4 Foods to Help Relieve Pain and Swelling in Your Muscles and Joints

Inflammation is the root cause of numerous diseases, such as:

– Arthritis

– High blood pressure

– Heart disease

– Asthma

– Diabetes

Inflammation is the reaction of the body to infection-causing invaders, and its most common symptoms are swelling, pain, soreness, and redness in the affected area.

Inflammation can be acute and chronic. Acute inflammation is the flare-up as a response to the inflammation, which dies down quickly. On the other hand, chronic inflammation is a serious health issue.

A diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods is a strong weapon against inflammation and its consequences. Such foods which are rich in minerals, antioxidants, vitamins, and fatty acids, will support the body in its struggle against inflammation.

These are the best foods you can eat in order to fight inflammation:

Salmon – This is the richest source of omega-3 fatty acids, which have powerful anti-inflammatory properties.

The National Institutes of Health conducted a study which involved over 500 participants and found that participants with rheumatoid arthritis who took omega-3 supplements daily soothed their joint pain and this helped them to reduce the dosage of over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs.

Celery – It is full of water and effectively fights inflammation and bacterial infections. Celery is also abundant in polysaccharides and antioxidants that treat inflammation, oxidative stress and prevent free-radical damage.

Pineapple – Pineapples are full of the enzyme called bromelain, which is a potent anti-inflammatory that is as effective as anti-inflammatory drugs but without their negative side-effects. This enzyme also prevents the formation of kinin receptors, which cause inflammation and pain.

Broccoli – Broccoli is full of potassium and magnesium, which are strong antioxidants. Moreover, it is a rich source of a compound known as sulforaphane, which blocks enzymes that lead to joint destruction and inhibits inflammation.

Furthermore, despite increasing the intake of these anti-inflammatory foods, you should also avoid or at least limit the intake of the following:

– Processed meats

– Seed and vegetable oils

– Excessive alcohol consumption

– Artificial trans fats

– Sugar and high-fructose corn syrup