These 5 foods that fight pain

Most of us pop a painkiller without a second's thought: for a hangover, a cold or aching joints. However, we may be doing more harm than good. The daily recommended dosage of a painkiller, even just a small amount more, can sometimes have fatal consequences.

Painkiller dosages, like all medicine doses, are designed to give the body the ability to rid itself of the medicine, but taking too much doesn't give the body a chance to do this. While taking one or two extra tablets a day may not seem much, their adverse effects can build up quickly over time, especially with the common painkiller paracetamol. Only ever take the recommended dosages."

There is an alternative. Some foods contain natural anti-inflammatory ingredients, which work as well as, or better than, over-the-counter medicines.

Extra-virgin olive oil

 

How it works: Olive oil, particularly extra-virgin olive oil, is rich in a chemical called oleocanthal, a naturally occurring anti-inflammatory substance with very similar properties to the drug ibuprofen.

Dosage: Add a tablespoon to your daily diet.

Good for: Treating and preventing a scratchy throat. Oleocanthal gives virgin olive oil that bite in the back of the throat. The sharper the taste, the better it is for treating your cold or flu.

May also help: There is a possibility it may lower your risk of heart disease and some cancers. It also helps maintain the body's natural defence mechanisms such as anti-microbial effects, anti-inflammatory effects and normal clotting.

Cherries

 

How they work: If you have just completed a hard workout, reach for cherry juice or a bowl of cherries to aid muscle repair.

Dosage: Add a handful to your daily juice or fruit salad.

Good for: Preventing muscle pain. The bright red colour of the cherries, called anthocyanins, are anti-inflammatories, which may decrease oxidative damage to muscles after exercising.

May also help: A regular intake of cherries may lower the risk of heart disease, stroke and type-2 diabetes.


 

Turmeric

 

How it works: Turmeric may be your best bet for treating joint pain. Curcumin "a chemical in the spice", contains anti-inflammatory ingredients to help myriad aches, pains and upsets.

Dosage: Add a teaspoon to a curry or a glass of warm water.

Good for: Stomach upsets, headaches and period pain.

May also help: Turmeric prevents 'bad' LDL cholesterol from causing oxidative damage, which can affect arteries around the heart.


 

Salmon

 

How it works: Salmon is one of the richest sources of omega-3 or fish oils, which have been shown to have strong anti-inflammatory effects.

Dosage: Three serves a week. You can also eat other foods containing omega-3, such as tuna, mackerel or walnuts.

Good for: Preventing premenstrual tension symptoms, heart disease and the onset of colds and flu. It is also beneficial for sore joints.

May also help: The pink colour of salmon is due to a newly discovered antioxidant called astaxanthin, which can protect cells from damage and boost immunity. Salmon is also a good source of a trace mineral called selenium, which has anti-cancer properties and is also important for strengthening the body's immune system.


 

Cinnamon

 

How it works: Cinnamon has been shown to have strong antioxidant properties. It may also prevent glycoxidation – damage to cells caused by high levels of blood glucose.

Dosage: Half to one teaspoon per day. Sprinkle it on yoghurt or add to warm water.

Good for: Treating period pain and stomach cramps.

May also help: Cinnamon improves circulation, so it's good for pain related to poor circulation. It may also prevent stomach ulcers, urinary tract and yeast infections, tooth decay and gum disease.