In the United States, chronic joint pain is a common condition. The disabling sickness stops people from participating in their favorite activities, doing effectively at work, or even simply enjoying the simple pleasures of life. This results in a significant decline in quality of life.
NSAIDs in the market are assessed due to a higher risk of heart attack, stroke, and other serious cardiovascular adverse effects. So it is risky to use them long-term.
And there must be a better way to deal with joint pain. And the answer is in front of our eyes, every time we open the fridge or glance in the pantry: food. Food can either nourish the body and treat your discomfort or worsen your situation, depending on what you eat.
Continue reading to know which six foods that can help you in fighting joint pain.
Ginger
Ginger works as a natural and effective pain reliever. It includes a variety of chemicals that prevent joint inflammation.
In a study published in the journal Arthritis, ginger extract was compared to betamethasone and ibuprofen, two typical medicines for osteo- and Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Ginger extract was more effective than ibuprofen and at least as effective as betamethasone in suppressing cytokine production. Cytokines have been related to joint pain and a variety of other painful disorders. In addition, it hasn’t been linked to any adverse side effects.
Salmon
We’ve already known the advantages of omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon, and the rumors are accurate for once. Omega-3s work to reduce inflammation by blocking enzymes that degrade cartilage. They also aid in the regulation of prostaglandins, which are responsible for inflammation and thus pain.
Salmon, especially good-quality, wild-caught salmon, is one of the richest food sources of omega-3 fatty acids. So eating it once a week will help you combat all of the inflammatory disorders that cause joint discomfort.
Turmeric
Turmeric’s main element, curcumin, has been working as a pain reliever in Indian Ayurvedic medicine. Curcumin is the pigment in turmeric that gives it its distinctive yellow-orange color. It is essential in lowering inflammation in the body.
Curcumin is successful in lowering inflammatory indicators. It is proven in a trial of 100 osteoarthritis patients who were given 200 mg of curcumin daily. Compared to the control group, which was given popular NSAIDs commonly used to treat Arthritis.
Turmeric is more beneficial than typical NSAIDs in the long-term treatment of joint pain in knee arthritis pain. It fu also helps in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
Chili peppers
Capsaicin, the hot component in peppers, activates nerve endings and works to prevent molecules that transmit pain signals to the brain.
Capsaicin is a pain-relieving component in topical creams and patches. Chili peppers provide a burning sensation when applied to the skin. It’s because the capsaicin activates heat-receptor proteins, fooling the brain into thinking it is in pain.
When put to use regularly, the pain nerve cells get depleted. Which means they can no longer respond to anything that produces pain.
As a result, capsaicin, present in chili peppers, has its use as a topical or even inside treatment for joint discomfort.
Oranges
The simple orange, long known for its vitamin C content, includes beta-cryptoxanthin, an antioxidant that can reduce the development of inflammatory joint diseases. Eating oranges daily lessens your risk of Arthritis by 41%, a study suggests.
In addition to being an effective pain reliever, it also assists in reducing toxins in the body and preventing free radical damage. This can significantly reduce your chances of having inflammatory joint problems.
Tart cherries
Tart cherries include phytonutrients called anthocyanins, potent antioxidants that give the fruit its rich red color. Research shows that anthocyanins effectively reduce pain-related inflammation and that their effects are comparable to NSAID indomethacin. This impact links to anthocyanins’ ability to combat oxidative damage after an inflammatory flare-up.
Tart cherries help with gout a painful form of arthritis caused by uric acid buildup in the bloodstream. This results in painful joints.
Two servings of tart cherries will result in a significant decrease in serum urate levels. It will also reduce inflammation, both of which are strongly linked to gout.
Bottom Line
Joint pain is a chronic condition affecting the quality of life greatly. So, we should consider making healthy lifestyle choices to prevent pain from taking over our health and so, these food choices should a part of our daily diet to get the best results.