Can what you eat reduce pain?

One of the leading causes of pain is inflammation

Inflammation is caused by an immune system response.  When we choose to eat unhealthy, fatty, or sugary foods, the immune system releases a very small amount of inflammatory molecules into your blood stream.  These quantities are so small that they can only be detected by a special test.  Your immune system is reacting to defend you and even though each choice only creates a very small amount of inflammatory molecules, they add up over time and have a negative effect on blood vessels, joints, brain health, and other critical systems.  Over time, they can contribute to cancer, strokes, or Alzheimer’s disease.

The good news: you can win the battle against inflammation

You can prevent inflammation from continuing to accumulate by changing every choice you make about your health.  Choices in nutrition, motion, mindfulness, sleep, and hydration all help to prevent this viscous cycle.  Below are things to keep in mind with respect to nutrition:

Avoid:

• Processed, high glycemic carbohydrates
• Trans-fats
• Fatty meats especially if overcooked/charred

 Eat more of:

• Low-glycemic foods
• Red, orange, or yellow fruits and vegetables
• Vitamin C in citrus fruits, berries, tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, dark green leafy vegetables
• Mono-unsaturated fats (almonds, avocado, peanut oil, olive and canola oils)
• Herbs: ginger, rosemary, turmeric, oregano, cayenne, cloves, nutmeg, feverfew, and Boswellia
• Dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa)
• Teas: white is best followed by green tea, then black tea