Fight Pain With Your Plate

Good news!  You may be able to ease your aches and pains with your fork.  Who knew?  The following foods help build strong bones and muscles and might even help reduce pain.  In addition, they help prevent the additional body weight that can exacerbate pain, and they can boost your energy level so you're better able to cope with your discomfort. 

1. Whole grains.  Whole grains are rich in magnesium, a mineral that has been proven to ease muscle pain. 

2. Salmon.  Studies have shown a strong link between low levels of Vitamin D (the sunshine vitamin) and chronic pain.  Not only is salmon rich in Vitamin D, it provides valuable omega-3 fatty acids.

3. Olive oil.  This liquid gold contains high levels of pholyphenol, an antioxidant that can help inhibit a pain-causing mechanism in the body.  It's also free of saturated fat, which can erode bone strength and trigger pain.

4. Spices.  Ginger contains substances with analgesic qualities similar to aspirin and ibuprofen, and turmeric (another member of the ginger family) may also help relieve discomfort. 

5. Strawberries.  These berries are full of Vitamin C, an antioxidant with powerful pain-reducing properties.  Studies have suggested that Vitamin C may help relieve pain following a broken bone or orthopedic surgery.  It may also help prevent the cartilage loss associated with arthritis.

6. Greens.  Greens are rich in Vitamin K, a potential pain reliever.  (Note: Vitamin K also aids in blood clotting, so if you're taking a blood thinner, check with your doctor.)

7. Dairy.  Dairy foods contain calcium for bone strength and Vitamin D, which may help relieve chronic pain.

8. Wine.  Resveratrol, which is found in grapes, grape juice, and wine, may have an analgesic effect similar to aspirin.  (Keep in mind that experts recommend no more than one glass per day.)

So eat hearty and healthy -- you'll feel better!