8 foods that fight chronic pain in type 2 diabetes

8 foods that fight chronic pain in type 2 diabetes Diabetics struggle with chronic pain. This is a known problem, as neuropathy is the number one complaint in a long-term diabetic. So anything that helps us fight chronic pain will get our attention. Here is a list of eight foods that fight chronic pain in type 2 diabetes and why they work so well. Olive oil Olive oil is the number one spice in the Mediterranean diet. This oil has been tested down to the smallest molecules and its benefits are proven. It is full of antioxidants that specifically inhibit the pain mechanism. Olive oil may be one of the biggest reasons why the Mediterranean diet is so good for diabetics. Saturated fats in the Western diet are known to fuel inflammation, so switching to olive oil will reduce your chronic diabetic pain. Whole grains Whole grains like whole wheat and quinoa are high in fiber. This fiber helps you lose weight and moderates high carbohydrates that raise blood sugar and trigger an inflammatory response. Fiber also reduces insulin production. And whole grains are full of vitamins and minerals that processed grains lack. Take magnesium for example. Whole grains have an excess of it. Magnesium reduces muscle pain, making whole grains one of the foods that fight chronic pain. Salmon Omega-3 fatty acids in salmon and some other cold-water fish help fight chronic pain. They also have vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin. Low levels of vitamin D cause chronic joint and muscle pain.

Most of us don't get enough sunlight, so any source of vitamin D will help reduce neuropathy. There is enough vitamin D in three ounces of salmon to provide half of the recommended daily allowance. This makes it a chronic pain fighter. Yoghurt The high levels of calcium and vitamin D in dairy foods build stronger bones, reducing the likelihood of skeletal problems. But dairy products are also known for their inflammatory effects. As type 2 diabetics, most of us avoid drinking milk. Lactose is a type of sugar and cheese is loaded with calories. In addition to calorie and insulin issues, dairy products can worsen chronic pain by increasing inflammation. What are you doing? One solution is yogurt. It contains enzymes that facilitate the digestion of milk. This reduces the inflammatory effects. So you can get the calcium and vitamin D you need, as well as all the other good stuff that's in yogurt. Read labels and watch for added sugars, and try a good Greek yogurt for higher protein. Turmeric and ginger Turmeric is used in Indian and Thai cuisine and has been shown to reduce arthritis inflammation. In research studies, it worked better than anti-inflammatory drugs and better than ginger. Ginger has an analgesic effect similar to aspirin. People take it as a supplement for nausea and dizziness, but it also works to reduce arthritis pain. It is therefore among the foods that fight chronic pain. Spinach Spinach and arugula are full of vitamin K, which supports strong bones and healthy joints. It also reduces pain. One cup of raw spinach contains more than 100% of the daily requirement of vitamin K. Be aware that vitamin K is also a natural blood thinner. This means you need to talk to your doctor if you are already taking a blood thinner such as warfarin or daily aspirin. Let him know if you eat vitamin K-rich spinach or arugula every day.