Ayurveda, the ancient Indian medicinal system says that pains can be controlled by taking proper foods. It is pain that makes us withdraw ourselves from potentially damaging situations, protect a damaged body part while it heals, and avoid those situations in future. Very often over-the counter medicines do nothing to alleviate the pain that we suffer from. We do not realize that very often we have the remedy right in our kitchen. Foods contain different nutrients which work against pain in different ways. Here is a list of a few of them that might help you.
By :- Jaspreet Punian
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 Turmeric :-
 In India, turmeric is an indispensable part of cooking and is used religiously in cooking curries and all types of vegetables. It is used as a natural pain killer since ancient times. Turmeric has been found to be a better and powerful anti-inflammatory than the steroid medications when it comes to fight and deal with acute inflammation. Hence, if you want to fight pain then you must increase its daily intake. The curcumin ingredient present in turmeric will help you in fighting any type of pain.
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Ginger :-
 Ginger is an efficient and potent herb that is powered with the anti-inflammatory properties. Its anti-inflammatory property is chiefly due to its powerful gingerols compound. Clinical trials have also shown that ginger is very effective for the people suffering with muscular discomfort or arthritis pain. Pain in the body is increased when the level of Prostaglandin gets elevated. Ginger fights and reduces pain by reducing the levels of prostaglandin
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Garlic :-
 The essential ingredients present in garlic include nutrients such as selenium, calcium, Vitamins C and B6, potassium, etc. It also contains sulfur compounds like allicin, beta-carotene, geranoil, arginine, ferulic acid, saponins, and other polyphenols. Due to the presence of these valuable nutrients, garlic is capable of dealing with almost any sort of health problem and hence is termed as the ‘wonder drug’. Garlic’s analgesic, antibacterial, and anesthetizing properties play an integral role in giving you relief from pain. You can eat or chew 2 -3 cloves of raw garlic to fight pain or can also add liberally to your soups and curries to make then tasty and pain-relievers.
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Green Tea :-
 Green tea is a potent food that fights pain. It is particularly helpful in easing the pain caused due to rheumatoid arthritis. Green tea is packed with antioxidants including polyphenols and catechines that are very effective against pain. The antioxidants present in green tea also help to improve your body’s immune system, which increases your ability to deal with pain.
If you have the intention of fighting pain with green tea then you must drink at least 5 cups of green tea each day to get the maximum benefit. Avoid drinking excess green tea and that too, late at night as it may cause sleep problems because excessive consumption of green tea will increase the caffeine consumption too!
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Cherries & Berries :-
 Cherries are exceptionally beneficial in relieving arthritis and gout pain. These are packed with antioxidants that are helpful in fighting the free radicals and preventing damages to the body organs. It has been scientifically proved that cherries are effective in relieving inflammation.
And it was also shown in a study that tart cherry extracts is about 10 times more effectual in getting rid of inflammation as compared to the aspirin. If you are suffering from any kind of inflammatory pain then you can get significant relief from pain by consuming just 2 tablespoon of the concentrated cherries juice each day until you recover from the pain.
Intake of cherries as well as cherry juice will help you to prevent gout and gout flare ups as well. Sweet cherries along with berries like blackberries, strawberries, raspberries and blueberries are also effective in fighting pain.
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Celery & Celery Seeds :-
 Due to the medicinal properties of this herb, it is used as an effective remedy for a number of ailments and conditions along with pain. Celery leaves, stalks as well as the seeds are useful for fighting pain. It has been found that over twenty anti-inflammatory compounds are present in celery and celery seeds.
Apigenin and coumarins are the two potent anti-inflammatory chemicals that put up a strong fight against inflammation and pain. You can add celery leaves as well as the celery seeds in different cousins including salads, soups, and stews.
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Hot Peppers :-
 Hot chili peppers including cayenne, paprika, and jalapeno act as efficient foods that fight pain. Hot peppers contain a chemical called capsaicin that is known for its anti-pain, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anesthetics properties. If you suffer from frequent pain then you must increase your hot peppers consumption to minimize and get relief from pain. But avoid over-eating these hot peppers to keep away any complication
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Bananas :-
 If you have cramps, then this is the fruit for you. Cramping is usually the result of an imbalance in the body's potassium supply. Because bananas are potassium-rich, including as little as one banana in your diet a day can help to replenish your daily needs and reduce cramping.
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Cinnamon :-
 Ease arthritis and joint-pains with a few dashes of cinnamon. Researchers from the Nanjing University in China have discovered that cinnamon is highly effective in reducing inflammation, and also uric acid - the prime culprit for arthritis flare-ups.
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Broccoli :-
 Broccoli contains plenty of vitamin C and calcium, and is effective in fighting inflammation, particularly eye inflammation.
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Coffee :-
 One cup of black coffee can provide relief from headaches and provide more antioxidants than a serving of berries. Preliminary research has also shown that drinking coffee may reduce the risk of some cancers.
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Salmon :-
 Filled with Omega-3s, salmon provides an excellent source of protein and antioxidants. The fatty acids from this fish can help to lubricate tight joints in the body.
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Foods fight in four ways
Foods contain different nutrients which work against pain in four different ways.
1) They serve as analgesia on pain nerves and reduce pain. When the body systems can act freely, pain is much relieved.
2) Foods can reduce damage at the site of injury by building up the body tissues.
3) Foods cool your body's inflammatory response and controls feeling of pain.
4) They even work within the brain to reduce pain sensitivity through supplying the necessary antibodies to fight the pain.
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