Foods That Help Fight Disease, Pain and More

In addition to being delicious, foods like cherries, coconut, beans and peppermint have healing properties that can soothe achy joints, sore muscles, and even aid in heartburn. These foods can be just as effective as medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen and are extremely healthy for you without having any harmful side effects, not to mention being completely delicious. Having a diet that is high in foods that have healing capabilities can help reduce or even cure the underlining problem causing pain.

People suffering from achy joints should eat lots of cherries and turmeric. Recent studies suggest that eating about 20 tart cherries can be as effective at reducing joint pain as taking an ibuprofen. Eating about 45 cherries a day can reduce C-reactive protein by about 25 percent. C-reactive protein is a protein found in blood that responds to inflammation. Turmeric can also aid in pain reduction. The spice Turmeric contains a compound called curcmin. Like cherries, curcmin has been proven to reduce joint pain. In one study on osteoarthritis in the knee, participants experienced the same pain reduction from curcmin as they did with ibuprofen.

Ginger has been proven to aid in sore muscles. In a study on ginger's healing properties, participants experienced 25 percent less post-workout muscle strain after consuming ginger. In addition to aiding sore muscles, ginger contains an antioxidant called gingerols. Gingerols is an antioxidant that has anti-inflammatory and pain releasing capabilities.

While beans may cause gas problems, they can most certainly aid in heartburn issues. The high amount of fiber in beans moves food through the digestive system so quickly that it prevents acid reflux issues. In a study preformed by the "Gut" journal, participants with high fiber diets experienced about 20 percent less pain from gastric reflux issues.

Along with beans, peppermint and coconut can help with aiding in digestive issues. Peppermint has a multitude of healing properties. Peppermint oil contains a carminative, which works as a compound that heals gas problems and also aids in acid reflux issues. In addition to gas and acid reflux, peppermint can act as a muscle relaxer and can help with muscle cramping and spasms. Coconut also has healing properties. Pure coconut has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can be very helpful when dealing with diarrhea issues.

Eating the right foods can alleviate all kinds of issues from muscle pain to acid reflux without the need of medicines. In addition to being delicious, these foods are incredibly healthy and have healing properties without the negative side effects of chemical medications.

Neville Street is the Administrative Director for Rodriquez MD, a bilingual medical practice in Lawrenceville, GA that provides health care to infants, children, adolescents and adults. Gwinnett doctors Deborah and Veronica Rodriguez are sisters with a combined 27 years of experience. The doctors are Board Certified in Family Medicine and Internal Medicine and both Gwinnett physicians have extensive experience working in private practice.

For more information visit: http://www.lawrenceville-doctors.com

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