The food you eat has a significant impact on your energy level and waistline. What’s more difficult to remember is that your dietary choices have an impact on joint pain as well. Change your Diet, and it will change your life too!
At our physical therapy facility, we believe in taking a holistic approach to treating acute and chronic pain. You’re not merely a diagnosis or a set of symptoms to your physical therapist. You could benefit from a variety of treatments and lifestyle adjustments, including dietary changes, to help you get long-term relief. Make an appointment with our clinic today!
Have you ever wondered how your food choices could be influencing your acute or chronic pain condition? Here are three ways diet plays a role in your pain relief (or lack thereof):
Our physical therapy staff encourages our patients to consult with dietitians or other professionals for more customized and advanced nutritional support. But we’re also happy to provide some basic guidelines that can optimize the well-earned results you get from working with a physical therapist.
The first tip: eat real food! Think minimally processed, nutrient-dense, diverse, and delicious:
The idea is to eat foods that you enjoy so that eating a better diet becomes easy and sustainable. Our physical therapy team advises patients to avoid following the current fads and trends. Simply begin with the fundamentals—plants, protein, and healthy fats—and work your way up from there.
Another suggestion? Learn how to prepare meals! Cooking at home can help you save money while also allowing you to have more control over what goes into your food. If pain makes cooking difficult, a physical therapist can teach you crucial skills such as activity pacing and house adjustments to help you succeed in the kitchen.
In addition to food, don’t forget water! You need great hydration every day to help your tissues stay healthy and flush out harmful toxins and waste products from your system. Staying well-hydrated boosts circulation enhances joint lubrication, eases muscle cramps, supports spinal disc health, alleviates headaches, and more.
Some people find that taking supplements like fish oil or chondroitin and glucosamine relieves their pain and improves their overall health. There is inconclusive evidence on various supplements, and not all supplements are made equal. So, before you start taking any new supplements, talk to your primary care physician!
Finally, what should you stay away from? Certain meals and food ingredients, according to the Arthritis Foundation, can cause inflammation in the body, which can increase or prolong chronic pain. Among these foods are:
Certain “treats,” such as sweets or alcoholic beverages, can be enjoyed in moderation. Simply keep track of how much and how often you consume them. Before a “treat,” have a nutritious protein-rich snack and drink plenty of water to help you control your quantities.
Looking for more holistic ways to improve your health and relieve pain? To arrange an appointment with an expert physical therapist who can help your body and mind thrive using a customized variety of drug-free, non-invasive, and whole-person treatments, call our physical therapy office now.
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