Pain is such a common condition in life that we do not stop to think before popping painkillers. However, the latter are not free of side effects. An option is to choose food items that alleviate pain naturally. There are some fruits, vegetables, spices and other items that have properties to combat moderate pain.
Vegetables and Fruits that Control Pain
Antioxidant rich vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, tomatoes, cabbage and cauliflower, and fruits like oranges, peaches, grapefruit and watermelon help to control painful conditions like arthritis. This is due to the presence of glutathione, a powerful antioxidant. Citrus fruits, kiwi fruit and berries contain antioxidants A and C.
Capsicum and chilli peppers have a substance called capsaicin which produces heat. This encourages the nerve cells to use up the substance P, which is used by them to transmit pain signals. As a result, the perception of pain is blocked. Chilli peppers and capsicum can be cooked or consumed raw in salads and sandwiches. They help to relieve minor aches and pains, especially arthritic pain, muscle and joint pains and simple backache. Moreover, they improve the flexibility of the joints.
Cabbages are rich in antioxidants, and strengthen muscles, joints and tissues, thus relieving pain. They can be consumed raw or cooked. Onions contain flavanoids that reduce pain.
Apples too contain flavanoids that relieve pain, while oranges contain cryptoxanthin, which is a natural pain reliever. It is best consumed whole. Grapes contain resveratrol, which inhibits pain causing COX 2 enzyme that causes inflammation and pain. Resveratrol is also found in berries like blueberries, cranberries, mulberries and bilberries. Fruits rich in beta-cryptoxanthin, like oranges, nectarines, apricots, tangerines, peaches, papaya, plums and watermelon prevent and combat painful conditions like arthritis.
Spices that are Pain-killers
Spices that alleviate pain, specially when used locally, include asafetida, liquorice and nutmeg. The oil extracted from the Bishop’s weed seeds is effective for rheumatic and neuralgic pains when applied on the affected parts. The antiseptic properties of cloves help to control headaches and muscular cramps. Liquorice is specially helpful in muscular pains, while nutmeg alleviates neuralgia, sciatica and rheumatic pains. Mustard seeds act as a rubefacient and pain reliever. Poppy seeds on the stalk have a sedative effect which helps to lower pain. The Indian traditional system of medicine, Ayurveda, recommends turmeric in warm milk to alleviate any pain and body ache.
Ginger too has been used in traditional medicine to reduce inflammation. Its anti-inflammatory properties are due to zingibain, an analgesic substance that reduces muscle pain, menstrual cramps and stomach ache. It reduces prostaglandins, which are compounds associated with pain.
Other Natural Painkillers
Tryptophan is a substance that helps to alleviate sensitivity to pain, and is found in nuts, seeds, soy products, dairy products, whole grains, lentils, beans and rice. It starts acting about an hour after being consumed. Some nuts like hazelnuts contain nutrients that fight pain. Peanuts, walnuts and almonds contain an essential plant nutrient called boron, which relieves bone pain. They also contain omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, which act as a relaxant and relieve pain. Apart from seeds and nuts, omega 3 is found in fish like tuna, salmon, sardines and herring. Peanuts also contain resveratrol.
Soy products like soya milk, soyabean and tofu contain proteins which repair tissues by building new ones, and repair muscles and ligaments by regenerating tissues. This helps to alleviate pain. Like soy, green tea contains flavanoids with pain relieving properties. Finally, sugar in limited quantities boosts the natural pain relief system.
A healthy alternative to painkillers is a diet consisting of foods like antioxidant rich fruits and vegetables, spices and other items. Cabbages, oranges, nuts, ginger, green tea and sugar are some items that may be consumed first to try to alleviate pain naturally, before resorting to conventional drugs.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only; it should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his/her health should contact a licensed medical professional.
Sources
Bakhru, H.K, Healing through Natural Foods, Jaico Publishing House, 2008.
Swarupa Kakani and Payal Banka, Pain killing foods, “The Times of India,” July 23, 2010.
Metabolism.com, Pain management diet for arthritis and other pain, (accessed September 25, 2010).
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