This is a topic that I think is necessary for all doctors to be considering with their patients. Regardless if you're a family doctor, dentist, specialist or chiropractor. Obesity is a growing problem in our society today. With overall obesity rates in the US alone hovering around 30%, it's clear that our diets could be way better.
Now from a clinical aspect, I see patients who are in varying degrees of discomfort and distress. In the majority of cases I have the opportunity to not only help a patient deal with pain but I also have the chance to educate people on their overall health. This is a fundamental role of a doctor. He or she must be invested in the well being of their patients and if they can impart good advice on healthy diet or lifestyle habits, they should be doing it.
So the topic today is, "... can eating the right foods actually help to reduce pain?". I believe that, yes! it can definitely make a difference. Now everybody has heard the age old adage, "...you are what you eat." Now if that's true, than it stands to reason that eating the wrong things can have a detrimental effect on your overall health. As more and more research is done on chronic health issues that plague humans, a lot of scientists are realizing that inflammation is a major concern.
“Fats in foods can have the greatest effects on the inflammatory process,” says Charles Friedman, DO, pain management specialist of Pain Relief Centers in Pinellas Park.
So what's the solution? Well a good place to start is with the big "O". No not Oprah, but with Omega fats. By now lots of people have at least heard of Omega fatty acids, but you may not realize where to get them and that there are different kinds.
Omega-3 fatty acids are great to help reduce inflammation and calm stress. Fish, flax seeds and walnuts are common sources of Omega-3's. Omega-6 fatty acids are also essential however too much of it is actually harmful to your health. Omega-6 can be found in packaged convenience foods, meats such as pork, beef and chicken as well as in egg yolk. In western diets it is very easy to overload on Omega-6 and not get enough Omega-3's. In fact is you have brittle nails or suffer from fatigue, it may be an indication you need more Omega-3 fatty acids in your diet!
Another nutrient to consider is Omega-9 fats. This can be found in foods such as; olive oil, pecans, almonds, sesame oil and macadamia nuts. Omega-9 fats are known to help reduce inflammation ,which in turn can help patients suffering from pain.
Finally, remember when your mom told you to, "....eat your vegetables!". Well, she may have been on to something. Vegetables are known to carry anti-oxidants and these factors can actually help to stop the inflammation process from even starting! Now there's something to chew on. So the next time you're in pain, consider all the natural ways that you could be helping to reduce your discomfort. If you're going to eat anyways, isn't it better to eat smart?
If you like this article, leave a comment and if you're in the Commercial Drive neighborhood of East Vancouver, come visit the clinic. You can also visit my website at; COMMERCIAL DRIVE - EAST VANCOUVER CHIROPRACTOR; DR. DOMINIC CHAN DC!!!
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