As part of Pain Awareness month, we’ve been looking at chronic pain and the various methods we use to help people regain full range of motion so that they can do all the things they love. This week we’re taking a look at how nutrition can support you as you recover from ongoing complaints.
There are a few supplements that can address the inflammation associated with chronic pain:
Balance Omega-6 to Omega-3 fat ratios (1.5 /1)
We have all heard the benefits of taking Omega 3 supplements or making sure to get healthy fish oil, but did you know that you should be balancing Omega 6 to Omega 3 fats. The effect of too much Omega-6 (vegetable oils) in the diet (or too low Omega-3s, fish, flax, chia) can build up inflammation in the body. Omega-3s are anti-inflammatory and improve the threshold of pain activation. There are many different types of Omega-3s out there, and we offer a few in our office. Let Dr. Keeler help you find out what you need with a muscle response testing during your next appointment!
Vitamin D
Perhaps as many as 60% of those with chronic pain have low levels of vitamin D. When you have lower levels of Vitamin D (or an insufficiency), your immune system can have an inflammatory response increasing chronic pain. Lower levels of Vitamin D have been linked to autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. Vitamin D can help reduce inflammation in the body. Along with other pain management treatments, it can help with chronic pain.
Turmeric
Turmeric has been getting some buzz lately as a natural pain reducer. Its main component is curcumin which has anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric has shown to have reduced pain and increase ease of movement. In one study, taking turmeric extract 3 times a day, was shown to have a similar pain relief as a 1,200 milligram dose of ibuprofen daily. You can get Turmeric as a supplement or powder in bulk sections of your health food store, just make sure to add in some black pepper to help you absorb the turmeric properly. Adding the powder into a smoothie in the morning is a great way to incorporate it into your diet! You can also try this recipe from Minimalistbaker.com for Golden Milk paste, so you can make ahead of time, and then make Golden Milk as needed. It is a great way to get some anti-inflammatory agents into your body!
Next week will be our final week promoting Pain Awareness Month. Be sure to join us. There’s always something new to learn that can help! We’ll be focusing on surprising methods that can help you feel your best.