More than 76 million people living in the United States suffer from chronic pain, the American Academy of Pain Medicine says. Chronic pain is a significant source of depression, disability and reduced quality of life. If you have chronic pain, talk to your doctor about treatments options. Consider foods that heal pain.
Fatty Fish
Fatty fish such as tuna and salmon are rich in omega-3 fats. Omega-3 fats reduce inflammation, the underlying cause of painful conditions such as arthritis and lower back pain. A nutritious diet that contains omega-3 fats may combat chronic pain, Healthy Women reports. Omega-3 fats may be especially beneficial for joint pain, reports Robert J. Goldberg of York University. In a study published in the May 2007 issue of Pain, Goldberg found that omega-3 fatty acids effectively reduce joint pain caused from inflammation. Other sources of omega-3 fats include shellfish, soy, walnuts and flaxseeds.
Olive Oil
The source of olive oil's bitter taste is a unique compound known as oleocanthal, reports Gary K. Beauchamp of the University of Philadelphia. In research published in the September 2005 issue of Nature, Beauchamp found that oleocanthal has a similar structure as the active compound in ibuprofen. Additionally, oleocanthal inhibits the same pain-causing enzyme that ibuprofen does. Alair Alfredo Berbert of Londrina State University published research showing that combining olive oil with fish oil boosted pain relief in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Broccoli
Broccoli is rich in the antioxidant vitamin C. Antioxidants shield vulnerable joint and nerve cells from the oxidative damage that can boost feelings of pain. P.E. Zollinger reports that vitamin C has the ability to prevent the painful condition known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. In a study published in the October 2007 edition of the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Zollinger found that 200mg vitamin C reduced the pain patients felt after breaking their wrists. A single cup of chopped broccoli contains more than 100mg vitamin C, peer trainer reports. Broccoli can be sauteed in extra virgin olive oil and served with salmon for a tasty pain-fighting dinner.
References
- AAPM: AAPM Facts and Figures on Pain
- Pain: A meta-analysis of the analgesic effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation for inflammatory joint pain.
- Nature: Phytochemistry: Ibuprofen-like activity in extra-virgin olive oil
- Nutrition Journal: Supplementation of fish oil and olive oil in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
- Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery: Can Vitamin C Prevent Complex Regional Pain Syndrome in Patients with Wrist Fractures?
- Peer Trainer: Broccoli
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