If you usually deal with niggling aches and pains by popping a pill or reaching for the medicine cabinet, you’re not alone.
According to research by the British Medical Association, Brits take an average of 373 painkillers a year.
With common over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol, aspirin and ibuprofen being easily accessible, it’s estimated that one in 20 adults take at least six painkillers during an illness.
This means we’re a nation of pill poppers when it comes to dealing with aches and pains.
Although certain painkillers, like aspirin, can have other health benefits other than alleviating pain, as they have been proven to help heart attack victims prevent their chances of further heart problems – increasing numbers of people are becoming addicted to painkillers each year.
According to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), over 30,000 people are addicted to codeine-based drugs. Codeine is one of the strongest painkillers available and is commonly found in over-the-counter drugs such as Nurofen Plus and Solpadeine.
Medication containing codeine can cause addiction after just three days of use.
So, to avoid reaching for a painkiller next time you experience mild to moderate pain, why not eat a pain-fighting food instead?
When pain strikes, certain foods are equipped with pain-soothing properties, like anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidants and natural pain relievers, which help you battle the pain the natural way.
Take a look at our round-up of the best foods for pain relief lurking in your fridge...
