Eat foods that benefit your body post workout

FOOD FIX: FIGHT PAIN the NATURAL WAY! When you're feeling achy the solution may be in your refrigerator NOT your medicine cabinet! What we eat affects the levels of inflammation in our bodies. Studies have linked diets high in refined starches, sugar, saturated fats and trans fats with increased inflammation and Mediterranean style diets filled with Omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants with decreased inflammation. The following foods have been found especially powerful to manage pain associated with inflammation: 

1. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish (especially salmon) and fish oil, produce arthritic pain-reducing effects equivalent to ibuprofen.

2. Green tea, rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, appears to reduce inflammation and pain in arthritis.

3. Pomegranate and cherries are both linked with reducing muscle soreness after intense physical activity.

4. Red grapes or wine, rich in the compound resveratrol, are associated with reducing pain.

5. Olive oil contains the compound oleocanthal, which possesses anti-inflammatory properties similar to ibuprofen.

6. Coffee has been shown to reduce muscle pain during and after exercise *limit amounts!

7. Curcumin, the anti-inflammatory spice that gives curry its golden hue, relieves pain in osteoarthritis, according to research.

8. Ginger has been linked with reducing pain associated with muscle injury after exercise.