Instead of popping a pill the next time you suffer from pain, opt for some of these healthier options easily available in your kitchen cabinets.

Whether it’s residual aches from an exceptionally tough workout, the beginnings of a pesky cold, or waking up on the wrong side of the bed, some research suggests supplementing those pain pills with certain foods could be just as helpful.

Believe it or not, those healthy fruits, veggies, and whole grains we try to pack in our diets may do more than just feed our bodies well—many of them are considered to have anti-inflammatory properties. Sometimes inflammation is a good thing, we’ll give you that—it protects our body when we’ve been injured—but it can also be painful. (Think asthma and arthritis, inflamed sore throats, and cuts or scrapes.) While some have linked certain foods (including chocolate, eggs, wheat, meat, and corn) to causing inflammation, there’s also evidence that a few select delectable’s could help prevent it, too .

Here are are my top 10 healing foods that may actually help you to reduce pain:

Cherries: According to research, these tiny, sweet fruits help in muscle repair. Have cherry juice or a bowl of this fruit post your work out.

Ginger: According to Ayurveda, adding fresh or dried ginger to your diet helps prevent and cure muscular and joint pains. According to research, it also helps curb swelling and stiffness.

Oats: Loaded with magnesium, oats have been seen to play a role in easing menstrual cramps and bring relief from endometriosis. Also containing zinc, they are recommended for women who suffer from painful periods.

Garlic: This pungent spice has been known to be a painkiller since centuries. Apply it on a skin rash or heat it with a tablespoon of olive oil and apply on the aching joints.

Grapes: A cup of grapes, eaten daily, can help relieve your backache. These fruits contain nutrients that increase blood circulation to the lower back, reducing the pain.

Cloves: This condiment helps fight toothache, and as a result, features in toothpastes. Dab a little clove oil on a cotton swab and put it on the aching tooth.

Salmon: Not only is salmon tasty and a healthy protein, but it’s full of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to reduce arthritic pain (especially in the neck and back) . In one study, the relief experienced from consuming omega-3s in the form of a fish oil supplement was comparable to the relief experienced from taking ibuprofen. Chow down on some of those omega-3s with this baked salmon with avocado yogurt sauce tonight.

Extra-virgin olive oil : Studies have shown that olive oil, particularly extra-virgin olive oil, is rich in a chemical called oleocanthal, a naturally occurring anti-inflammatory substance with very similar properties to the drug ibuprofen.
Dosage: Add a tablespoon to your daily diet.

Turmeric: Turmeric may be your best bet for treating joint pain. It contains Curcumin [a chemical in the spice] and other anti-inflammatory ingredients to help myriad aches, pains and upsets.
Dosage: Add a teaspoon to a curry or a glass of warm water.

Cinnamon: Cinnamon has been shown to have strong antioxidant properties, and helps to prevent glycoxidation – damage to cells caused by high levels of blood glucose.”
Dosage: Half to one teaspoon per day. Sprinkle it on yoghurt or add to warm water.

Let’s try adding these foods in our daily meal plans.
Let’s make the right choices.