What does nutrition have to do with pain?
Many chiropractic physicians utilize nutritional therapies with their patients to assist them with a variety of complaints from weight loss to low-energy to digestive symptoms. What most patients don’t realize is that nutrition can either increase their pain and slow down the healing process of common musculoskeletal complaints or speed up the healing process and help you recover faster!
The body follows the “Garbage in, Garbage out” model. If you eat a typical american diet full of refined sugar, white bread, dairy and fatty meats, the body produces more inflammation or “pain chemicals” that make it more difficult to heal and feel better. If you instead have a diet based on nuts, fruits, veggies and lean meat (i.e. Mediterranean Diet), you will have less “pain chemicals” and will rebound faster from your injury whether it’s in your shoulder, back or knees.
In addition, several supplements have been shown to be effective in decreasing pain while your body is healing. One of the best researched supplements is Omega 3 Fatty Acids, or Fish Oils. When you take 3-5 grams of quality fish oils per day, it decreases inflammation and your “pain chemicals.” Another good supplement is Vitamin D3, which should be taken at 1,000 IU per day. It has been linked to immune system function, healing and lowering inflammation levels.
If you have any questions and would like to see how nutrition or supplements can help you decrease your pain naturally, please just let me know. I would be glad to assist!