Yummy Rx for aches and pains

Some advice never gets old
Eat your fruits and veggies—it’s as simple as that. “The antioxidants found in vegetables and fruits prevent the initiation of the inflammatory response,” says Friedman. A small apple or half a banana fulfills one of the five to eight recommended servings of fruit a day. Tossing some veggies into your planned meals, like pasta, rice or scrambled eggs, can do the trick as well. Pre-bagging carrots or celery for lunch as a side item can be a simple solution to the serving-size snafus.

Although there is no set diet declared for any one person in her individual level of chronic or acute pain, Friedman suggests talking to your doctor, setting realistic goals and creating a balanced diet with good nutrition, exercise and plenty of R&R. “It’s never a good idea to stress out about grams of this or ounces of that—simply eliminate some of the bad, have a good moderation and enjoy your healthy lifestyle in tranquility,” advises Friedman.

Next: Grocery list for pain relief →