are good choices, too. Avoid tilapia and catfish, though: Their higher levels of omega-6 fatty acids may promote inflammation.
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Turmeric
The compound in the spice that gives curry its bright orange-yellow color can affect several processes in your body, including inflammation. Studies of people with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis who took supplements of curcumin found they could walk better and without the side effects of taking drugs. Black pepper can help your body absorb it, so try a blend of the spices, steeped with ginger and honey into a tea.
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Tart Cherries
In one study, runners who drank tart cherry juice starting 7 days before a race and on race day (12 ounces, twice daily) had significantly less muscle pain than a group who swigged a similar-tasting beverage with no natural juice. It could be from the antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds in the fruit.
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Virgin Olive Oil
Feel that peppery tingle in the back of your throat? That's a compound called oleocanthal, and it works like ibuprofen. Extra-virgin olive oil also has lubricin, which keeps joints sliding smoothly and protects cartilage from breaking down. It might help people with osteoarthritis. Stick to lower temperatures (less than 410 degrees) when you cook with olive oil so you don't lose any of its many benefits.
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Chili Peppers
Capsaicin, the stuff that gives chilies their heat, is well known for its painkilling properties in creams and patches. Some early research suggests that eating hot peppers, instead of putting them on your skin, may reduce and prevent inflammation, too. The "burn" also tricks your brain into releasing endorphins, which block pain signals.
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Mint
Peppermint oil relieves the painful cramps, gas, and bloating that are the hallmarks of irritable bowel syndrome. Peppermint tea is a good soother for occasional tummy upset. In early research, Brazilian mint tea (made from the plant Hyptnis crenata) has been as effective as a prescription painkiller.
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Red Wine
Early research suggests a compound in the skin of red grapes, called resveratrol, could ease the disk swelling that can lead to back pain. But don't drink that whole bottle for your stiff bones yet. (Women, stick to one glass; men can have two.) While resveratrol is promising, we need more studies to come up with a treatment.
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Sources Medically Reviewed on 08/11/2020 Reviewed by Melinda Ratini, DO, MS on August 11, 2020
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SOURCES:
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Black, C. Journal of Pain, September 2010.
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Harvard Health Publications: "Foods that fight inflammation."
USDA National Nutrient Database: "Basic Report: 12014, Seeds, pumpkin and squash seed kernels, dried."
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Weaver, K. Journal of the American Dietetic Association, July 2008.
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Arthritis Foundation: "Olive Oil Reduces Arthritis Inflammation."
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Reviewed by Melinda Ratini, DO, MS on August 11, 2020
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