Easing chronic pain can be a challenge. The American Chronic Pain Association recognizes several causes of pain and advises using more than one approach to alleviate the problem, including food choices. Treatments for chronic pain include prescription and non-prescription medications, natural remedies, exercise, and diet.

Here are some foods that may help.

The Arthritis Association recommends certain anti-inflammatory foods to help ease inflammation naturally and reduce the occurrence of joint pain.

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Cruciferous veggies — This family of vegetables includes broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, kale, and radishes. They contain sulforaphane, which can reduce the joint damage that can lead to chronic pain. The American Nutrition Association also calls these cancer fighters.

Fatty Fish — The Arthritis Association also recommends trying fatty fish like tuna, salmon, or trout, to help reduce pain caused by inflammation.

Citrus fruits — According to the Korean Journal of Pain, several studies have shown the benefits of Vitamin C as a pain fighter. The citrus fruits including, oranges, lemons, and grapefruit, are particularly high in this beneficial vitamin. Cherries are also very high in Vitamin C.

Coffee and Tea — The antioxidant properties in black coffee can do more than reduce the risk of cancer. Readers Digest reports it can also help alleviate headache pain. Green tea can also reduce inflammation.

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Spices — Certain spices like garlic, sage, and ginger have also been shown to have medicinal properties that can alleviate chronic pain problems. Readers Digest suggest ginger can help with stomach aches.

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