During the month of November, we’ve been talking about how to reduce pain naturally. Last time, we discussed some whole food and homeopathic supplements we often recommend to our patients in lieu of synthetic medications. Today, we’re talking lifestyle, because, in the parlance of our times, this is a marathon, not a sprint.
Our favorite response to give to the question “how do I eliminate pain?” is most people’s least favorite answer: Avoid it in the first place. We know, it sounds glib. But it’s sincere, and here’s what it really means: The purpose of sticking to a care plan from your chiropractor and Nutrition Response Testing practitioner, is to help your body achieve and maintain overall metabolic health. For example – this can mean the difference between getting a cold that hangs on with a raspy cough for months versus getting a cold and having your immune system adapt to it in a few days. It’s the difference between spraining a joint and having it be unusable for many weeks, followed by months or even years of that joint being a weak spot versus spraining a joint and observing it healing in a couple weeks, never to trouble you again. Pain and discomfort are messages about what your body needs to regenerate healthy cells. We don’t want to simply suppress those symptoms, we want to heal the body as quickly and completely as possible. That is so much easier with consistent care before things can go south.
Accidents happen, though, and when they do, soothing that pain makes it much easier to have the patience to really heal. So, what are some practical ways to help with that when this comes up?
Do your best to consume as many nutrients as humanly possible (all the time, but especially when something is causing you to feel weakened in some way.) That means, you’re looking for great sources of protein, the healthiest versions of fat you can find, and getting your carbohydrates from whole food sources, not refined grains and sugars. Great sources of proteins include pastured eggs, and organic, grass fed meats. From non-meat sources, you want to be sure your meals deliver all 8 essential amino acids or you’re not really getting protein at all! Fruits and vegetables are the best sources of carbohydrates available to us. If you’re struggling with your eating habits, come in and do the Nutrition Coaching program; it’s designed to help you set clear goals and keep you accountable to yourself. This can be the lynchpin in your staying healthy!
Drink real bone broth, every day. You don’t have to have it straight, use it as a base for soups, or to cook your whole grains. It’s a powerhouse of healing nutrients and is great for gut health.
Get plenty of rest. Don’t be a hero! If you need to slow down to let something that’s hurt heal, you do that. If you skip the minor slow-down when it’s necessary, you won’t fully heal and things will deteriorate, forcing you to really slow down later. If you’re having difficulty sleeping, come see us; we can help! Rest is essential for healing whether it be from injury or illness.
Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of filtered water each day. Remember that for most people, when we begin to feel thirsty, we’re already a good 70% dehydrated. We love the PiMag water from Nikken, but for other water recommendations, ask at the office.