Foods that fight pain

One of the easiest and safest ways to reduce pain is by changing your diet. Certain foods contain nutrients that can alleviate arthritis and other kinds of pain. And unlike conventional painkillers, these foods do not have harmful side effects. 

Grapes

Grapes are excellent for fighting arthritis and other inflammation-based pain. Grape skin contains Resveratrol, a plant-derived, nonsteroidal compound that has been shown to block cell inflammation. It works the same was as a COX-2 inhibitor, such as Vioxx. Unlike take Vioxx, snacking on grapes is completely safe.

Fish

Fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which fight inflammation and improve joint health. A study showed that women who ate two or more servings of fish a week were half as likely to get Rheumatoid arthritis as women who only ate a single serving. Omega-3 blocks the inflammation linked to autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. If you aren't eating enough fish, consider taking a fish oil supplement rich in omega-3. There are vegetarian versions available.

Olive oil

Eating a diet that includes olive oil can reduce the risk of rheumatoid arthritis. Olive oil contains unsaturated fatty acids. It is much healthier than foods containing saturated fats, such is butter. Olive oil contains oleic acid, which can decrease inflammation.

Nuts and seeds

Nuts and seeds are a good source of tryptophan, which has been shown to reduce pain sensitivity an hour after it's consumed. Sesame seeds, peanuts and hazelnuts are rich in tryptophan. 

Soy

Soy is good for helping manage chronic pain. A study analyzed the pain response of rats who were fed a soy-rich diet. The rats had a higher pain tolerance than those who were fed a milk protein diet. Soy has an added benefit of being a healthier substitute for meat and dairy products.

Video: Women Benefit from Soy

Broccoli

Broccoli contains a powerful antioxidant called glutathione. Glutathione helps other antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, protect you against diseases.

If you  have a glutathione deficiency, you are more likely to get arthritis. Antioxidants have also been shown to help prevent cancer. Other glutathione-rich foods include cabbage, asparagus and cauliflower.

Video: Broccoli

Water

Drinking several glasses of water a day can do wonders for your overall health. Many people don't           drink enough fluids. By the time you feel thirsty, your body is already dehydrated. Dehydration can lead to headaches. Drinking water before you reach the dehydration point can prevent pain.

What foods can increase pain?

Just as there are foods that reduce pain, other foods can increase pain, either directly or indirectly. For example, foods that are high in saturated fats, such as cheese, bacon and whole milk, make you gain weight. The same is true for foods that are full of sugar, trans-fats and complex carbohydrates. The extra weight puts pressure on your joints, thereby exacerbating arthritic pain. Body fat can actually increase levels of inflammation. If you're overweight, the best way to reduce pain is to lose weight.

Certain vegetables that are a good source of antioxidants and vitamins, nonetheless, can trigger pain in some people. These include foods like eggplant, potatoes and tomatoes. They are rich in a chemical alkaloid called solanine. There is some largely-anecdotal evidence that solanine can sometimes increase pain.