Stopping Chronic Pain and Inflammation via Food/Diet
Can the Foods You Eat Make a Difference in Chronic Pain?
You may be familiar with the anti-inflammatory medications, but have you heard of anti-inflammatory foods? The foods you eat really do have an affect on how you feel.
What is Inflammation?
Inflammation is defined as a localized reaction of tissue to irritation, injury, or infection. Symptoms of inflammation include pain, swelling, red coloration to the area, and sometimes loss of movement or function. We commonly think of inflammation as the
painful component of arthritis. Inflammation is also a component of chronic diseases such as heart disease and strokes.
Medical Anti-Inflammatory Treatments
Common anti-inflammatory treatments include rest, light exercise, weight maintenance, stretching, and medications designed to reduce the inflammation and control the pain. These medications include Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), steroid
medications, and perhaps ultimately joint replacement surgery. The NSAIDs are widely used as the initial form of therapy.For the most part NSAIDs are tolerated fairly well, although they can irritate the stomach and lead to ulcers. In some instances, long term use can lead to kidney problems
Choose Anti-inflammatory Foods
Adding foods that reduce inflammation will improve how you feel and help to decrease your risk for chronic diseases. Here are some suggestions.
1. Get Friendly With Fish: Eat cold water fish at least twice a week (mackerel, salmon, trout, sardines, and tuna).
2. Choose Fats Wisely: Replace trans fats with those high in omega-3s (extra-virgin olive oil, canola oil, and flaxseed or flaxseed oil).
3. Embrace Your Inner Herbivore: Load your plate with fruits and vegetables--the more colorful the better (blueberries, peppers, and spinach have the most anti-inflammatory compounds).
4. Cut Back on White Foods: Give dairy, sugar, and refined grains a smaller spot on your plate.
5. Take Supplements: If you want to take just one supplement every day, make it fish oil (also ginger and turmeric).
6. Drink Fluids: Plenty of water, fresh 100% fruit and vegetable juices, herbal teas and green tea.
I've had patients make these dietary changes and have felt a significant difference in their chronic pain levels within 2-4 weeks after making the swtich, which in return lessed the dependance on long term use of NSAID's! For more information contact the office to make an appointment.
- Dr. Andrew Erjavec
For more information about how chiropractic care can help you please call Benefit Chiropractic & Wellness Clinic in Langley at 604-534-7451.
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