Living with Chronic Pain
Some Advice from the Trenches
For the past 27 years, I have been a chronic pain patient. What is chronic pain?
Chronic pain is mostly constant or frequent, more often occurring than not, and can continue for weeks, months, or even years, beyond the normal time for healing. Chronic pain can significantly impact a person's quality of life, affecting their physical and mental well-being, ability to work, and engage in daily activities. It can also vary widely in how a person finds recovery or management.
We are all bioindividual. What this means is each of us is unique. The good and bad of that is what worked well for me, may not for another person. Having said that, there are some proven therapies with food and the avoidance of certain “foods” that can lighten the burden of chronic pain.
Cod Liver Oil- Omega 3 Fatty acids are proven to lower the inflammation in the body which can significantly improve pain.Omega-3s help reduce inflammation by inhibiting the production of inflammatory compounds called cytokines and prostaglandins. Quality matters here. Contact me for details getting started.
Going Gluten free- For 19 years, no one thought to test me for Coeliac disease. In that 19 years, I ate piles of gluten as a vegetarian. Being sensitive to gluten can present itself in deep joint pain, headaches, migraines , brain fog, and lastly digestive issues.
Healing my Gut- A good start would be finding a good probiotic. Bone broth is a great help too. Giving up Dairy can help with this. Contact me for input. The magic of healing the gut takes time. Little steps create momentum.
Eat as Organic as Possible- When we eat GMO foods, our body receives pesticides (aka poison for the body), in the food DNA. This causes our body to respond with inflammation to try and eliminate the toxins. Look at the Environmental Working Group guidelines for information on biggest offenders.
Turmeric and Ginger- Both turmeric and ginger possess potent anti-inflammatory compounds, such as curcumin in turmeric and gingerol in ginger. Adding these spices to your meals or consuming them as teas can help lower inflammation.
Berries: Berries such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries are loaded with antioxidants called flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory properties. These fruits also contain vitamin C, which can help combat inflammation.
Tart Cherries: Tart cherries, whether eaten fresh, dried, or as juice, contain compounds like anthocyanins and quercetin that have anti-inflammatory effects. They may help reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms of conditions like arthritis.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil contains oleocanthal, a compound with anti-inflammatory properties similar to ibuprofen. It's also rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants like oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol.
Avocado: Avocados are packed with monounsaturated fats, fiber, and antioxidants like vitamin E and carotenoids, which help reduce inflammation and support heart health.
Leafy Greens: Vegetables like spinach, kale, Swiss chard, and collard greens are rich in vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients with anti-inflammatory properties, including vitamins A, C, and K, as well as flavonoids and carotenoids.
Cruciferous Vegetables: Vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage are rich in sulforaphane and other compounds that have been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.
Green Tea: Green tea is rich in catechins, potent antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory effects. Regular consumption of green tea may help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases.
Eating nose to tail- This was one of the most difficult steps for me personally. It also was the most important step to recover from long term nutrient deficiencies. There are gentle paths into this way of eating:
1. Start with locally sourced grass fed beef or bison ground. Ground meat is easier to digest than other cuts.
2. Consider supplementation with foods that seem to strange to consume. Contact me for more information to get started.
3. Start making meat broth soups, careful to include favorite vegetables for enjoyment. It should taste good. Food is a big source of pleasure!
Lastly, never give up trying!!!
Find a specialist to help you get started. I found two practitioners that really support my wellness.
My recommendation for a massage, physical therapy, and corrective exercise is Adam Winter located in the community of Mission Hills in San Diego CA. Working with Adam gave me the first jumpstart I needed.
https://thegyminmissionhills.com
For an excellent acupuncturist adept with a focus on chronic pain, my go to is Dr Monica Foitzik. Dr Foitzik has helped me thru many different phases of chronic pain as I worked Thru my healing journey. Tradishenacupuncture
Contact me to schedule a free consultation to discuss your personal nutrition. We are all BIOINDIVIDUAL. I would Love to guide you on the path to better health.
