Diet & Pain

The foods we eat are nothing more than fuel for our body. With that in mind, if you put bad fuel into your car how does it work? Not so well. If you put bad fuel into your body how does your body work? You get the idea.

There are more ideas on what constitues a healthy diet than I care to even think about. Because of that fact many people ask "what should I eat? What should I NOT eat? What supplements should I take?

What should you eat?
All fruits, vegetables, fish, poultry, meats (grass fed beef is best), eggs, organic dairy products, nuts (almonds are best), seeds, olive and coconut oils.

What Should you NOT Eat?
Sugar, flour, white rice, baked goods, pasta, caffeine, processed and/or packaged foods, artificial colors, artificial sweeteners, preservatives, alcohol, hydrogenated oils, and fast foods.

These foods must be avoided because they are either toxic (artificial sweeteners) or they produce inflammation. These foods are high in omega-6 fatty acids with little to no omega-3 fatty acids. An imbalance of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids produces inflammation. The ideal ratio omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids is a 1:1 ratio. (The average American has a 30:1 ratio). Therefore, eating these foods produces inflammation and perpetuates pain.

What Supplements Should you Take?

Essential Supplements Dosage
1. Multivitamin/Mineral Follow directions on bottle
2. Magnesium 6 mg per 2.2 lbs. of body weight
3. Fish Oil 1.5 grams of Omega-3 fats daily
4. Co Enzyme Q10 100 mg daily
5. Ginger  2 gram daily

Recommended Supplements
1. Vitamin D3 2000 IU daily or 30 minutes of sun exposure
2. Acetyl – L – Carnitine 1000 mg daily, in divided doses
3. Lipoic Acid 400 mg daily, in divided doses

A multivitamin provides the antioxidants and nutrients our bodies must have.
Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a role in thousands of bodily functions. Fish Oil and ginger are anti-inflammatory. Co Enzyme Q10 is involved in how we produce energy. Vitamin D stimulates the immune system. Acetyl L Carnitine and Lipoic Acid slow, or even reverse the aging process in our cells.

Smoking
Smoking decreases your oxygen intake. Adequate oxygen is essential to healing. Without it your body cannot heal completely and your brain and nervous system can not function properly. If you suffer from chronic pain and you smoke, you NEED to quit.

How Will I Feel?
If you have had a poor diet up to this point, the first 3-7 days may be rough. Most toxins are fat-soluble. That means they get stored in our fat tissue. As you give your body the proper nutrients you will start eliminating excess fat. When you eliminate fat the stored toxins are released which may lead to fatigue, headaches, mood swings, nausea, and flu like symptoms. Give your body about a week and you will begin to have more energy, your memory will improve, thinking will be clearer and your overall outlook will brighten.

If you would like to find out exactly how your diet may be affecting your pain visit the official website of  Orem Chiropractor  R. Ned McArthur, D.C. or call 801-225-1311 to schedule a complimentary office visit.