When treating arthritis, or any chronic pain, I have various herbal formulas I prescribe. Specifically, ones for bone pain and regeneration, inflammation, disc injury or pain, pain intensified with heat or with cold, stiffness or pain after inactivity, knotted muscles, to enhance circulation and for healing ligaments and tendons. But an essential component of every arthritis and chronic pain case I see is diet and the assimilation of food.
If you have sweet or junk-food cravings, or if you regularly consume alcohol, chances are Candida is an issue. Candida can initiate a systemic reaction resulting in pain throughout the body. So Candida is a common component for many types of chronic pain. With correctly prescribed supplements Candida and the sweet and junk-food cravings can be initially controlled in as little as one week. Though follow up treatment is necessary for long-term results.
The inability to break down fats can also be a predominant component of pain. If you have chronic phlegm, need to blow your nose often, have a history of masses, lumps, tumors, cysts, have gallbladder problems including removal, or you have high cholesterol these are indications your body isn’t breaking down fats as it should. Accumulation of unassimilated fat in the body results in internal dampness which can slow down the circulation of blood. The blood’s distribution of nutrients to the tissues and organs reduces or eliminates pain. There’re many components of fat assimilation and circulation. So what formulas I prescribe depends on the individual.
If you’re taking statin drugs contact to your doctor and pharmacist. A common side effect of statins is pain.
Minimizing the consumption of damp foods is necessary in the treatment of arthritis or chronic pain. Damp foods include all dairy, including yogurt, greasy foods, too many oils, nuts, nut butters, all sweeteners except Stevia, alcohol, overeating raw foods, fruit juice and fruit, especially bananas. So eliminating or minimizing consumption of these foods is advisable, especially in cooler wet months, to eliminate internal dampness.
Sweeteners and alcohol cause inflammation in the body and are notorious for inducing flair ups of pain.
Eating organic protein and organic vegetables is also imperative for pain reduction as is avoiding artificial sweeteners, processed and fast foods to avoid toxins/chemicals.
All foods except vegetables make your body acidic which can create pain. Increasing vegetables makes your body more alkaline, facilities detoxification, breaks down scar tissue, and accelerates healing all of which reduces pain.
Diet changes can be challenging until people see the direct correlation between pain and the food they eat. Implementing changes for a week or two allows you to identify what foods exacerbate your pain.
If you need help with health problems give me a call at 541-646-0134 for an appointment.
Health Questions? I’ll answer them in person.
WHEN: Wednesday Oct. 10, 7:00 PM
WHERE: Morningstar Clinic 534 Washington St. Ashland
COST: FREE
Space limited.
Call 541-646-0134 for reservations.
Health & Happiness,
Nancy Burton, L.Ac.
