10 nutrients for pain relief
1. Prevent digestive upsets with pineapple
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| 10 nutrients for pain relief |
A recent
study conducted by researchers at Stanford University in California has
revealed that incorporating one cup of fresh pineapple into your daily diet can
provide relief from painful bloating within a span of 72 hours. This positive
effect can be attributed to the high concentration of proteolytic enzymes
naturally found in pineapple. These enzymes act as digestive aids, assisting in
the breakdown of proteins in the stomach and small intestine that often
contribute to discomfort. The results of the study were further supported by
researchers from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
2. Relax painful muscles with peppermint
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| 10 nutrients for pain relief |
If you're
experiencing tight and sore muscles, you might find this tip from naturopath
Mark Stengler, N.D., author of the book "The Natural Physician's Healing
Therapies," helpful. According to Stengler, stubborn knots in the muscles
can persist for months if not properly treated. His recommendation is to soak
in a warm bath scented with 10 drops of peppermint oil three times a week. The
warm water will help relax your muscles, while the soothing properties of
peppermint oil can naturally calm your nerves. This combination is said to be
25 percent more effective in relieving muscle cramps compared to
over-the-counter painkillers. Additionally, following this regimen can reduce
the frequency of future muscle flare-ups by half, according to Stengler's
findings.
3. Give your back some TLC with grapes
If you're
dealing with back pain, here's an interesting remedy: According to recent
studies conducted at Ohio State University, consuming a generous cup of grapes
each day may contribute to a faster recovery. It is suggested that grapes have
the ability to relax constricted blood vessels, leading to improved blood
circulation in damaged back tissues. In fact, the positive effects can often be
observed within three hours of consuming the first serving. This discovery is
particularly significant because the vertebrae and shock-absorbing discs in
your back rely heavily on nearby blood vessels to receive essential healing
nutrients and oxygen. Therefore, enhancing blood flow is crucial for the
healing process of damaged back tissue, as stated by Mark Stengler, N.D., who
supports these findings.
4. Wash away pain injuries with water
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| 10 nutrients for pain relief |
If you're
experiencing pain in your feet, knees, or shoulders, researchers at Manhattan
College in New York suggest that you can initiate your recovery process within
a week simply by drinking eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily. The reason
behind this is that water has the ability to dilute and flush out histamine, a
compound produced by injured tissues that triggers pain. Additionally, water
plays a crucial role in the formation of cartilage, which acts as a cushion for
the ends of your bones, lubricates your joints, and supports the soft discs in
your spine, as explained by Susan M. Kleiner, Ph.D., author of "The Good
Mood Diet." When these tissues are well-hydrated, they can move and glide
over each other more smoothly, reducing pain. It's important to note that you
should measure your drinking glasses to determine their actual size before
consuming, as many modern juice glasses hold more than 12 ounces, meaning that
five servings could be sufficient to meet your daily hydration goal.
5. Heal sinus problems with horseradish
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| 10 nutrients for pain relief |
Recent
studies have revealed that sinusitis is currently the most prevalent chronic
health problem in the nation. This condition not only leads to congestion and
facial pain but also increases the likelihood of generalized body aches by six
times. Fortunately, horseradish comes to the rescue! German researchers have
found that this pungent condiment has the natural ability to stimulate blood
flow to the sinus cavities. This, in turn, helps to alleviate congestion,
promote sinus drainage, and expedite the healing of sinus infections more
effectively than decongestant sprays. As per the study's recommendation, it is
advised to consume one teaspoon of horseradish twice a day. You can either take
it on its own or use it as a topping for sandwiches or meat. Continue this
regimen until the symptoms subside.
6. Beat bladder infections with blueberries
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| 10 nutrients for pain relief |
According
to researchers at Rutgers University in New Jersey, incorporating 1 cup of
blueberries into your daily diet can reduce the risk of urinary tract
infections (UTIs) by 60 percent. Whether you choose to consume them fresh,
frozen, or in juice form, blueberries offer this protective benefit. The reason
behind this lies in the abundance of tannins found in blueberries. These plant
compounds envelop the bacteria responsible for UTIs in the bladder, preventing
them from establishing themselves and causing an infection. Amy Howell, Ph.D.,
a scientist at Rutgers University, further explains the mechanism by which
blueberries act against UTIs.
7. Heal mouth sores with honey
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| 10 nutrients for pain relief |
A study
conducted at the Dubai Specialized Medical Center in the United Arab Emirates
has found that applying unpasteurized honey to painful canker and cold sores
four times a day can expedite the healing process by 43 percent compared to
using a prescription cream. The natural enzymes present in raw honey have
anti-inflammatory properties, effectively combating inflammation. Additionally,
these enzymes help eliminate viruses that cause the sores and accelerate the
recovery of damaged tissues. The researchers involved in the study emphasize
the beneficial effects of raw honey in treating these skin conditions.
8. Fight breast pain with flax
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| 10 nutrients for pain relief |
According
to a recent study, incorporating 3 tablespoons of ground flaxseed into the
daily diet has been found to alleviate breast soreness for one in three women
within a span of 12 weeks. This positive effect can be attributed to the
presence of phytoestrogens in flaxseed, which are natural plant compounds that
help prevent estrogen spikes that can trigger breast pain. The great news is
that incorporating flaxseed into your diet doesn't require advanced baking
skills. You can easily sprinkle ground flaxseed onto oatmeal, yogurt, or
applesauce, or add it to smoothies and vegetable dips for a healthy boost.
9. Cure migraines with coffee
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| 10 nutrients for pain relief |
If you
frequently experience migraines, here's a tip to enhance the effectiveness of
your pain relief medication: Pair it with a cup of coffee. Researchers at the
National Headache Foundation suggest that consuming a strong 12-ounce cup of
coffee alongside your preferred over-the-counter pain medication can increase
its effectiveness by 40 percent or even more. Caffeine has the ability to
stimulate the lining of the stomach, resulting in a faster and more efficient
absorption of painkillers. By combining coffee with your medication, you can
potentially experience greater relief from migraine symptoms.
10. Tame leg cramps with tomato juice
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| 10 nutrients for pain relief |
A significant number of people, approximately one in five, frequently experience leg cramps. These cramps often occur due to potassium deficiencies, which can be caused by diuretics, caffeinated beverages, or excessive perspiration during exercise. However, according to researchers at UCLA, drinking 10 ounces of potassium-rich tomato juice daily can accelerate the recovery process and reduce the risk of recurring leg cramps in as little as 10 days. By replenishing the body's potassium levels, tomato juice can help alleviate cramps and prevent future episodes.