Managing Chronic Pain With An Anti-Inflammatory Diet
Let's face it - we all love junk food of some kind. Whether it's a few pieces of chocolate at night or a greasy cheeseburger for lunch, every one of us splurges on unhealthy foods sometimes. However, if you're living with chronic pain, changing your eating habits can have a tremendously positive effect.
You know what most people say - "anything in moderation." And sure, this can be true for people who are younger and do not experience pain such as rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, or gout. However, it's been scientifically proven by researchers that there are certain foods that increase and even promote chronic pain, especially in older people. These foods include pretty much what you'd expect: sugary, processed, and fried foods, all of which can have a serious effect on your gut health.
Since your gut has a great influence on how the rest of your body functions, keeping it happy by eating healthier foods can make you feel worlds better. As physical therapists, we often tell this to our patients that we treat for chronic pain. Though we do everything we can to reduce your pain, tackling the issue from a more holistic approach to factor in your diet can make your physical therapy visits even more beneficial.Which foods are helpful for reducing inflammation that contributes to chronic pain?
Always remember that not all fats and bacteria are bad. You need certain healthy fats in your diet, as well as the "good bacteria" that promotes gut health and improves digestion. Plus, eating "by the rainbow" is a good way to incorporate the brightly colored fruits, vegetables, and meats into your diet that you need.
Using other cooking methods, like switching to healthier oils and utilizing garlic, turmeric, and ginger to flavor up a dish, can also help, and it will make changing you diet even easier and more fun.
Start including some of these foods into your daily routine:
- dark green, leafy vegetables
- fresh fruits
- cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, brussels sprouts, cauliflower
- fatty fish like salmon
- avocados, olive oil, other healthy fats
- whole grains, legumes
- Greek yogurt or other high-protein, low-sugar yogurts
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