Lifestyle changes
Some of our
patients find that losing weight and increasing exercise decrease pain
dramatically. Studies show that for patients with arthritis, walking for just 30
minutes per day can dramatically improve pain, in some cases more so than pain
killers. Other patients find that their pain decreases significantly with
changing their diet in an effort to reduce inflammation.
Reducing
inflammation may help in the prevention and even treatment of many conditions
including some chronic conditions usually managed with pharmaceutical
interventions!
A
natural approach to reducing inflammation requires looking at the types of fats
in the diet, consuming a diet that focuses on whole foods and plant based
materials and looking at the possibility of food sensitivities or allergies.
The skinny on dietary fats:
Some studies show that increasing the intake of omega 3
fatty acids in the diet either from food sources or supplementation has a
significant anti inflammatory effect, while reducing the intake of omega 6
fatty acids (found in fats from other animal sources,) has also been found to
be beneficial. Patients in these studies have seen improvements in conditions
ranging from heart disease to rheumatoid arthritis and including other chronic
inflammatory conditions.
Eat your greens!
Eating your vegetables is just good sense! Unprocessed whole
foods from plants are great sources of steady energy, essential vitamins
and minerals, the "good types" of fats and of course fiber. Foods
from plants also contain antioxidants and certain compounds called
phytochemicals, which have been shown to reduce inflammation.
Food sensitivity and food allergies:
Many patients have food allergies and an even larger number
of patients may be sensitive to many commonly consumed foods. Some patients may
not be aware that they have these sensitivities and may not make the connection
between their symptoms and foods that may be to blame. Inflammation and chronic
medical problems may be a long term effect. A simple modified food elimination
diet or even a blood test may help to pinpoint the culprits.
Though
inflammation is critical to the healing of an acute injury, when inflammation
becomes chronic it may lead to serious conditions such as heart
disease, diabetes, chronic gastrointestinal conditions, degenerative brain
diseases, cancer and some chronic arthritic conditions.
About 80% of
the patients coming into our chiropractic offices do so because they are
experiencing some type of musculoskeletal problem - most often PAIN! For every
one of these patients, in addition to treating with mobilization, modalities,
exercise therapy and other physical medicine methods, we always ask the patient
questions about their diet.
Often
patients come in expecting a quick adjustment and are a little surprised to
find that diet and pain could be even remotely related! The truth is that some
mainstays of the Standard American Diet promote inflammation.
Some
substances such as green tea, resveratrol, vitamins C and E, curcumin as well
as certain compounds found in some fruits and vegetables have been shown in
some studies to act on the same pathway as NSAIDS and COX-2 inhibitors!
Most patients will benefit from reducing pro-inflammatory substances from their diets. In particular, patients with an inflammatory condition such as a musculoskeletal injury should consider how what they are eating may be affecting their recovery!
The free ebook is called:
#BePainFree - The Five Causes Of Back Pain And The Seven Keys To Lasting Relief
Regards in health,
Dr. Davia H. Shepherd
Saporito Chiropractic
*Disclaimer: Please remember that it's impossible for me to diagnose you and treat you just by you reading one of my articles. I'm superwoman it's true, but even that is beyond my capabilities. So before you engage in any health and wellness activities, do consult your health care provider. Please know that we are happy to address your personal concerns, just call us in office to schedule your personal consultation; and thanks ever so much for reading. We appreciate you.
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