Top Foods for Pain Management

Did you know that there are certain foods that have natural pain relieving qualities? No food will completely relieve pain, but Queen City Elder Care suggests adding these foods into your diet as a part of your chronic-pain management strategy.

Foods rich in essential fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6) such as salmon, nuts and corn can help decrease inflammation and help regulate the immune system responses. Healingandchronicpain.org points out that studies have shown a diet high in essential fatty acids have positive effects on pain in patients with osteoarthritis or other inflammatory disorders.

If you experience chronic back pain, there are some specific foods that can help and some you should avoid. Food high in refined grains, processed, fatty foods and foods high in sugar should be avoided as they can increase inflammation.  Researchers suggest eating anti-inflammatory foods such as fresh fruit, dark leafy greens, rice bran, ginger, blueberries, lean red meat and soy proteins. Of course, drinking plenty of water always helps.

Metabolismadvice.com established five groups of foods that contain compounds that can play a part in pain management. Consider eating a food from each group every day. The groups include anti-oxidants, flavanoids, omega-3, beta-cryptoxanthin and resveratrol.  Visit their site for a full list of food pain management.

If you aren’t able to add certain foods to your diet, vitamin supplements and minerals can help. Minerals such as zinc and copper have helped in wound healing and reducing pain. Pain-fighting nutrients includes Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Magnesium and Selenium. Be sure to consume the recommended daily dose.

Would you try these foods as a part of your chronic pain management? Let us know in the comments below.