Analgesic drugs was not always appropriate to relieve pain. However, these drugs are generally not able to treat the source of pain. If you want to try the natural way, you could try some kind of fruit, herbs, or food, which is quite effective in suppressing pain as well as heal the pain.
Here are six common illnesses with foods that can help fight pain.
1. Joint pain
Medicinal food: cherries, turmeric
A preliminary study indicates that eating 20 cherries have effect as effective as analgesic drugs in reducing pain in the joints. While other studies show that eating about 45 cherries a day can reduce C-reactive protein which is a major trigger inflammation as much as 25 percent. Compound in turmeric called curcumin can also reduce pain as effectively as analgesic drugs in patients with knee joint disorders.
2. Muscle aches
Food medicine: Ginger
Muscle soreness is usually felt after exercise can be prevented by ginger. A recent study shows people who lift weights experienced a 25 percent reduction in muscle soreness 24 hours earlier after eating half a teaspoon of ginger. The researchers conclude it is due to gingerol, an antioxidant that has anti-inflammatory effects that are found in ginger.
3. Heartburn
Medicinal food: beans
Heartburn or a burning sensation in the chest caused by acid reflux can be treated with nuts. Study in the journal Gut found that people who regularly eat high-fiber foods such as beans have 20 percent less risk of experiencing heartburn than those who do not. This is probably because as the fiber moves food quickly to prevent reflux.
4. Gastrointestinal pain
Food medicine: peppermint, coconut
Fresh menthol taste of peppermint acts as a carminative which can cope with bloating. Peppermint can also reduce muscle tension so as to overcome cramps.
While the oil is very good for treating diarrhea due to anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Reardon advised to consume 1 to 3 teaspoons of unsweetened shredded coconut.
5. Cramps pre menstruation syndrome (PMS)
Medicinal food: beans
Nuts such as almonds have a high content of riboflavin can reduce PMS cramps caused by a third.
6. Headache
Medicinal food: coffee, pumpkin seeds
Headaches caused by dilation of blood vessels in the head, and drinks such as coffee can probably relieve it because of the effect of the blood vessels constrict. While, migraine headaches can be caused by magnesium deficiency. So the consumption of foods high in magnesium such as pumpkin seeds may be calm nerves and reduce muscle tension experienced during migraine.