Imagine making plans with your friends and family for the upcoming holidays and having a nagging thought in the back of your mind that might prevent any plans, pain. For millions of Americans who suffer from chronic pain, these thoughts are all too common. A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 50 million American adults — 20.4 percent of the U.S. adult population — have chronic pain, defined as pain most days or every day for at least the past six months. Pain can be debilitating and interfere with even the simplest of daily tasks, but luckily there are some ways to naturally combat pain. Here are some things to consider from HealthLine that you might want to try next time pain creeps up.
Exercise: When you work out, your body produces its own version of painkillers, such as endorphins, hormones that actually increase your pain threshold. Endorphins interact with brain receptors and can change our perception of pain.
Fish Oil: This supplement is widely known for its anti-inflammatory properties. In one study, researchers instructed patients with neck or back pain to take 1200 milligrams a day of fish oil supplements with eicosapentaenoic and decosahexanoic acid. After 75 days on fish oil, more than half of the 125 patients who reported back said they had stopped their prescription painkillers.
Turmeric: This spice is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Researchers who tested a combination of turmeric with two other substances, Devil's claw, and bromelain, on patients with pain from osteoarthritis found the mixture gave noticeable pain relief. Patients took two 650-milligram capsules either two or three times a day.
Resveratrol: Found in red wine, grapes, and berries, resveratrol is known to have many beneficial effects, including anti-cancer, brain-protective, and even life-prolonging benefits.
Recently, researchers reported that the substance works on a cellular level for pain regulation.
Heat Therapy: Using heat as well as cold therapy are time-honored ways to eliminate pain. Consider a hot bath with Epsom salts or taking a warm shower and massaging your neck or back (or whatever body part hurts) under the warm water.
These are just a couple of things you can try next time you are experiencing pain, but did you know certain foods are also known for their pain-relieving properties? Some of the foods that might be even in your pantry or refrigerator contain anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties Here are some foods to consider that might help quell the pain.
Ginger
Blueberries
Pumpkin Seeds
Salmon
Turmeric
Tart Cherries
Virgin Olive Oil
Chili Peppers
Mint
Red Wine
The professional and skilled team at ANA Pain Management are devoted to helping you achieve a pain-free life. For more information, visit us online today to schedule an appointment!
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