Foods to Take for Chronic Pain Part 2

Cilantro- the oil of this pungent herb has long been touted by many cultures as having a cleansing effect. It binds to toxins, cleansing them from the body. It is extremely high in antioxidants, which are critical for fighting painful inflammation, and it has been used for many centuries as a sleep aid. It’s relaxing properties help with stress-related pain.

Almonds- The riboflavin in these perfect nuts is frequently the most effective way to eliminate muscle and joint pain. Also, they are very effective in easing the pain of menstrual cramps without having to resort to medications that will make a person drowsy.

Beans- Magnesium in beans helps balance a natural tendency for what otherwise would be a deficiency. Magnesium is critical in muscle health, but also in nerve health. Increasing consumption of beans might mean you’ll be a little gassier, but you’ll also be much less likely to suffer headache or migraine pain as a result as well. Also, the fiber in beans has been shown to aid in digestion so much that people have been able to drop their GERD medications altogether.

Coffee- It may seem like a surprising addition to a list of healthy foods, but the caffeine in coffee has been shown to not only reduce, but in some cases completely eliminate neck and headache pain. It works by constricting blood vessels that contribute to the pounding that is characteristic of headaches.

Water- We left this one for the last because it is the most critical. It is a fact that most people are dehydrated. Not to the extent that is found when lost in the desert; rather, just to the point where the body’s systems simply don’t function as well as they could. This lack of optimum function might seem unnoticeable for some, but for others it kicks over the dominoes that lead to a variety of chronic pain issues.

When we don’t have enough water, any number of things can happen: Thirsty muscles will not heal as quickly after exercise. Oxygen delivery is compromised in the blood. Toxins that cause inflammation and wreak havoc on the liver and kidneys (our critical filters) can’t be purged. Chemicals needed in balancing hormone activity don’t get to where they need to go.

All these things spell pain in one form or another. And don’t forget the impact of foods and beverages that dehydrate us further- processed foods and sugary soft drinks, alcohol and fried foods…all these things serve to increase pain and dehydrate us further.

Of all the items on the list, getting adequate water should be the most important. Without it, all the benefits of the foods listed above are diminished to some extent due to the body’s inability to deliver and process the nutrients.

All types of pain can be healed naturally. But the right method depends on what kind of pain you’re suffering.