8 Natural Benefits of Cinnamon with Honey for Better Health

 

Click HERE to Discover these 80 Keto-Friendly and Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes

Two of the most delicious superfoods on the planet — honey and cinnamon — may also be some of the most medicinal. Find out how this power duo can help you amp up your health.

Cinnamon has been used medicinally by Chinese and Ayurvedic practitioners for over 2,000 years to promote optimal health.

Honey is equally as popular, with a rich history that goes far back as ancient Rome, Egypt and Greece as an antibacterial agent. The healing power of honey was known as early as 300 BC by Aristotle and Aristoxenus as a salve for the eyes and wounds.

Mixing honey and cinnamon boosts their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

There are many folk stories that say these powerful foods are medicine that can heal everything from everything from diabetes to acne, and now scientific research is proving that there’s truth in the ancient folklore.

Here are the most common ways honey and cinnamon can be used to treat various conditions.

Honey and Cinnamon Health Benefits

Cinnamon is most popular as an anti-inflammatory and in treating digestive imbalances, menstrual pain and joint pain thanks to its high content of cinnamaldehyde – the anti-inflammatory compound that gives it taste and smell.

Honey, also known as an anti-inflammatory, is also full of these nutrients:

• Amino acids
• Vitamin C
• Riboflavin
• Niacin
• Vitamin B6
• Folate
• Calcium
• Iron
• Magnesium
• Phosphorus
• Potassium
• Zinc

Honey is an also powerful antimicrobial, wound-healer and antioxidant. When combined, cinnamon and honey make a powerful duo that boast a wide range of health benefits.

8 Amazing Benefits of Cinnamon & Honey

Alone, cinnamon and honey make very potent medicinal foods that control inflammation, fight free radicals and benefit the immune system.

Looking specifically, here are some of the benefits experienced by people who mix honey and cinnamon:

Reduces Arthritis

Arthritis is essential inflammation of the joints, which causes pains in the muscles around the joint area. Due to it’s anti-inflammatory benefits, research shows that old bee’s honey can be effectively used to treat rheumatoid arthritis.

Weight Loss

Regularly consumed first thing in the morning, a mixture of warm water, honey and cinnamon can help improve blood glucose levels and reduce body fat.

One study in particular finds that if you replace sucrose with raw honey it can help prevent weight gain, while promoting the secretion of leptin and gerdin – appetite suppressing hormones that keep us from overeating.

Fights Bacterial Skin Infection

Raw honey in combination with cinnamon essential oil is an incredible remedy for treating bacterial skin infections and acne. This is due to the antibacterial properties in both of these medicinal substances.

Manuka honey, hailing from New Zealand, is particularly great for skin infections as it contains a significantly higher antibacterial power compared to most other honey.

Strengthens Immunity

Both cinnamon and raw honey are wonderful immune modulating medicines. Many scientific studies have found that the some 200 plus nutritional properties to raw honey strengthens the white blood cells, which help fight off harmful pathogens.

Raw honey also up-regulates the detoxification system, which helps keep toxicity low and the immune system from going into overdrive as in the case of autoimmunity.

Clears Sinuses

The antibacterial activity of cinnamon and honey is great for clearing away pathogens that can lead to sinusitis. Sinusitis is caused by bacterial biofilms, which are a sticky, filmy coating that protects bacteria clusters.

Manuka honey and cinnamon are actually more effective than antibiotics in killing off this bacterial biofilm and relieving sinusitis.

Treats Hair Loss

A mixture of warmed olive oil, one tablespoon of raw honey and a teaspoon of cinnamon can help halt hair loss. Studies suggest that the use of honey on the scalp can effectively treat seborrheic dermatitis.

Boosts Energy

Traditional Chinese Medicine used cinnamon to promote a flow of vital energy for many centuries. Cinnamon can regulate insulin levels, resulting in improved brain activity and locomotion. Again, Ceylon cinnamon is the best quality honey for achieving this result.

In combination with honey, which is pure glucose readily absorbed by the liver, you get a low-glycemic energy boost that fuels our body easily.

Longevity

Regularly consumption of a cinnamon and honey tea can lead to a life of longevity. This tonic builds up immunity and safeguards the body from harmful viruses and disease such as diabetes.

How to Take Cinnamon & Honey?

There are many ways to consume cinnamon and honey together, but the best way is to simply mix 1 tablespoon each per cup of hot water and consume at least twice daily. You can also use a Manuka honey irrigation for sinus problems or apply as a facial mask. The options are endless!

Watch this video – 10 Health Benefits of Honey with Cinnamon

Written by Nick Kowalski

Author Bio:

Nick Kowalski is a Transformational Coach, fitness model and unconditional lover. You can find more of his writing on his blog NicksFit. His mission is to inspire the transformation toward love consciousness. Follow him on Instagram for more living in love inspiration and transformational mindset motivation!

A lot of people have gotten results from the Keto diet, and enjoyed the foods that it has to offer. However, many of the people who are following this diet have a hard time finding the recipes that they need, especially ones that are quick and easy to complete.

Fortunately, Kelsey Ale, noticed this problem, and decided to do something about it. She’s found that making recipes in a slow cooker gives you meals which are not only delicious, but also take very little time to make. Mostly you just put a few simple ingredients in the slow cooker, and let it do the rest.

To find out more, click on – Keto Slow Cooker Cookbook

6 Reasons You Keep Getting Sick & How to Boost Immunity

 

Click HERE to Discover these 80 Keto-Friendly and Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes

Are you one of those people who seem to get sick more often than others? Read on to find out how to boost your immunity to stop catching those pesky colds!

It’s that time of year… cold and flu season. Runny noses, coughs and germs start to spread like wildfire through offices, day-cares, and gyms as we all move indoors during the colder, drier and darker days of winter.

Nothing derails your productivity at work or in the gym faster than a nasty cold. Fight back this year and find out how you can stop bacteria and viruses in their tracks.

Here are six reasons you get sick and how you can fix them.

1. You Don’t Follow a Seasonal Diet

If you follow the patterns of nature and try to eat foods that are fresh and in-season, it’s remarkable how you correct for deficiencies without even knowing it.

For example, vitamin A is a common deficiency in the general population, and when levels are low, it impairs the “first line of defense” of your immune system (i.e., neutrophils, macrophages, natural killer cells, etc.) 

Vitamin A is found in abundance in orange vegetables that are typically harvested in fall. Eating squash, pumpkins, etc. helps rebuild mucosal immunity, keeping the immune army in your sinuses and gut wall strong and impermeable throughout the winter.

The Fix: Follow an ancestral approach and eat seasonally. Pumpkins, squash, sweet potatoes, and carrots are all fall classics rich in immune-boosting vitamin A. They make a great roasted veggie option for lunch or dinner, or you can puree them into soups to warm up and stay cold- and flu-free.

2. You’re Over-Caffeinated!

As the days get shorter, you should be getting more rest and recovery.

Unfortunately, the end of the year is typically the busiest time for people at work and at home, as we gear up for the holiday season. The accumulation of stressors, a busy work and family schedule, lack of sleep, and eating on the run is the perfect recipe for fatigue, and the first thing most people reach for is an extra cup of coffee (or two) throughout the day.

You’re already burning the candle at both ends, and by adding more stimulants to the mix, you tax your nervous system even further. This leaves you more likely to get sick with colds or the flu. Feel the sniffles coming? Give your body a break and lay off the coffee for 1-2 days a week.

The Fix: If you are run down, take your foot off the accelerator and reduce your coffee intake by 50%. If you only drink one cup per day, take 1-2 days off per week to give your nervous system a break and your immune system a chance to recharge.

As a general rule, always drink your last cup before noon so you don’t get sick.

3. Your Belly Is Fighting a Losing Battle

Did you know that over 70% of your immune system is in your gut? That’s right, all the “good” bacteria in your gut play a key role in preventing foreign invaders from penetrating your immune defenses. 

However, there are a lot of things in today’s environment that can sway the balance of “good” to “bad” gut flora and lead to dysbiosis or the accumulation of too much bad gut bacteria. A hectic schedule, stress, alcohol, caffeine, sugar, processed foods and the environment can all derail a healthy gut, causing you to get sick.

The Fix: Add more Paleo-friendly fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha tea, tamari sauce, and yogurt to get your daily dose of “good” bacteria.

If you’re feeling run down, add a probiotic supplement daily to prevent bacteria from adhering to mucous membranes and penetrating your immune defenses.

If for some reason you have to take antibiotics, be sure to include a probiotic supplement twice daily (away from your medication) to help maintain healthy gut flora.

4. Your Vitamin D Levels Are Too Low

Vitamin D status is a crucial factor for maintaining health and fighting off colds from November until March. Vitamin D upregulates key antimicrobial proteins which keep foreign bacteria and viruses at bay.

Unfortunately, even though ancestral foods like eggs, pork, fish, and mushrooms have some vitamin D, it’s not typically enough to maintain your blood levels above 30ng/ml, the recommended level for the general population. If you live north of the 49th parallel in a country with a true winter season, then maintaining your ideal levels of vitamin D in the coldest and darkest months is particularly difficult from food alone.

If you’re athletic, your vitamin D level becomes even more important. Due to their intense training, athletes have a greater need for vitamin D. Intense exercise drives down vitamin D levels, and new research is uncovering how deficiency can lead to reduced muscular power production, V02 max (a measure of peak aerobic fitness), inflammation and recovery. 

Based on the research, you should maintain your levels above 40ng/ml throughout the year if athletic performance is your goal.

The Fix: Add a vitamin D supplement (2,000-4,000 IU daily) to maintain your levels throughout the winter months. If you’re supplementing at the top end of this range, get your levels tested every 8-12 weeks. Also, be sure to include vitamin D-rich foods and Paleo staples like eggs, pork (e.g. bacon), fish, and mushrooms to fight off the seasonal decline of vitamin D.

5. You Don’t Wash Your Hands Enough

We tell our children to wash their hands before they eat, but how many times do you wash yours before you sit down to have your lunch or post-workout snack? We all think we do it, but slacking off in the winter is a sure-fire way to catch that nasty cold going around the office, day-care or gym.

How important is hand washing? The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued repeated suggestions to “avoid shaking hands” for business people throughout the winter to avoid the rapid spread of germs.

The Fix: Like your mom always said, “Wash your hands before you eat!” It’s that simple. (Note – soap and water are just as effective as antimicrobial hand sanitizers.)

6. You Don’t Get to Bed Early Enough

A new study on modern day hunter-gatherer tribes across the globe – the San of southern Africa, the Tsimane in Bolivia and the Hadza in Tanzania – found they sleep an average of 6-7 hours per night, less than the 7.5-8.5 hours of sleep experts generally consider the “sweet spot” for optimal rest and rejuvenation. So, does this mean you don’t really need more sleep?

Not exactly. The answer changes depending on the season. The researchers found that in the shorter, darker days of winter, the tribes went to bed about one hour earlier than during the summer months.

While they did stay up a few hours after sunset, they weren’t exactly “night owls;” their average bedtime was 9:15pm in winter and 10:45pm in summer. The hunter-gatherer tribes were found to wake up at the same time throughout the year. Have trouble sleeping?

Here’s a tip: Leave all electronics — cell-phones, laptops, iPads, etc. — outside of the bedroom to avoid getting distracted and to help you fall asleep faster. 

For many of us, the winter months leading up to the holiday season are often the busiest months at home and at work. This means later bedtimes and less total sleep. Most people struggle to get bed before midnight (laptops, cell phones and TVs don’t help) and typically don’t get to bed earlier in the colder, darker winter months.

The Fix: Switch off and get to bed earlier in the colder, darker, winter months to prevent illnesses and feel more energized.

Research shows that sleeping less than 5 hours at night equals a 5-fold increased risk of catching a cold or flu, so make sure that, even during busy periods, you aren’t running on empty so you don’t get sick.

Don’t let a few nasty bugs slow you down. Stay ahead of the game! The best way to fight off colds and flu is to not get sick in the first place. These six tips are tried and tested “fixes” to increase your resiliency and keep your immune system strong this fall and winter.

Watch this video – How to NOT Get Sick | Proven Health Hacks | Doctor Mike

Written by Dr. Marc Bubbs

Author Bio:

Dr. Marc Bubbs, ND is a Naturopathic Doctor, Strength Coach, Author, Speaker, and Blogger practicing in Toronto, Canada. He believes that diet, exercise, and lifestyle factors have the most profound impact on your overall health and performance. Marc is the author of The Paleo Project – A 21st Guide to Looking Leaner, Getting Stronger, & Living Longer and currently serves as the Sports Nutrition Lead for Canadian Men’s Olympic Basketball Team.

A lot of people have gotten results from the Keto diet, and enjoyed the foods that it has to offer. However, many of the people who are following this diet have a hard time finding the recipes that they need, especially ones that are quick and easy to complete.

Fortunately, Kelsey Ale, noticed this problem, and decided to do something about it. She’s found that making recipes in a slow cooker gives you meals which are not only delicious, but also take very little time to make. Mostly you just put a few simple ingredients in the slow cooker, and let it do the rest.

To find out more, click on – Keto Slow Cooker Cookbook

How to Use Antiviral Herbs to Naturally Fight Infection?

 

Click HERE to Discover these 80 Keto-Friendly and Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes

There’s no need to explain the dread and exhaustion that comes with fighting a virus.

Whether it be the common cold or the flu – the nausea, congestion, and other symptoms, can almost be too much to bear.

These symptoms usually result in fleeing to your doctor, in search of a pill, to make it all go away as fast as possible. And while there is definitely a time and place for prescription medications, have you paused for a moment to consider a prescription from nature?

Why Use Herbs to Fight Viruses?

Unlike prescription medicines, whose list of potential side effects are often longer than their list of benefits, antiviral herbs often have little to no side effects. These herbs can be traced back to as early as Ancient Egypt and China, where they were also used as natural remedies.

Many, like licorice root, are also so effective that they are being considered for use as broad-spectrum, non-prescription antivirals.

By sticking with these antiviral herbs, you can stop viruses in their tracks, boost your immune system, and avoid the chemical toxins found in prescription drugs.

Top 10 Antiviral Herbs

1. Oregano

It turns out that this fragrant herb offers far more than a zesty flavor. Oregano, and specifically oregano oil that has been extracted from the plant, contains significant antiviral properties. Studies show its active component, carvacrol, can inactivate viruses like human norovirus (sometimes referred to as the “vomit bug”) within one hour of contact.

Oregano has the power to “inactivate” the human norovirus within an hour of contact.

In addition, Mexican oregano oil has been shown to be effective against viruses like acyclovir-resistant herpes simplex virus type 1 and human respiratory syncytial virus .

Keep in mind, that while it’s great to cook with oregano, you might need to go the oil route to get the most antiviral benefits.

2. Echinacea

Echinacea is one of the most popular antiviral herbs on the market when it comes to fighting viruses and bacteria, and for good reason. Not only does it have the ability to boost your immune system by stimulating the production of cells to help fight infections, but it also contains phytochemicals that fight and help reduce infections once they occur.

3. Garlic

From ancient India to the medieval streets of Europe, garlic has a long history of use when it comes to infections. Some of these uses included using garlic as a treatment for leprosy, parasitic infections, and as an antibiotic for infectious diseases.

Today, garlic’s reputation as a potent antimicrobial is well-known. Studies have shown that it has the ability to combat the flu virus, the common head cold virus, HIV, and pneumonia, to name a few.

4. Elderberry

If you’re suffering from the flu, elderberry should be your go-to for relief. Studies have shown that people infected with influenza virus A and B experience 91 percent improvement after taking elderberry for seven days, while also reducing their fevers and increasing their feelings of improvement.

If you’ve got the flu, reach for some elderberry. It’ll boost your immune system while eradicating the virus.

Elderberry is commonly taken alongside echinacea to boost your immune system, while at the same time eradicating the flu virus.

5. Astragalus Root

Astragalus root is more well-known as an adaptogen herb whose role is to help improve your body’s reaction to stress. However, research has shown this root also contains powerful antiviral properties.

One study revealed that astragalus root is effective at inhibiting the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), while another showed that it inhibits RNA replication in some virus strains.

In simple terms, astragalus root could be your best friend whenever you’re looking to stop a virus from multiplying and getting worse.

6. Olive Leaf

Olive leaf, which indeed hails from the olive tree, is another fantastic antiviral. It’s main compound, oleuropein, has been shown to inhibit the spreading of viruses by not allowing them to attach to healthy cells.

In addition, studies have shown that exposing certain viruses to oleuropein in their early stages reduced their infection potential by 10 to 30 percent.

Other studies have even shown that olive leaf can inhibit certain antiviral effects on HIV by inhibiting replication.

7. Ginger

Not only is ginger an excellent remedy for the nausea and stomach upset you might feel when fighting a virus, but it also wages war against the virus itself. It does this by blocking the attachment of viruses to areas that are commonly infected first, like your airways.

Keep in mind that many of the studies showing ginger’s effectiveness use fresh ginger rather than dried.

8. Licorice Root

Licorice root has been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine for its antiviral effects. Modern studies have caught up, and now conclude that compounds in the root called triterpenoids are extremely effective when it comes to viral immunity.

It has been shown to have antiviral effects against viruses like the herpes virus, SARS, HIV, and influenza, and is being recognized as a potential broad-spectrum antiviral.

9. Cat’s Claw

Cat’s claw, hailing from a woody vine in the Amazon rainforest, is another herb with spectacular antiviral properties. Specifically, cat’s claw works to supercharge your immune system, while simultaneously repairing damaged DNA and boosting your virus-fighting white blood cells.

10. Calendula

Calendula, also called pot marigold, is mainly used throughout the Western world as an ornamental plant. However, calendula’s flowers have been shown to fight viruses like rhinovirus and vesicular stomatitis by reducing their multiplication.

Calendula, aka pot marigold, is more than just a pretty flower. It can heal infections, ulcers and ear infections!

Calendula is also recognized as a cleansing herb that helps treat chronic infections and reduces inflammation, as well as helping heal ulcers and eradicate ear infections.

How to Use Antiviral Herbs

Teas

Try steeping any of these antiviral herbs into a tea. Add 1 tablespoon of your favorite herb to 1 cup of hot water, and let it steep for 10 to 15 minutes. To naturally sweeten your tea and boost its nourishing properties, add a bit of honey (we like to use 100% raw honey by Beekeeper’s Naturals).

Alternatively, you can purchase pre-packaged teas such as ginger, licorice, or elderberry.

Oils

Combine 1 to 2 drops of antiviral essential oils with a carrier oil (like coconut oil or jojoba oil), and rub them onto your chest or feet, or add 2 to 3 drops to a warm bath.

Diffusers and Steams

Another way to use antiviral herbs, in their essential oil form, is to add around 7 drops to an essential oil diffuser, if you have one.

Alternatively, you can make an antiviral steam treatment by adding an oil to just-boiled water and inhaling the steam. This method is great for head colds and upper respiratory viruses.

Supplements

If you’re short on time, purchasing these antiviral herbs in supplement form might be your next best option. Many of these can be found in your local heath food shop in standalone capsules, or in combination as part of an antiviral blend.

Recipes

Try upping the amount of garlic and oregano in your recipes when you’re suffering from a virus. Roast garlic in the oven with chicken and veggies, add sautéed garlic and oregano to eggs for a Mediterranean twist, or add chopped garlic and oregano to spaghetti squash “pasta.” Or make a batch of these easy, slow-cooker garlic and oregano mushrooms!

Dosages

While it may be tempting to down as many antiviral herbs as you can to get rid of your virus, keep in mind that while most have little to no negative side effects to date, that doesn’t mean that you should take an unreasonable amount. Use them, but avoid going overboard. And as always, consult with your doctor first, especially if you are pregnant or taking other medications.

Watch this video – 5 Herbs to Boost Your Immune System and Kill Viruses Naturally

Written by Megan Patiry

Author Bio:

Megan is an inquisitive nutrition and wellness writer harboring an editorial love affair with the decadent and the nutritious. She is a dedicated researcher in all areas of ancestral health, a certified specialist in fitness nutrition, personal trainer, and professional almond milk latte addict.

A lot of people have gotten results from the Keto diet, and enjoyed the foods that it has to offer. However, many of the people who are following this diet have a hard time finding the recipes that they need, especially ones that are quick and easy to complete.

Fortunately, Kelsey Ale, noticed this problem, and decided to do something about it. She’s found that making recipes in a slow cooker gives you meals which are not only delicious, but also take very little time to make. Mostly you just put a few simple ingredients in the slow cooker, and let it do the rest.

To find out more, click on – Keto Slow Cooker Cookbook

Natural Pain Relief – 9 Foods That Work Better Than Aspirin

 

Click HERE to Discover these 80 Keto-Friendly and Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes

There are 100 million Americans living with chronic pain. Chronic pain can happen as the result of autoimmune disease, side effects of an injury, or many other reasons that aren’t as easily identified.

The downside to addressing pain with prescriptions or OTC pain relievers is that they don’t address the cause, and they often come with a hefty serving of side effects, some of which can be long lasting.

Nature has its own pain medicine in the form of food and in cases of chronic pain, turning to diet and lifestyle to help mediate symptoms can be effective, reduce inflammation, and create long-lasting relief.

9 Foods That Work Better Than Aspirin

These nine foods have been researched and proven to help correct the mechanisms within the body that can contribute to long-term and chronic pain problems. Eating them regularly can help lead to lasting relief.

1. Cherries

Well known for their anti-inflammatory health benefits, cherries are rich in antioxidants and anthocyanins, which give the cherries their deep color and can help to reduce pain-causing mechanisms in the body, not to mention the ability to reduce cancer-causing activities in cells and oxidative damage to the cardiovascular system.

While NSAIDs are often taken for pain and inflammation, tart cherries are similarly effective at producing the same effect with both acute and chronic pain, and they don’t come with any OTC side effects, like stomach bleeding risks or ulcers.

For the best pain relief results, cherries should be eaten daily, with two servings being the best amount to provide noticeable relief and reduced inflammatory markers.

Even those who experience chronic pain from intense physical exercise, such as marathon running, can benefit from drinking tart cherry juice for a week before a big event, during, and then after.

2. Garlic

The sulfur compounds in garlic make it a potent health food, beneficial not only for pain relief (like arthritis), but also for immunity, digestion, and reducing the risk of certain kinds of cancer.

While garlic in its raw form may be unappetizing, garlic can be eaten in many ways. To work it into a diet regularly, add roasted garlic to meat and vegetable dishes.

Peeling and chopping raw garlic might not seem like a fun task, but you can get an equal amount of flavor and benefit from it if you peel and quarter.

Eating roasted garlic pieces when they’re soft and roasted can be as tasty as any other roasted vegetable, and can produce some potent anti-inflammatory responses within the body. Try to work garlic in daily for maximum effects.

3. Healthy Fats

We all know that healthy fats such as olive oil and omega-3 fatty acids (e.g., in salmon) are good for us. Specifically, they can cut inflammation in the body that can lead to chronic pain conditions or other diseases and disorders.

Regular intake of omega-3s can result in equivalent pain-relieving effects when compared with NSAIDs like ibuprofen.

Regular intake of omega-3s can result in equivalent pain-relieving effects when compared with NSAIDs like ibuprofen – without any potentially damaging side effects. Even severe chronic conditions, like rheumatoid arthritis, respond to the pain relieving effects of omega-3 fatty acids.

Beyond that, a proper balance of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids can lead to better overall health, reduced risk of blood pressure problems, and an overall decreased cancer risk.

4. Leafy Greens

Eating greens is often synonymous with health, but their benefits extend well beyond weight loss, detox, and reduced cancer risk. A high daily intake of both vegetables and fruits can lead to the prevention of pain-associated diseases and disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis.

A high daily intake of both vegetables and fruits can lead to the prevention of pain-associated diseases and disorders.

While there are mixed answers on how many servings of leafy greens one should eat each day for preventive effects, an overall eight to ten servings of vegetables and fruits daily is recommended for the best results. Of those, perhaps two to three servings of vegetables should be leafy greens.

Leafy greens are rich in quercetin, a type of flavonoid that is responsible for broad anti-inflammatory benefits, as well as vitamin C, vitamin K, and essential minerals like magnesium.

5. Turmeric

Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, can help to reduce the inflammation associated with chronic disorders, like rheumatoid arthritis. It can also help to reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain after surgery.

Turmeric can be consumed in a variety of forms, including as a spice added to foods or drinks and encapsulated for those who are not tolerant of the signature spicy taste. Two to three teaspoons of turmeric daily can help to provide therapeutic levels of relief and preventive benefits with little side effects.

Note: Turmeric absorbs best when taken in combination with black pepper (approximately 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper for every 1 teaspoon of turmeric).

The only caution is that individuals also taking blood thinners should check with their doctors before adding turmeric to their diet.

6. Ginger

Ginger is in the same family of anti-inflammatory spices as turmeric. While they share similar benefits, ginger is well known for its ability to relieve nausea associated with pregnancy and cancer treatments. It can also relieve pain in the same category as NSAIDs, making it another effective alternative to over-the-counter medications that have unpleasant side effects.

Ginger is well known for its ability to relieve nausea associated with pregnancy and cancer treatments.

Ginger is also effective at relieving long-term pain associated with chronic inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.

Ginger can be eaten raw or pickled, grated or brewed into tea, added as a spice to dishes, or encapsulated.

Ginger tea or capsules seem to be the most efficient way to regularly consume it. You can drink up to four cups of tea daily, and capsules should follow daily recommendations or what practitioners suggest.

Similar to turmeric, those on blood thinners should consult their doctors before adding daily ginger to their diet.

7. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a popular natural remedy for helping to control blood sugar, but it can also keep inflammation levels low in the body and improve digestion. Spices have long been used for medicinal purposes, but in a modern day where pharmaceutical options abound, it is rarer to use food as medicine.

Still, cinnamon and other spices can have broad anti-inflammatory benefits and in many cases, can be equally as effective to (or more) than NSAIDs, whether over-the-counter or prescription.

For cinnamon to be used in the diet to reduce pain, it should be in powdered form, and should be the Ceylon variety, not cassia. Cassia is the most common form and is less expensive, but toxicity can be of concern when cassia is consumed in large quantities.

Ceylon cinnamon presents no toxicity risks and has more potent health benefits.  Ceylon cinnamon is the preferred supplemental form, and for best results, one should take approximately 1-2 teaspoons per day.

8. Bone Broth

Whether the pain that someone experiences is activity related, leftover from an old injury, or due to a chronic inflammatory condition, bone broth in the diet can help to reduce chronic pain and flares.

This is due to the presence of collagen in bone broth, which can help to alleviate joint problems and repair pain that originates from the digestive tract.

Inflammatory disorders specifically respond well to the natural collagen-containing gelatin that is found in true bone broth.

Bone broth and meat stock are different, since bone broth extracts nutrients from the bones, such as gelatin, minerals, and amino acids, whereas stock only contains nutrients from the meat. While both can be healthy, stock contains no pain-relieving properties.

Bone broth can safely be consumed daily in large quantities. Since it is a whole food that contains protein, some healthy fat, and plenty of naturally occurring nutrients, it can be used in cooking dishes like soups or stews or can be taken on its own as a beverage or a snack.

9. Cruciferous Vegetables

Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage have several health benefits. They naturally support detox organs like the liver and kidneys, and they contain plenty of natural fiber, folate, and vitamin C.

But they can also help to regulate inflammatory bacteria within the digestive tract, especially H. pylori, which is implicated in ulcers and other chronic digestive conditions.

Since the body obtains all of its nutrients via digestion, an inflamed digestive system will contribute to inflammation throughout the rest of the body. Eating cruciferous vegetables daily can help to promote the healthy elimination of toxins as well as the proper regulation of the digestive system.

3 Pain-Relieving Lifestyle Factors

While diet can go a long way in addressing chronic pain, fighting it naturally with a one-two punch of diet and lifestyle can help to bring faster relief and longer lasting results.

1. Yoga

Well-known for its stress-relieving benefits, yoga can also help to relieve tissue stress that can lead to pain. It is effective for chronic problems like rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia, and also from pain associated with pregnancy, athletic injuries, and thyroid problems.

Yoga can effectively reduce inflammatory markers within the body, proving that its calming effects go well beyond mindfulness and anxiety relief.

To gain benefits of yoga, you can successfully achieve poses and health benefits from the comfort of your own home or take a class. If practicing at home, all you need is a yoga mat (or a soft surface like a carpet) and an online program or a sequence of poses you can follow.

2. Acupuncture

Acupuncture can provide pain relief that clinically compares to other methods. When patients get regular treatments, it can improve mobility and reduce pain, as well as relieving other issues often associated with chronic pain, such as depression, anxiety, and insomnia.

Acupuncture can even provide relief in chronic pain disorders like rheumatoid arthritis. When paired with a pain-relieving diet, acupuncture can have long-lasting results and can dramatically improve quality of life.

3. Massage

Similar to both yoga and acupuncture, regular massage treatments by a qualified expert can help to alleviate chronic pain, particularly the type brought on by arthritis, fibromyalgia, and other inflammatory pain conditions. Massage can even reduce pain associated with cancer treatments.

When finding a massage therapist, ensure that they have proper certification and are familiar with massage for pain relief. An unqualified massage therapist could worsen muscular or joint pain.

Watch this video – Top 10 Natural Pain Killers

Written by Aimee McNew

Author Bio:

Aimee McNew is a Certified Nutritionist who specializes in women’s health, thyroid problems, infertility, and digestive wellness. She ate her way back to health using a Paleo diet, lost 80 pounds, and had a healthy baby after numerous miscarriages. She focuses on simple nutrition practices that promote long-lasting results.

A lot of people have gotten results from the Keto diet, and enjoyed the foods that it has to offer. However, many of the people who are following this diet have a hard time finding the recipes that they need, especially ones that are quick and easy to complete.

Fortunately, Kelsey Ale, noticed this problem, and decided to do something about it. She’s found that making recipes in a slow cooker gives you meals which are not only delicious, but also take very little time to make. Mostly you just put a few simple ingredients in the slow cooker, and let it do the rest.

To find out more, click on – Keto Slow Cooker Cookbook