Really? Can Eating That Really Can Cause Pain?

 

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!

 

 Do you want to know more? Download the #BePainFree eBook, it is FREE!

Just Click Here.

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.