5 Foods to Help Fight Chronic Pain

Some of you may wonder why I am including recipes in my chronic pain blog.  In my experience in dealing with chronic pain, I do much better when I eat healthy. It helps my energy, immune system, sleep and pain. Along with my personal experience, I have done some study into some of the best foods to eat when one has chronic pain and I list some of my favorite findings below. They all have something in common and that is they have an anti-inflammatory effect in the body.

1. Ginger

There are many ways to use ginger in our diet. I love ginger tea and make it often. I also like adding it as a flavoring to many different dishes. It has many healing properties including anti-inflammation.

2. Turmeric

Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant powerhouse. I like to add turmeric to my ginger tea. It’s also delicious sprinkled in rice and boiled eggs.

3. Blueberries

Blueberries are full of antioxidants, and are very helpful in reducing inflammation. My favorite way to eat them is straight out of the blueberry patch, but I also like to eat a bowl of frozen blueberries after supper. They are great warmed to top fresh waffles, I also like to add them to smoothies

4. Fresh dark leafy greens

Adding in extra dark leafy greens may help reduce chronic pain. Kale, spinach, broccoli, and Swiss chard are all great sources of vitamin E. It’s a great boost for the immune system as well.

5. Seeds and nuts

If reducing inflammation is your goal, adding nuts and seeds to your diet is shown to do it. One serving (1.5 oz) per day is all you need. I like to add a tablespoon of seeds to my morning green smoothie. I rotate between 6 different seeds, flaxseed, chia, sesame, sunflower, pumpkin and hemp.

What types of foods are helpful for you? I would love to hear from all of you!