What's the first thing you do when there's a toothache, backache, or any kind of pain in the body? You instantly reach out for some pain-killing medicine. Right? While we agree there are various over-the-counter painkiller options in the market, experts state that they all come with some amount of side effects. What if we tell you can avoid the fuss altogether? How, you ask? Health expert and nutritionist Nmami Agarwal recommends that natural remedies can be a great alternative to pills. "Before you reach for the medicine cabinet, consider these natural powerhouses that can help fight pain and inflammation," she explains.
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What Is The Natural Pain Relief System? How Does Food Help With Pain?
There's no dearth of goodness in an Indian pantry. Our spice racks are a treasure trove of ingredients that benefit us in multiple ways, beyond cooking. They are loaded with antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds, and more than heal us from within, including reducing body pains.
According to a study in the journal Surgical Neurology International, the human body's natural response to injury results in inflammation-induced pain and swelling. That is where anti-inflammatory medicines come into play, reducing the inflammation in the body. However, they can have undesirable side effects such as "gastric ulceration and, infrequently, myocardial infarction and stroke," reads the study. Hence, the researchers looked into the natural anti-inflammatory compounds that may possess similar effectiveness in treating the inflammatory reaction. The findings further state that positive effects have been seen "in both chronic and sub-acute pain syndromes encountered in a typical neurosurgical practice".
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Here're 3 Nutritionist-Approved Natural Pain Relief Ingredients That You Should Try:
Ingredient 1. Ginger (Adrak):
Nutritionist Nmami Agarwal refers to ginger as "nature's anti-inflammatory warrior". Packed with powerful compounds, ginger is known to reduce inflammation which may be the main culprit behind muscle cramps.
Dosage: "Steep some fresh ginger for a soothing cup of tea, or add it to your meals for a delicious pain-fighting punch," the expert suggests.
Ingredient 2. Raw Turmeric (Haldi):
Referring to it as "more than just a spice", Nmami Agarwal states that the curcumin in it is packed with antibiotic and antiseptic properties. These factors help tackle your pain by targeting multiple pathways, unlike painkillers, which she adds, often focus on just one pathway.
Dosage: "Pair your turmeric with black pepper or healthy fats like olive oil," recommends the expert.
Ingredient 3. Fennel (Saunf):
Popularly termed "the bloating buster", fennel seeds are known to have carminative properties, which help expel gas and ease bloating, acidity, and other such gut irritations that lead to inflammation and pain.
Dosage: "Fennel seeds are a great after-meal snack, or you can enjoy a cup of fennel tea before a meal for a preventative approach," explains the expert.
Try including these ingredients in your diet in moderation and relieve pain naturally. However, the best practice is to consult an expert and customize the dosage as per your needs. Enjoy a healthy life!