Musculoskeletal Pain and Inflammation Positively Impacted by Food Changes
Living with chronic musculoskeletal pain is challenging, affecting daily life. While chiropractic treatments positively help, the power of nutrition can significantly influence your pain levels. Newer studies show that dietary changes can substantially affect musculoskeletal pain's severity and frequency. Let's explore how nutrition is vital for pain relief.
THE CONNECTION BETWEEN DIET AND PAIN
It's more and more clear that inflammation has an important role in musculoskeletal pain, which encompasses conditions like arthritis, back pain, and neck pain. Certain foods impact inflammation, thereby impacting pain levels.
Anti-Inflammatory Foods – Incorporating anti-inflammatory foods can lessen pain and improve overall health:
- Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and have been shown to lower inflammation.
- Fruits and vegetables - Berries, leafy greens, and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and brussel sprouts have antioxidants and phytonutrients to combat inflammation.
- Nuts and Seeds - Almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseeds offer fundamental nutrients that support joint health.
- Olive Oil: Contains oleocanthal, a compound with anti-inflammatory properties similar to ibuprofen.
Foods to Avoid – Some foods can irritate inflammation, so those with chronic pain should limit:
- Processed foods are packed with trans fats, sugars, and artificial additives, these foods can promote inflammation.
- Refined carbohydrates like white bread and sugary drinks can boot blood sugar levels and lead to increased inflammation.
- Red and processed meats contain high levels of saturated fats, contributing to inflammation.
INSIGHTS FROM RECENT STUDIES
Study 1: Dietary Practices and Rheumatic Diseases - A study led by Renard D. et al., and published in Joint Bone Spine (1), investigated patients with rheumatic diseases, showing that advocates of anti-inflammatory diets attained significant pain relief and better quality of life.
Study 2: Nutrition's Role in Chronic Pain Management - Research by Cuomo A. and Parascandolo I., published in J Pain Res (2), showed that a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods is an effective supplement to traditional pain management approaches.
PRACTICAL STEPS FOR DIETARY CHANGES
- Start small by increasing your consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains little by little while reducing processed foods and sugars.
- Talk with Hollstrom & Associates Inc to get advice personalized for you.
- Stay consistent and committed to your new habits as dietary changes need time for lasting benefits.
CONTACT Hollstrom & Associates Inc
As part of an overall Largo chiropractic treatment plan, dietary adjustments offer a promising way to manage musculoskeletal pain. By including anti-inflammatory foods and staying away from those that irritate inflammation, significant steps can be taken toward a pain-free daily living. Consulting with your Largo chiropractor about such nutritional dietary changes to your lifestyle, paving the way for better health.
By making informed dietary choices along with chiropractic care, chronic pain sufferers can enhance their current treatment plans quite nicely. Remember, Largo chiropractic care and diet changes can be your helper in achieving overall well-being.
Listen to this PODCAST with Dr. James Cox on The Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as he presents research on how spinal manipulation like with The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management might have an impact on the immune system and even potentially inflammation.
Schedule your Largo chiropractic appointment soon to see us!
