The Natural Path to Pain Relief

by Jessica Sanders

Whether you suffer from joint pain, sore muscles or any other bodily ache, you know the never ending desire to find something that eases your discomfort, improve mobility and restores normal muscle function.

However, many turn to synthetic drugs that are made with chemically produced ingredients such as salicylic acid, ibuprofen, and colloidal silicon dioxide, which can be dangerous for your liver, lead to heart attack and possibly even a stroke. Not to mention many are also made with artificial dyes and animal derived gelatin.

However, you don’t have to go the synthetic route to relieve your pain. If you’re looking for a natural remedy so you can stay active and comfortable, you can turn to supplements or particular foods that work with your body make improve your day to day aches and pains.

Choosing the Right Supplement

With an increased demand for naturally healthy food and medicine, many drug companies have begun producing “natural” pain relief options as an alternative to Advil, Motrin or Ibuprofen. However, instead of choosing the first natural pain reliever you find in your local grocery store, it’s important that you know what to look for to ensure you are in fact getting the natural medicine that will truly be effective in relieving your aches and pains.

Some common pain fighting supplements include:

Glucosamine:

Used to reduce joint inflammation, this supplement naturally occurs in shellfish, animal bones, and fungi. It is found in healthy cartilage, and can be supported with chondroitin which is found in articular cartilage.

Alfalfa leaves:

Taken in a supplement form, alfalfa leaves are recommended for many ailments including upset stomach and arthritis. As a rich source of vitamin A, K, D and E, it is able to relieve a variety of bodily pains. Some professionals believe there to be insufficient evidence that this does in fact relieve pain, however many still find it valuable.

Peppermint leaves/oil:

Believed to relieve stomach pain, you can take peppermint leaves in a supplement form. This natural ingredient reduces painful spasms in your digestive tract, easing stomach ailments. Some also inhale peppermint oil for coughs and colds or place it on the skin for headaches or muscle pain.

Fish oil:

Many health fanatics have turned to fish oil for the variety health benefits it provides, including omega-3 fatty acids. However, it’s also known

to relieve pain associated with osteoporosis, psoriasis and generally achy joints. Fish oil is filled with Omega 3 polyunsaturated fats, which helps to reduce inflammation.

Bromelain:

Commonly taken in the spring and fall, this naturally occurring supplement is known to reduce the pain associated with sinus congestion or sinus infection by decreasing swelling of nasal passages and mucous – both of which are significant factors in allergy pain.

Pain Relieving Food

If you’re not interested in taking supplements, a variety of foods can help with many of the same symptoms. Health experts atAARP.com suggest, “Recent research suggests that some pack as much pain fighting power as common pain medications like ibuprofen. And with mounting evidence that some pain relief medicines may actually be dangerous for some individuals, these foods may be the better

choice.”

While you may already eat some or many of these, consider increasing your intake or adding others for a full, pain relieving diet.

Ginger:

Often referred to as a digestive aid, ginger can also reduce pain by blocking the enzyme that is critical to inflammation. You can easily integrate this into your current diet; shred some into your stir fry at night, or make ginger tea to sip on.

Salmon:

Chronic pain is often associated with low levels of Vitamin D, and salmon has a whole lot of it. This vitamin is responsible for calcium absorption, cell growth, and reduced inflammation, a lack of which can be aiding in your pain. Consider other Vitamin D heavy foods like cottage cheese, soy products, eggs and mushrooms.

Turmeric:

This naturally derived spice contains the protein NF-kB which triggers your body’s anti-inflammatory response. As a spice used heavily in Indian cuisine, you can use turmeric as a natural remedy in a variety of everyday dishes.

Strawberries:

Full of Vitamin C, an antioxidant that is known to relieve pain, strawberries are a sweet way to ease daily pain. Other foods rich in this vitamin include Kale, hot chili peppers, thyme, parsley and citrus fruits.

You can wake up in the morning ready for action, feeling as good as you did before stiffness and pain took over. These natural pain relievers, from glucosamine to ginger, calm the soreness and dull aches and pain so you can get moving again.

Modern science cannot compete with the powerful pain fighting action of nature… because it doesn’t mask what’s going on in your joints and muscles.

Nature helps clear away the discomfort that’s been holding you back. Get a fresh start on life again…pain free.

 

More Articles You Might Enjoy:

• The Health Benefits of Turmeric
• How Your Joints Can Heal Themselves
• Natural Fibromyalgia Relief

 

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