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Can Eating More Protein Foods Reduce Pain?
Debra Murray
Consider the fact that the human body needs protein to build muscle and repair cells. Bodybuilders and weightlifters have long known that to build super-sized muscles and above-average strength they need to consume much more protein than athletes who required less cell-rebuilding such as distance runners who rely more on complex carbohydrates and starches in their diets.
One of the ways to relieve pain from injury and to reduce inflammation and provide relief for joint pain is to nourish the body with what it needs. Consuming a diet for arthritis may be a matter of avoiding foods that are inflammatory to joints and organs such as high fructose corn syrup and other sugars known to contribute to the build-up of plaque in arteries. Increasing HDL cholesterol levels by consuming more fish (and drinking a little wine every day) increases good cholesterol levels and decreases bad cholesterol levels which contribute to artery plaque build-up.
Nature has a balance in that quality foods such as beans, which contain proteins and carbohydrates in just the right amounts, make them an ideal food for athletes and non-athletes. But if you crave nuts, your body may be in an iron imbalance and the iron in nuts and legumes may be just the answer. Your body’s aches and pains may also be a sign of a protein deficiency, and nuts, high in proteins can help satisfy the body’s needs for these vital nutrients.
It makes sense, then, that if a body is to recover from stress, such as a physical effort that athletes routinely put their bodies through, or mental stress, such as a home worker juggling housework, children, and other responsibilities, the body may need additional nutrients in the form of better proteins and in higher quantities than the learned or patterned diet up to this point, actually has.
It may be time to rethink the meal plans and shop smarter for better quality foods and plan more nutritious meals. Add these to your diet and see if you don’t feel better in days and weeks.
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts, such as peanuts, cashews, almonds, and walnuts, all contain protein, as well as seeds such as sunflower and sesame. Besides protein, nuts are also an excellent source of zinc, iron, fiber, vitamin E, antioxidants, and Omega-3s.
Almonds, walnuts, cashews, and many other nuts are high in oleic acid, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, protein, and other healthy phytochemicals. Because some nuts are high in fat, be sure to eat them in moderation.
Beans
Legumes are the world’s most commonly consumed source of protein, and likely one of the best foods for pain. There are over thirteen thousand varieties of beans grown in the world! Because they are inexpensive and easy to grow in so many climates, beans have been central to diets around the world for centuries. Beans are an excellent source of fiber and protein, making them one of nature’s most perfect foods.
Some of the most common types of beans are: kidney beans, lentils, black beans, chickpeas, and split peas. Many delicious meals can be made up of primarily beans and lentils.
Tofu and Other Soy Products
Soybeans are another bean, but because soy is such a chameleon, it deserves its own category. Besides tasting good by itself, soy, in the form of tofu, can take on a host of other flavors, and can be used in both savory and sweet dishes. Soybeans are the richest source of plant-based proteins on the market, as well as being an excellent source of fiber, iron, and B vitamins.
Red Meats vs. Fish and Poultry
The best flesh-protein choices include poultry, fish and seafood because fish and seafood is high in Omega 3 fatty acids.
Red meat is an excellent source of protein, but because it is high in fat can also lead to inflammation, so a diet low in red meat is best. Choose lean cuts of bison, venison or other game meats, or very low-fat cuts of beef. Keep the portion size small and trim off excess fat.
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