EIGHT FOODS THAT FIGHT ACHES AND PAINS

You know that taking certain supplements can help to combat aches and pains caused by arthritis and other conditions, but did you know that some foods have painkilling and anti-inflammatory properties?
Here are eight foods you might want to put on your plate if you suffer from chronic pain...

Turmeric

A spice commonly used in Indian cooking, turmeric contains the chemical curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory properties and can help ease the pain of osteoarthritis and regulate the body's immune response, reducing the inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

Extra-virgin olive oil

You already know the benefits of the Mediterranean diet. As well as helping you to live longer, it seems that enjoying a diet high in olive oil could help to manage your pain.

Extra-virgin olive oil contains a natural phenolic compound called oleocanthal, which prevents the production of pro-inflammatory COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes. This reduces inflammation and eases pain, much in the same way that ibuprofen works. Extra-virgin olive oil from Tuscany is said to have the highest oleocanthal levels.

Pomegranates

Pomegranates might not be something you think to eat every day, but you might want to give them a go if you suffer with chronic pain. The seeds of the fruit contain anthocyanin antioxidants, which reduce inflammation, and ellagitannin antioxidants, which studies show are effective at treating pain. 

THE SCIENCE OF PAIN

Everything hurts,” the Renaissance legend Michelangelo once declared. Let’s be honest: we’ve all felt that way at one time or another.

Physical pain, emotional pain, aches, soreness, pricks, pangs, twinges, throbs - pain is everywhere.

In fact, a recent review published in the BMJ Open journal, part-funded by The British Pain Society, has found that a staggering number of people in the UK - nearly 28 million, or over two-fifths of the population - is living with pain lasting three months or more, with women more likely to suffer from chronic pain and prevalence increasing with age.

Pain can be disabling and debilitating, but it’s also what helps us to survive and protects us from damaging injured parts of our body.

Here’s what you need to know about the science of pain...