Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
When you think about the traditional way of managing pain, you probably think of seeing a specialist who will prescribe you medication to treat your symptoms. Sure, this may temporarily alleviate your pain, but what happens when it comes back or worsens? For most, this means more medication and going down a rabbit hole that is difficult to crawl out of. Not to mention that you are only masking the problem, not getting to the root of what is causing the problem in the first place. *There are many things you can do on your own to manage pain.*
Three times a day you have the power to choose to fuel your body either with anti-inflammatory foods that can promote healing, or foods that will promote pain. The Standard American diet is chalk full of things such as gluten, sugar, conventional dairy, processed foods, alcohol, and vegetable oils that, when consumed, are like throwing gasoline on a fire.
Crowding out these foods with antioxidant rich fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, wild-caught freshwater fish, and fresh herbs will help give your body the nutrients it needs to quell the fire.
Nutraceuticals can be a viable alternative to pharmaceuticals when it comes to pain management. Curcumin, the main chemical found in turmeric, has been shown to have similar pain-relieving benefits as ibuprofen and diclofenac. Studies have shown that ginger extract (from the ginger root) can not only help to alleviate pain but possibly protect against long term negative effects of NSAIDs. Other supplements, including fish oil, boswellia, CBD, and collagen, can be worthy additions to your arsenal.
In addition to adopting a healthy eating strategy and adding supplements to your daily routine, there are some other ideas to consider.
• Are you drinking enough water? Most people require around half of their body weight in ounces per day, but fall short of that marker.
• Make sure to get in some movement and exercise daily. When you are in pain this may be the last thing on your mind, but activities such as swimming, walking, strength training, tai chi, and yoga can have a positive impact on pain levels.
• Seek alternative therapies such as chiropractic, acupuncture, and massage. If your spine is misaligned, if you have tight, sore muscles, or if you have an injury these therapies can offer some relief.
• Establish a good self-care routine that includes stress reduction. Chronic stress can lead to chronic pain and make existing pain worse. Taking time each day for meditation, prayer, deep breathing, and sleep can help to reduce stress and pain levels.
By adopting the above strategies you will be taking positive steps to manage your pain naturally. Of equal importance, however, is to investigate the root cause of why your pain exists in the first place. Pain isn’t a diagnosis; it is a symptom. At Naples Vitality we have many tools that will help uncover the reasons for your pain through a customized approach. Reach out to our team to discuss how we can work together to optimize your health and vitality.
Linell King MD, renowned internist and author of “Mastering Vitality” received his medical degree from the University Of Wisconsin School Of Medicine, and completed his residency at The Johns Hopkins University Sinai Hospital Program of Internal Medicine. He has been practicing for twenty years; currently at his “Naples Vitality” office in Naples, FL.
Our practice size is limited to ensure the best possible care for our clientele; we qualify and accept patients committed to working collaboratively to create improved health and continued success.
Naples Vitality
239-465-0098
www.Naplesvitality.com
3411 Tamiami Trail N. Suite 200
Naples, FL 34103
Call 239-465-0098 to reserve a free 15 minute consultation call with Dr. King to discuss your
personalized success strategy.