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Non Drug Pain Management Ideas: Using Lean Proteins to Combat Inflammation

Protein is an essential component of the human diet; it is surely a good idea to include some protein in every meal.  Lean protein is more favorable here, not because it contains some magical remedy for inflammation, but because by doing so you can avoid saturated fats.

Saturated fats have a tendency to promote the inflammatory process--so it is definitely a good idea to minimize intake. An excerpt from Arthritis Today states the following:

"Some small studies have looked at the direct impact of specific diets and foods and arthritis. According to a 2011 review in Rheumatic Disease Clinics of North America, people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who followed a Mediterranean diet – which features lean protein like fish and poultry and is high in plant-based foods such as beans, veggies and olive oil – reported a decrease in joint tenderness and an improvement in their sense of well being. Another small study cited in the review found that in some people with RA, vegan and vegetarian diets brought symptom improvement. "
 Last but not least, here is a list of some lean proteins that will help on the anti-inflammatory quest. 

  • Lean Ground Beef
  • Eggs
  • Soy (such as Edamame)
  • Lean pork (chops, tenderloin)
  • Chicken or turkey
  • Canned tuna or salmon
  • Seafood and Shellfish
  • Sushi 
  • Legumes (such as kidney beans, navy beans, lentils)
Bon Apetit!

Sources: Arthritis Today
              Reader's Digest

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