Do you feel like the pain is unbearable? Pain and inflammation are two health issues that affect large swaths of the population. Considering a single source of pain alone, such as arthritis, reveals prevalence rates of approximately 40 million, says the Arthritis Foundation. According to the National Institutes of Health, one in four Americans suffer with pain that lasts more than 24 hours, and that statistic derives from research conducted in the early 2000s. But, physical therapy can help. Instead of suffering, contact Washington Physical Therapy & Rehab, and switch to a nutritious diet, says EatingWell, following these steps.
Reduce Intake of Unhealthy Carbs.
Unhealthy carbohydrates include all excessively processed starches. However, items with a higher starch content, such as wheat flour and whole-grain foods, are associated with improved health.
Get Plenty of Omega-3s.
Omega-3s are most commonly found in seafoods and nuts. The body uses these essential acids to form the building blocks of proteins and stimulate the immune system.
Have a Cup of Coffee or Tea.
The caffeine within a cup of coffee or tea also possesses antioxidant properties, reducing pain and inflammation. Yet, too much caffeine may have an adverse effect on the body. Avoid drinking caffeinated beverages in excess as well.
Use Sage and Spices Known for Antioxidant Properties.
Sage, cinnamon, cardamom and garlic possess antioxidant properties as well. Antioxidants function by eliminating unbound hydrogen atoms, also known as free radicals, within tissues. When free radicals come into contact with healthy tissue, they produce an inflammatory response.
Try Sour Cherries.
Sour cherries, while tart, make an excellent addition to a diet that seeks to reduce pain and inflammation as well. Furthermore, they can be used in dishes for any meal, including dessert.
Increase Consumption of Leafy, Green Vegetables.
Leafy, green vegetables are sources of vitamin A, and adequate vitamin consumption is key to maintaining homeostasis. Also, the National Institutes of Health explains, leafy vegetables provide a protective effect against diabetes and cardiovascular health problems.
Have a Cup of Yogurt.
Yogurt possesses a two-fold benefit for those in need of pain relief. Probiotics within yogurt restore the natural flora of the digestive tract, reducing pain from eating certain foods. Furthermore, frozen yogurts can be a healthy alternative to ice cream and other sweet treats.
Enjoy the Benefits of Dark Chocolate.
Dark chocolate also appears to reduce risk for heart disease, mental decline, diabetes and blood pressure, notes MoveForwardPT. These health conditions affect risk for chronic inflammation and pain, so increasing dark chocolate in the diet may lead to better management of pain as well.
Enjoy Bananas, Strawberries, Oranges and Other Fruit.
Fruits provide an excellent source of inflammation-fighting nutrients, reports the Harvard Health Publishing. Without getting the discussion of whether a tomato is a fruit or vegetable, just think of it as an anti-inflammatory food as well. Natural sugars also help curb cravings for sweet treats, made with granulated sugar, that have an association with inflammation.
Fight Pain and Inflammation With Both the Right Diet and Physical Therapy.
No one wants to live the discomfort and life-changing impact of pain and inflammation. Unfortunately, pain and inflammation continue to affect millions, but the right approach to managing these conditions can make all the difference. Discover how the right combination of diet and physical therapy can reduce inflammation by contacting our Kirkland, WA office today.
