Foods that fight pain

A healthy diet doesn't just help you fend off obesity, it can also help your body function at optimal capacity. While an ideal intake of the perfect foods won't keep you from sickness, eating well can work as a preventive measure against various types of body ills, aches and pains. Your best bet in the battle against body pain from soreness is to consume foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties. The following foods fight pain:

1. Food that fights belly pain-A small scoop of tuna salad
A study at a major University in England found that eating salmon and tuna can speed up the movement of food from your stomach to your intestines, which leaves your stomach calmer and alleviates bloating. Give credit to the omega-3 fatty acids found in the fish, which stimulate hormones that regulate food intake, body weight, and metabolism. Tuna also contains selenium, an ingredient that preserves elastin, a protein that keeps your skin smooth and tight. However, be advised that a small scoop of tuna salad will help your stomach, but a monstrously large scoop, as found on Quizno's Large Tuna Melt will have an entirely different effect on your stomach.

2. Food that fights migraines-Avocados and Olive Oil
Foods rich in healthy fats, such as olive oil and avocados, help reduce inflammation, a catalyst for migraines. One study found that the anti-inflammatory compounds in olive oil suppress the same pain pathway as Ibuprofen. Antioxidants found in olives have been shown to raise HDL (good) cholesterol and lower LDL (bad) cholesterol, making olive oil a doubly potent protector of cardiovascular disease. Along with your cholesterol, you want to make sure you maintain a healthy weight, which means consuming the right amount of calories.

3. Food that fights post workout pain-Papaya and Pineapple
Both of these tropical fruits are loaded with bromelain and papain, enzymes that not only help break down proteins for digestion but also have anti-inflammatory properties to speed up your post-workout recovery Another very good workout food is chocolate milk. When you drink it in moderation, it can help hydrate you after a sweat session. But be careful, it is definitely possible to consume too much of a good thing.

4. Food that fights skin irritation-Flaxseeds
These little seeds are loaded in omega-3 fatty acid, which erase spots and erase fine lines. The British Journal of Nutrition reported that participants in one study who consumed 1/2 teaspoon of omega-3's daily for 6 weeks experienced significantly less irritation and redness, along with better hydrated skin. Beyond flax, salmon is king. Use both on salads like I do.

5. Foods that fight sunburn-Dark Chocolate (now we are talking)
Flavonols, the anti-oxidant in Dark Chocolate, reduce roughness in the skin and provide sun protection. In a recent study, women who drank cocoa fortified with a bars worth of flavonols had better skin texture and stronger resistance to UV rays than those that drank significantly fewer flavonols. This particular food is good for your entire body.

These are just a few of many foods that are good for you. They are easy to integrate into your everyday diet and will have short as well as long term positive effect on your health and well being. If you need help in integrating them into your daily diet or weight loss program please let me know. We are always here to help.

Gene C.