Some healthy alternatives to pill popping for pain
- col-bobbie-randall
- July 4, 2024
- 729
Summertime is a great time to enjoy sunshine and exercise our bodies. The benefits of natural light from the sun, fresh oxygen and movement of muscles far outweigh the irritating results of enjoying this glorious season.
Too much sun, a stubbed toe, a bug bite, an open wound, an overexercised joint, a raspy throat and many diseases can result in inflammation. In short your body becomes angry, irritated and often painful. Inflammation is a natural response to illness, injury or infection.
There are many medications that not only reduce pain, but also target inflammation in the body. Some of these medications can do more harm than good, especially to your digestive tract. A healthy alternative to swallowing a pill lies in the foods you eat.
Reducing inflammation can be as simple as eating more whole unprocessed foods without added sugar such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, fish, poultry, nuts, seeds and low-fat dairy.
Fortunately, the foods that fight the pain of inflammation caused by injury, unfamiliar exercise or disease are the same that promote a healthy lifestyle. Long before there were pills to pop for pain, certain foods were recognized to sooth aching muscles and angry tissues.
Natural antioxidants include citrus fruits, apricots, plums, cherries, watermelons, peaches and papaya, to name a few. They contain a compound known to decrease inflammation in joints.
Resveratrol from red grapes and, to a lesser extent, green grapes does the same thing that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pills do. Instead of popping more ibuprofen or naproxen, consider grapes or grape juice. This fruit also is heart healthy and is high in fiber.
Tryptophan is an amino acid that not only aids in improved sleep, but also it helps reduce pain sensitivity related to aching muscles and joints. Seeds, nuts, turkey, chicken, meats, eggs, cheese and fish are loaded with tryptophan.
Beans, whole grains and lentils also contain tryptophan. The soluble and insoluble fiber in these foods not only reduce pain, but also play an important role in blood sugar control and heart health.
Many people dislike fatty fish such as salmon and mackerel. Consider taking a daily dietary supplement of Omega-3. This oil also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.
Blueberries are the king of the berry family in fighting aches and irritations. Blackberries and strawberries are close seconds to decrease inflammation in the body. Cherries covered or soaked in sugar or chocolate are not equal substitutes for fresh fruit or juice.
Ginger can relieve stomach irritation, and it has been known to reduce exercise-induced muscle pain and inflammation. The beta-carotene in carrots and capsaicin from peppers has similar effects as ginger.
Coconut oil is a healthy saturated fat. Not only is it antimicrobial and antifungal, but it also reduces inflammation and pain caused by arthritis.
Before taking more ibuprofen or naproxen, incorporate natural anti-inflammatory foods into a healthy, calorie-controlled meal plan. Your body will thank you. Enjoy the summer. Stay safe and as pain free as possible.
Bobbie Randall is a registered, licensed dietitian. Email her at bobbierandallrd@gmail.com.