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Let’s talk nutrition. Find out how proper nutrition can actually reduce aches and pains

Try to remember what you ate yesterday. Have you ever wondered if your dietary choices are affecting the achiness and stiffness that make your daily activities more difficult?

Believe it or not, the food we eat can make a tremendous impact—for better or worse—on chronic pain.

Patients who improve their diets, in conjunction with starting a rehabilitation program, often do much better with their individualized plan of care and rehabilitation outcomes. We invite you to call us at Equilibrium and schedule an appointment with a physiotherapist, chiropractor or traditional medicine practitioner, who can help you enhance your healing and improve your pain through healthier lifestyle choices.

How Does Food Affect Pain?

Research shows that your grocery cart can have as much of an impact on your pain as your medicine cabinet! Here are a few key ways that certain foods can improve (or worsen) your pain condition:

  • Certain foods increase inflammation. Chronic inflammation is a widespread dysfunctional immune system response. It’s also a major driving factor behind chronic pain conditions like arthritis (not to mention other health conditions such as diabetes, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease). Our bodies become chronically inflamed by a variety of things, including stress, environmental toxins, inactivity, and yes—certain foods and substances in our diets! Eating foods that contain pro-inflammatory substances like gluten, sugar, dairy, processed meats, and trans fats can make your pain worse and longer-lasting. Think of it this way: have you ever noticed that your joints feel more achy and stiff the day after having ice cream and pizza?
  • Certain foods reduce inflammation. Many foods have been shown to reduce inflammation and can help ease pain, stiffness, and achiness. Top anti-inflammatory foods to add into your diet include high quality fish, eggs, leafy green vegetables, fruits, and nuts, seeds, and olive oil. These real whole foods can give you the protein, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, nutrients, vitamins, and minerals your body needs for optimal tissue health, immune function, and anti-inflammation.
  • Overeating or under-eating can influence your pain. Eating the right amount of high quality and nutritious foods will give you enough energy to support regular exercise. This matters for people with chronic pain, because exercise has been shown to be one of the most effective natural pain-relievers, mood boosters, and stress busters. Having enough energy to participate in regular exercise will help you maintain strong muscles and limber joints.
  • Dehydration can worsen pain. When you work with a manual therapist, he or she will probably tell you to make sure you’re drinking enough water. Staying well-hydrated helps make everything in your body run more smoothly. It can also help you manage your pain because adequate hydration keeps your joints lubricated and your tissues pliable. Keep a water bottle handy and drink up!

Want to See How Changing Your Diet Can Change Your Pain?

Call Equilibrium today to get your holistic healing journey started!

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