In some parts of the body, the source of discomfort can be painfully obvious. If you have shoulder pain, it is likely a problem with your shoulder muscles, tendon, or the joint itself. If you have stomachache, you might have eaten bad food, eaten too much junk food, or be suffering from another digestive issue. On the other hand, pain can also become exacerbated by what you eat—even kinds of pain that nothing to do with your gut! In this post, you’ll learn about how nutrition and pain are related and how to use nutritional counseling to overcome discomfort in various parts of the body.
How Are Pain and Nutrition Connected?
Clearly, your diet isn’t the cause of all body pain, and this symptom is rather complicated. However, your diet choices matter. When you suffer an injury, your body relies on nutrients you ingest even more than normal to restore itself. In other words, your food choices can either help or hurt your body as it repairs. In fact, some foods containing carbs, sugar, or acid can increase inflammation in the body. This swelling, painful reaction only makes the pain and overall situation worse!
How Can Good Nutrition Help You Fight Chronic Pain and Recover from Injuries?
Research over the last couple of decades has found a link between being overweight, which is a common result of being “over nourished,” and chronic pain in joints and other areas of the body. The stress of maintaining excessive weight creates discomfort, and indulgence in nutrient-poor foods doesn’t give the body what it needs. On the other end of the weight spectrum, those who are under-nourished and frail, mainly the elderly, struggle with weakness and chronic pain from a lack of sufficient nutrients. Regardless of where you are in your weight and overall health, nutritional counseling can help you get back on track.
How Else Can You Overcome Chronic Pain?
Again, chronic pain is complex, so food alone will likely not solve your problems. In fact, your chiropractor offers specialized therapies that can alleviate your nerve pain directly as you work to correct dietary exacerbation. Together you can resolve your injuries and have more capability, energy, and excitement to live to the fullest.
Although it may be tempting to reach for candy, snacks, or other nutrient-poor foods when you’re in chronic pain, don’t indulge too much. Eating the recommended quantities of fresh vegetables and fruit, lean proteins, and other substantial foods give your body energy, strength, and essential materials to rebuild. As a result, if you maintain a healthy diet, you may not only be able to keep a healthy weight and energy level but also be able to experience less pain overall in life.
About the Author
Dr. Zinovy Chukhman, which goes by Dr. Z, has treated patients with injuries for more than 25 years, and he offers multiple kinds of therapies to address chronic pain. His wife, Janel Kobza-Chukhman is a registered and licensed dietician, which means she has the training to safely customize nutritional advice and provide counseling. If you are coming to AlignRight Chiropractic for pain, consider working with her as well. To make an appointment, contact our Richardson office online or call us at 972-907-2800.