Tag Archive for diet

Eating for Pain Relief – Part 2

May 14, 2012 Clear Passage Physical Therapy 2 comments

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Last month, we talked about the foods said to be associated with pain relief. Now, we’re going to look at the opposite side of the spectrum – foods you should avoid if you have frequent or chronic pain.

If you suffer from chronic pain, stay away from foods belonging to the class nightshades, says Susan Cohen, author of the national column Dear Pharmacist. Plants that are part of the Solanaceae family, nightshades are “known to ignite pain in the muscles, joints and nerves.” Common nightshades include:

  • eggplant
  • white potatoes (potato starches are found in many medications)
  • tomatoes
  • peppers
  • Tabasco sauce
  • goji berries
  • Cape gooseberries
  • ground cherries
  • garden huckleberries

These foods may be tasty but, according to Susan, they are responsible for “lighting the body’s pain fuse: muscle spasm, aches, joint pain, tenderness, hip pain, inflammation and stiff movement.”

So, try to avoid these foods and find substitutes (e.g. sweet potatoes instead of white potatoes) – your body will thank you!

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Food for Fertility

April 16, 2012 Clear Passage Physical Therapy 3 comments

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Some good news for the foodies out there! Studies have shown that certain foods may help improve fertility, with data suggesting that eating certain foods “…can work on its own or help turbocharge assisted reproduction technologies.”

So, try incorporating the following fertility-friendly foods into your shopping list the next time you head to the grocery store. (Added bonus: your significant other’s diet will likely benefit from many of these foods as well!)

• iron-rich foods: beans, dark leafy greens, seeds, blackstrap molasses

• folic acid-rich foods: beans, dark green vegetables, whole grains, citrus

• low-glycemic load carbohydrates: whole grains, most fruits and vegetables, beans, seeds, nuts

• protein from plant sources: quinoa, beans (eaten with whole grains) such as lentils, soybeans/tofu, garbanzo beans, as well as nuts, and seeds

• full-fat dairy: whole milk and yogurt, cheese, ice cream

• mono-unsaturated fats: olive oil, nuts, avocado, seeds

Learn about the causes of infertility and treatment.

*Consult your physician prior to making any diet changes.

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Eat Grapes for Pain Relief?

April 2, 2012 Clear Passage Physical Therapy 4 comments
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Diet changes has been show to decrease pain.

Pain comes in all forms. From back pain to joint pain, all sufferers are looking for some sort of relief. Many often turn to pain medications, however new research has found that what you eat can help with pain equally if not more than drugs. “A number of foods have powerful anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties that may be as effective as some prescription medicines,” says Beth Reardon, M.S., R.D., a nutritionist at Duke Integrative Medicine at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina.

All of these pain-fighting foods can be found at your local grocery store, and they are simple to incorporate in your diet. Take a look at some of foods in the list below. Like what you see? Download the complete grocery list below.

grocery

Grab some Grapes

The chemical resveratrol, naturally found in the skins of grapes (particularly red grapes), in mulberries, nuts and wine may have an analgesic effect similar to aspirin, according to a handful of animal studies. In the lab, it has been shown to stop certain cells in the body from responding to the signals of inflammation, suggesting that it could ultimately help fight pain.

Seek out Soy

An Oklahoma State University study found that consuming 40 grams of soy protein daily for three months slashed patients’ use of pain medication in half. The relief lies in soy’s isoflavones, a plant hormones with anti-inflammatory properties/.

Spice it Up with Turmeric and Ginger

Turmeric is a spice that gives curry and other Indian foods their unique yellow color. It also seems to have anti-inflammatory effects and has been studied as a possible way to ease the chronic pain of rheumatoid arthritis. Ginger has been found to contain compounds that fight inflammation, which often causes pain. Daily doses of raw or heat-treated ginger effectively relieve muscle aches and discomfort — and that includes even severe pain following strenuous exercise.

Go Fishin’

In a study at the University of Pittsburgh of 250 patients experiencing neck and back pain, 60% experienced an improvement in their overall pain after three months of consuming omega-3, found in oily fish. This result aligns with other studies that show that fish oil has an anti-inflammatory effect. Fish is not the only source of omega-3 it can also be found in flaxseed/linseed oil and in other nuts and seeds but the long chain omega-3 found in fish are said to be the most potent.

Get your Daily Dose of Caffeine

In a recently published study, researchers found that even low doses of caffeine (about 100 milligrams, equivalent to one cup of joe) can help reduce the perception of pain during a painful and exhausting task.

*Please consult your physician/dietitian for dietary needs specific for your condition. 

Sources:

  1. Everyday Health
  2. Real Age.com
  3. NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov
  4. AARP.com
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3 Ways to Treat Yourself this Holiday

December 23, 2011 Clear Passage Physical Therapy No comments

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“A wise man should consider that health is the greatest of human blessings”

-Hippocrates

The holidays are a time for giving to others, but it is important to remember to treat yourself. It is easy to neglect your health during this hectic time and some may consider it selfish to spend the time and effort focusing on your mind, body and spirit. However,  being at a healthy state not only benefits yourself, but those you are surrounded by during this joyful time. Taking care of your physical health can positively affect your mental and emotional health. Incorporating these healthy habits into each day this holiday season will help you stay healthy, active and happy.

1. Maintain a Clean, Healthy Diet. Remember: Food is A Natural Healer

Maintaining a balanced nutrition is important for your body. The main causes of adhesion formation are trauma, surgery, infection and inflammation.If you are prone to inflammation, you may want to add these anti-inflammatory foods to your diet.

Fats and Oils. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in cold-water oily fish, flax seeds, canola oil and pumpkin seeds.

Fruits and Vegetables. Whole fruits, berries and vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants and phytohemicals. Choose green and brightly colored vegetables, and whole fruits.

Protein. Possible anti-inflammatory protein sources include lean poultry, fish and seafood

Fluids. Drink tap, sparkling or bottled water, 100% fruit juice, herbal tea, low-sodium vegetable juice and low- or non-fat milk.

2.  Stay Active

Find a Friend. There is power in numbers. Having a friend or loved one to join you during physical activities makes it less of a chore and more a social opportunity.

Try something fun. The word exercise is often met with sighs and groaning, but being active doesn’t have to be a chore. Choose an activity that you enjoy doing. Take a bike ride, go for a swim, or learn to play tennis. Find an activity that you enjoy. You’re much more likely to stick with it if you are enjoying yourself in the process.

Add some variety. If you are not one who enjoys routine, you may want to mix up your activity schedule.

3. Prioritize Your Happiness

Remember that in order to bring joy to others, you yourself must be happy. Make it a priority everyday to do one thing you truly enjoy doing, whether it finding time to attend a yoga class or reading a couple chapters from your favorite book.

You may also be interested in reading FertilityAuthority.com’s article “New Year’s Resolution: Improve Mind/Body/Spirit for Fertility in 2012″ Click here http://bit.ly/v4OQ8F.

Share some of your ways you will  treat yourself this holiday on our Facebook or Twitter  page!

Want to find out how Clear Passage Physical Therapy can help you treat yourself?

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Smart Choices Now Contribute to Your Future Health

January 22, 2009 Clear Passage Physical Therapy No comments

The 12th right of Dr. Carolyn Demarco’s A Woman’s Bill of Rights, states, “I have a responsibility to look after my diet, reduce, stress, exercise, and relax on a regular basis.”

Why is this included in Demarco’s bill of rights? Because diet, stress, exercise, and relaxation are fundamental to good health and only you have the power to control these aspects of your life. A doctor can surgically repair any wound, but s/he cannot make you exercise every day or remove items from your dinner plate that are unhealthy. A doctor can only tell you what you should do; you are responsible for putting his or her advice into action.

All doctors acknowledge that diet, stress, exercise, and relaxation are four fundamental keys for good health. Regardless of whether you are in perfect physical condition or currently struggling with an illness, integrating these four keys into your life will have a huge impact on your health. Some of the many benefits include:

  • Preventing future illness: A person who puts the four keys into action is more likely to fight-off illness. Numerous studies have shown that a diet high in fruits and vegetables not only fights current illnesses, but wards off future illnesses. A person who experiences high levels of stress is more likely to succumb to illness – so try to bring that stress down.
  • Reducing inflammation: Inflammation can cause chronic pain and many other ailments. To learn about how the four keys can help reduce inflammation, please read our article, “Anti-inflammatories, and Reducing Inflammation Naturally.”
  • Improving Mental Acuity: When your body is supplied with the right foods, exercised regularly, and allowed to relax without stress, you will find that your mind functions at a higher level. Many people find they can think faster, clearer, and harder.
  • Healing Faster: If you have recently had an illness or injury, the four keys can help you heal faster. Exercise alone will help you heal eight times faster.
  • Improving Stress, Diet, Exercise, and Relaxation: As you incorporate each key into your life, you will find that other keys are simultaneously improved. For example, if you eat a healthy diet, your body will be able to exercise better and burn energy faster. Conversely, when you exercise more, your body will crave healthier food and be able to relax more. Exercise is also a great way to burn-off stress. When you are not as stressed, emotional eating decreases.

By incorporating these four keys into your life, you will create a strong, healthy body that forms the basis for your future health. Start today by incorporating one of the keys into your life and then gradually work to incorporate the others.

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