by Dr Pandula Siribaddana

Created on: February 26, 2013   Last Updated: February 27, 2013

In an era where natural remedies are being increasingly looked at as potential replacements for side effects prone medicinal treatments, pain relieving is an area where medications usually has an edge over natural means. While it is easy to understand the reasons behind the preferred use of over the counter or prescription only pain relievers, it is not clear as to why people do not actively use the food sources that are capable of fighting pains that may arise due to multiple reasons including due to arthritis type of diseases. Although the effectiveness of such food remedies may be inconsistent and requires more scientific backing, utilizing the same would be a safe alternative or a potential way to augment the effects of commonly used over the counter pain relievers.

Antioxidant containing foods: Green leafy vegetables, oranges, berries and ginger

Among the foods that are capable of fighting pains, foods that contain antioxidants are highly desirable. Such foods have been seen as particularly effective in relation to pains that are caused by inflammatory disorders such as arthritis. In addition to relieving pains, antioxidant-containing foods are also capable of relieving the swelling and the stiffness associated with such inflammatory conditions. Among the foods that contain high concentrations of antioxidants, green leafy vegetables, oranges, berries and other fruits which belong to the ‘citrus’ group should be highlighted. Thus, it is advisable to add these foods into a regular dietary plan in order to obtain its fullest effect. Ginger is another food that can bring relief to inflammatory type of pains including sore muscles and inflamed joints. It is reported that there are instances where scientists have successfully made use of ginger extract injections in order to treat joint inflammation in certain individuals.  According to scientists, the gingerols that are present in ginger extracts seems to be a major reason for its anti-inflammatory effects.

Omega-3 and Selenium: Salmon, cold water fish, nuts…etc.

Omega-3 fatty acids have also shown to help relieve certain types of pains especially the ones, which are associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Salmon has been recognized as a food rich in omega-3 although many other varieties of foods including nuts, cold water fish and omega-3 eggs also contains significant amounts of omega-3. Apart from soothing the joint and muscle pains, the omega-3 in salmons have also shown to cure upset

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