Do You Have Aches and Pains? Your Diet May Be to Blame
What was the last meal you ate? If it was something high in saturated fat and processed sugars, it may be time to listen to your body. Fortunately, physical therapy is more than just post-surgery recovery.
A physical therapist can assist you in identifying ways to improve your nutrition in order to alleviate your aches and pains.
When attempting to achieve physical goals, lifestyle changes can be extremely beneficial. But which lifestyle changes should you make? Aside from regular exercises, such as the types of targeted exercises you might receive in physical therapy, you should look into your sleep, workplace ergonomics, and nutrition.
Certain foods have been shown to reduce inflammation, while others have been shown to aggravate it. Indeed, “a lot of chronic pain is the result of chronic inflammation,” according to Harvard Health Publishing, “and the evidence is quite strong that your diet can contribute to increased systemic inflammation.”
Are you curious about how your diet can help with pain relief? For more information, please contact Clark Physical Therapy.
What should I know about pain relief and nutrition?
With so much nutrition information bombarding us from every direction, it’s no surprise that we’re confused about what to eat for optimal health.
Make no mistake: proper nutrition isn’t about following a fad to see results; it’s about providing your body with the nutrients it requires to carry you through life.
That is why so many people cycle through various nutrition programs, gaining and losing the same 20 pounds.
Fortunately, excellent nutrition advice is readily available from an unlikely source: a physical therapist.
What is the relationship between nutrition and pain relief?
Physical therapy is used for more than just recovering from surgery. A physical therapist is an expert in total body movement, including how to provide the body with what it requires to optimize movement.
The majority of pain is caused by inflammation of the body’s joints, muscles, or connective tissues. As these tissues swell, they put the surrounding nerves at risk. This information is processed by the brain as pain, resulting in typical aches and pains throughout the body.
Certain foods, according to research, help fight the inflammatory response that contributes to aches and pains.
Fish high in Omega-3 fatty acids, colorful fruits and vegetables, nuts, and seeds have all been shown to help people with joint conditions like arthritis. These foods also strengthen the immune system, which is especially important in people who have autoimmune diseases that cause pain.
How can physical therapy assist me with my dietary changes?
Due to their extensive knowledge of anatomy and physiology, a physical therapist can provide you with vital nutrition information that will help you minimize your aches and pains.
Physical function can be hampered if your nutrients are not properly balanced. For example, skipping carbs before an endurance event will cause your body to burn fat as a substitute for fuel.
Your body may even begin to burn protein, depriving your muscles of their normal strength. In comparison, if you consume an excessive amount of calcium but are deficient in Vitamin D, the calcium will not reach your bones or tissues.
One of our physical therapists at Clark Physical Therapy will gladly share their nutritional knowledge with you so that you can live a happier, healthier life.
When you first visit our (town) clinic, our team will assess your current eating habits and identify ways for you to reduce your consumption of foods that cause inflammation (sugar, processed foods, foods with additives or preservatives) and replace them with foods that fight inflammation naturally.
A healthy nutrient balance can aid in healing, function, and overall comfort. Omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamin C, for example, both help to reduce inflammation, which promotes faster healing.
Certain amino acids can also help your body produce proteins. Eating the appropriate amount of carbohydrates at the appropriate times can provide you with the energy you require to improve your physical performance.
Do you want to quit your anti-inflammatory medication? Well, by changing your diet, you may be able to. Even minor adjustments can lead to significant reductions in aches and pains.
Ready to find relief? Contact Clark Physical Therapy today!
Are you wondering if a physical therapist can help you get your nutrition back on track and combat the aches and pains that are preventing you from living your best life? Call our office today to set up an appointment.