Chronic pain is one of the most common health issues in the Western world. We’re talking about back pain, neck pain, arthritis, fibromyalgia, migraine, headaches- and the list goes on.

Most doctors have no other options than prescribing pain killers. As your body adopts, though, the pain killers need to be stronger and the side effects become more severe.

But did you know there are several common types of foods that have an amazing ability to eliminate all types of pain?

You probably have most of these foods in your kitchen already or can find them in your local supermarket.

In today’s article, we will look at what needs to be in your ‘first aid from the kitchen’ plan, and give you some items for your next grocery store trip.

Pain comes from all sorts of input: a strenuous workout, arthritis conditions, chronic disease, depression, and the list goes on.

But the method to beating back the pain doesn’t always have to come from a bottle of pills. Sometimes it’s as easy as knowing what to eat. If you are suffering from pain and want natural alternatives to fix it, see the list below for the right kids of foods that heal:

[adrotate group=”5″]Ginger- This amazing and zingy root has been used for centuries as a pain-relieving agent. It soothes everything from stomach ache to joint pain. It is used extensively in teas, soups, and other Asian cuisine as a critical element for healing. Its antioxidant properties make it ideal to crush inflammation that ravages joints.

Grate it and add to breads, broth, tea, and smoothies. Keep it fresh by grating or blending a whole ginger root, divide into ice cube trays with a little water, and freeze.

Bananas- This fruit has also been on the pain relief list for many, many years because of its ability to eliminate leg pain. It was once thought that the potassium levels were responsible for eliminating leg cramps and muscle pain; indeed potassium is critical for this. However, there are foods much higher in potassium than bananas that aren’t as effective. Keep this on the list of ‘everyday’ foods if you have pain issues.

Cherries- the chemicals in these little beauties do wonders for muscle pain. In just 2 cups of black cherries, there is enough of the chemical that eliminates C-reactive protein (a key inflammation cause) as popping 2 Advil. As well, cherries have lactic acid-eliminating properties that help to keep the burn out of muscles that occurs the day after a workout.

Cilantro- the oil of this pungent herb has long been touted by many cultures as having a cleansing effect. It binds to toxins, cleansing them from the body. It is extremely high in antioxidants, which are critical for fighting painful inflammation, and it has been used for many centuries as a sleep aid. It’s relaxing properties help with stress-related pain.

Peppermint- This is another wonder-herb since it is not only very easy to grow (even in a window pot in a small apartment or in the middle of a garden), but it also has amazing healing properties for stomach ailments. It is much better to chew the leaves when you have too much to eat or have a stomach ache than to chronically pop chalky chewables from the drugstore. It also won’t interfere with the body’s ability to kill harmful gastrointestinal bacteria like H. Pylori, as antacids will often do.

Almonds- The riboflavin in these perfect nuts is frequently the most effective way to eliminate muscle and joint pain. Also, they are very effective in easing the pain of menstrual cramps without having to resort to medications that will make a person drowsy.

Beans- Magnesium in beans helps balance a natural tendency for what otherwise would be a deficiency. Magnesium is critical in muscle health, but also in nerve health. Increasing consumption of beans might mean you’ll be a little gassier, but you’ll also be much less likely to suffer headache or migraine pain as a result as well. Also, the fiber in beans has been shown to aid in digestion so much that people have been able to drop their GERD medications altogether.

Coffee- It may seem like a surprising addition to a list of healthy foods, but the caffeine in coffee has been shown to not only reduce, but in some cases completely eliminate neck and headache pain. It works by constricting blood vessels that contribute to the pounding that is characteristic of headaches.

Water- We left this one for the last because it is the most critical. It is a fact that most people are dehydrated. Not to the extent that is found when lost in the desert; rather, just to the point where the body’s systems simply don’t function as well as they could. This lack of optimum function might seem unnoticeable for some, but for others it kicks over the dominoes that lead to a variety of chronic pain issues.

When we don’t have enough water, any number of things can happen: Thirsty muscles will not heal as quickly after exercise. Oxygen delivery is compromised in the blood. Toxins that cause inflammation and wreak havoc on the liver and kidneys (our critical filters) can’t be purged. Chemicals needed in balancing hormone activity don’t get to where they need to go.

All these things spell pain in one form or another. And don’t forget the impact of foods and beverages that dehydrate us further- processed foods and sugary soft drinks, alcohol and fried foods…all these things serve to increase pain and dehydrate us further.

Of all the items on the list, getting adequate water should be the most important. Without it, all the benefits of the foods listed above are diminished to some extent due to the body’s inability to deliver and process the nutrients.

All types of pain can be healed naturally. But the right method depends on what kind of pain you’re suffering. Here are more details:

Arthritis
Neck Pain
Migraine/Headaches
Fibromyalgia
Acid Reflux

What are your thoughts? Any go-to foods you recommend? Please leave your comments below.