consciouseating


health practitioner for possible herb- drug interactions.


Turmeric Turmeric (Curcuma longa), the yellow spice commonly used in Indian curries, is well known for its anti-inflammatory properties and for suppressing pain without harmful side effects. Its main therapeutic ingredient is curcumin. Research from institutions such as the University of California, San Diego, and Cornell University indicate that curcumin appears to be a safe, natural alternative to COX-2 inhibitor drugs.


FOODS THAT FIGHT PAIN


A TASTY, COLORFUL BANQUET by Michelle Schoffro Cook


W


hile many foods taste great, they can also be powerful healers, naturally packaged


in vibrant, multicolored disguises. Plus, these foods won’t cause the nasty, common side effects that often accom- pany the use of drugs. Here are some fabulous-tasting favorites that can yield extra benefits.


Cherries Muraleedharan Nair, Ph.D., professor of natural products and chemistry at Michi- gan State University, found that tart cherry extract is 10 times more effective than aspirin at relieving inflammation. Only two tablespoons of the concen- trated juice need to be taken daily for effective results. Sweet cherries have also been found to be effective.


Other Berries


Nair later found the same anti-pain compound in other berries, specifically


44 Collier/Lee Counties


blackberries, raspberries, blueberries and strawberries.


Celery and Celery Seeds James Duke, Ph.D., author of The Green Pharmacy, found more than 20 anti-inflammatory compounds in celery and celery seeds, including a powerful flavonoid called apigenin. Add celery seeds to soups, stews or as a salt substi- tute in many recipes.


Ginger Ginger reduces levels of pain-caus- ing prostaglandin in the body and has been widely used in India to treat pain and inflammation. A study by Indian researchers found that when people who were suffering from muscular pain were given ginger, they all experienced improvement. New research from the University of Geor- gia supports these findings. If you’re taking medications, check with your


swfl .naturalawakeningsmag.com


Fatty Fish Many fatty fish like salmon, mackerel and herring contain omega-3 fatty acids that convert in the body into hormone- like substances that decrease inflamma- tion and pain. According to research reports from arthritis specialists associat- ed with the National Institutes of Health, omega-3 is an effective anti-inflamma- tory agent; ingesting fish oil acts directly on the immune system by suppressing 40 to 55 percent of the release of cy- tokines, compounds known to destroy joints. Many other studies similarly dem- onstrate that eating moderate amounts of fish or taking fish oil supplements reduces pain and inflammation, particu- larly for arthritis sufferers.


Flax Seeds and Flax Oil Freshly ground flax seeds and cold- pressed flax oil contain plentiful amounts of the omega-3 essential fatty acids. Do not cook with flax oil, how- ever, as it then can have the opposite effect of irritating the body’s tissues and causing pain.


Raw Walnuts and Walnut Oil Raw walnuts and walnut oil also contain powerful omega-3 fatty acids that fight pain and inflammation in the body.


When it comes to relieving pain, food really can be the best medicine.


Michelle Schoffro Cook is a regis- tered nutrition consulting practitioner and doctor of natural medicine. Her latest book is The Phytozyme Cure. Learn more at DrMichelleCook.com/ HealthSmartNews.


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