When the pain is unbearable and you want to take painkillers but fear the side effects? Taiwan's "Common Health" magazine recently wrote that some foods contain natural "painkillers."
1. Coffee treats headaches.
Caffeine (also found in beverages like tea, cocoa, and cola) prevents cells from receiving pain signals, thereby reducing the sensation of pain. That's why many common painkillers, such as aspirin, add some caffeine to enhance their effectiveness. However, for those who can't go a day without coffee, it might actually cause pain.
2. Fish oil reduces inflammation.
Arthritis, headaches, and others are all manifestations of inflammation in the body. Numerous studies have found that fish oil, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, can treat conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and migraines, alleviating pain.
3. Berries are as effective as aspirin.
Research has found that cherries and berries have amazing anti-inflammatory effects, similar to painkillers like aspirin. American studies have shown that cherries, strawberries, blackberries, and others have similar effects.
4. Spices like ginger, curry, and chili are natural painkillers.
In recent years, ginger has gained attention for its ability to relieve pain and assist in treating arthritis. In fact, traditional Indian medicine has long used ginger to treat rheumatism and arthritis. The curcumin in curry can reduce brain inflammation that may lead to Alzheimer's and can inhibit tumor growth. The capsaicin in chili can block pain messages from reaching the central nervous system, reducing pain sensation, and can be used to control headaches, neuralgia, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Additionally, chili naturally contains a substance called "salicylates," which is the very ingredient in the painkiller aspirin.
Finally, be mindful of avoiding some "triggers" that can cause pain: processed meats, chocolate, red wine, and dairy products (especially cheese), smoked fish and meats, yeast-containing foods (like bread, steamed buns), and nuts.