If
you suffer from leg, knee or back pain due to arthritis, another chronic
condition, exercise or a minor injury, changing your diet may help relieve some
of your pain. Certain fruits and vegetables have natural pain-fighting and
anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce your symptoms if you add them
to your diet, or increase your intake of them.
Common sense and scientific research
indicates that diet and nutrition are fundamental to our health and vitality.
Dietary choices have both the ability to harm as well as to nourish the
body. Bad nutrition leads to conditions such as obesity, osteoarthritis,
osteoporosis, sciatica and as well as chronic pain syndromes. Empowering
yourself with the facts and maintaining proper nutritional balance helps to
strengthen muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints while shedding unnecessary
weight that contributes to a large majority of sciatica and back pain.
Most
fruits and vegetables are low in calories and many are high in fiber, vitamins
and minerals. It's easier to maintain your weight or lose weight if you're
filling up on fruits and veggies, and staying at a healthy weight means less
strain on your joints, which often minimizes pain. Many fruits and veggies have
additional pain-fighting properties as well. Cherries contain high levels of
antioxidants that help minimize pain. Red grapes, cranberries and blueberries contain
a compound called resveratrol, which helps counteract pain and tissue damage,
particularly cartilage damage that can lead to back pain, according to Rush
University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois. Citrus fruits are rich in
vitamin C, which can help delay the progression of arthritis, leading to less
joint pain, according to the Arthritis Foundation.
Pineapple – Pineapple contains a host of very powerful
antiinflammatory enzymes that help the body heal. When choosing this
food make sure you buy it fresh. The natural enzymes are not present
in canned pineapple. Make sure you buy organic. Chemical
pesticides can reduce the nutrient value of the food and contribute to
chronic disease.
Berries – Strawberries, raspberries, blue
berries, acai berries, cranberries, and blackberries contain
powerful phytonutrient antioxidants that help the body control
inflammation and enhance the immune systems ability to aid in healing.
Make sure you are buying organic to avoid chemical residues and
pesticides.
Green Tea – green tea contains several types of flavonoids and
polyphenols that act as antioxidants. Green tea helps the body to
detoxify toxic compounds. This process helps your cells protect the
DNA from free radical damage. Drink 2-3 glasses of tea daily to
achieve a therapeutic effect.
Tumeric – is a natural spice commonly used in Eastern cuisine.
It contains a very powerful anti-inflammatory compound called
curcumin. Liberal use of this spice in cooking can be of great
benefit for those with chronic pain. The anti-inflammatory and pain
reducing effects of curcumin have been well studied making this natural
compound one of natures strongest aids for pain.
Garlic – This powerful allium vegetable provides strong
antiinflammatory compounds. Garlic has been wildly researched to
help lower blood pressure, cholesterol, reduce the risk of cancer, and
improve lymphatic flow. Using garlic liberally when cooking will
provide your body with great benefit.
Ginger – Ginger is a root that has traditionally been used to
help relieve nausea, indigestion, and heart irregularities. It has
been well researched and is a powerful antiinflammatory food. It
works by blocking the enzyme cyclo oxygenase (COX). This is the same
mechanism of action as commonly prescribed pain medications use.
Water – 66% of your body is composed of water. Even
low grade chronic dehydration can contribute to a sluggish metabolism and
cause a number of problems. Lack of water contributes to chronic
muscle spasm, and increased blood viscosity. Both contribute to poor
healing and inflammation. As a general rule of thumb, you should
drink enough water so that you are having to urinate at least 3-4 times
per day.
Modern
medicine today would have you believe that pills with foreign chemicals should
be your medicine. Don’t underestimate the power of fruits and vegetables
to help you heal.
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