Last Updated on June 14, 2022 by Lori Geurin
Living with a chronic illness is a struggle, all the more so when the illness is not physically evident. Some people assume you’re perfectly healthy. When, in fact, seemingly mundane tasks are hard to fulfill.
People living with chronic illness (known casually as ‘spoonies’ in a term coined by lupus sufferer Christine Miserandino, who established the Spoon Theory to communicate an understanding of what her life is like) take medically prescribed treatments to help with their condition.
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The Best Superfoods for Chronic Illness
They may also seek natural remedies, such as superfoods. These superfoods such as garlic, turmeric, ginger, and salmon can provide much-welcome relief to symptoms of chronic illnesses.
Most of them contain anti-inflammatory ingredients which relieve pain and help prevent cancer, while some are beneficial for stabilizing cholesterol levels. Indeed, the consumption of salmon can even help fight against feelings of depression. Depression is a hidden illness which can often be experienced by people suffering from other chronic illnesses.
The infographic below from Burning Nights identifies seven of the best superfoods for spoonies. It deals specifically with five common hidden illnesses and highlights the best and worst foods for those concerned.
A person living with a chronic illness is likely to grasp at any remedy which can relieve feelings of pain. So, these superfoods could make their condition easier to endure.
Read below to find out more.

I want to express a big thank you to Victoria Abbott-Fleming who is the founder of the chronic pain charity, Burning Nights, for sharing this excellent information and the visual featured above. You can visit her website at Burning Nights.
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Summary – Top Superfoods for Chronic Illness
Eating superfoods such as ginger, turmeric, garlic, berries, grapes, olive oil, hot peppers, and salmon can have amazing healing benefits for people with chronic illnesses. As a result, the best superfoods for chronic illness are an excellent substitute for pharmaceutical drugs for anyone who favors natural remedies and solutions to chronic pain.
Consequently, I can tell you from personal experience these superfoods really work!
Along with other healthy choices a few months ago I started taking turmeric curcumin daily. As a result, I was able to stop taking two prescription medications I was taking daily for chronic pain from chronic Lyme disease symptoms.
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Please note, don’t ever stop taking medications without talking to your doctor first.
Do you or someone you love have a chronic illness? Have you noticed relief of symptoms from changing what you eat?
Please share your comments below. I’d love to hear from you!
If you liked this, you’ll want to check out:
- Chronic Illness: What’s A Spoonie Anyway?
- 7 Tips For Coping With Chronic Illness
- Spring Break Adventures With The Family And Tips For Traveling With Chronic Illness
- Top 10 Habits To Help You Live Longer
- 13 Curcumin And Turmeric Benefits: An Impressive Healing Spice

I need more turmeric in my life. I have such pain with my scoliosis!
Hi there, Jackie, I’m so sorry to hear you’re dealing with this pain. I recently learned I have scoliosis too and want to start learning about more about it. I would definitely encourage you to look into turmeric. Just this week I tripeled my turmeric dosage and increased my use of essential oil due to increased body pain. Gentle hugs to you and prayers for pain relief and brighter days ahead. X, Lori
Superfoods really do help, the benefits are amazing! Such a useful list, and I totally agree x
Thanks, Katie! I appreciate you sharing your input about superfoods here!
Except Salmon, everything else is part of my daily food cycle. Good to now that they have benefits.
❥ tanvii.com
This is great, Tanvi! These foods are super healthy for anyone whether you’re dealing with chronic illness of simply living a healthy life.
This is such a great reminder that I need more berries, EVOO, and garlic in my life!!
Hey, Stephanie! Oh, I’m happy to hear that! Enjoy.