Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Battling the Enemy to Health



I mentioned in my previous post that the true enemy to health is inflammation.

In order to battle this enemy effectively one really needs to figure out the things that trigger the inflammatory process in their bodies. 

How do you do this?

1. Have a general blood test done to note vitamin/mineral deficiencies as well having you blood inflammatory levels checked.  
2. Test for food allergies.
3. I had mentioned that inflammation can cause pain. If you are having pain, keep a journal and record your pain intensity, what you ate and your activities. See if there is a cause/effect relationship. 
4. Eat foods and take supplements that have anti inflammatory properties and avoid those that are know to cause inflammation. A good list for both can be found at:

http://www.chicagonow.com/clean-convenient-cuisine/2010/09/best-and-worst-top-10-most-inflammatory-and-anti-inflammatory-foods/

New research is showing benefits with taking Tart Cherry Juice. One study found it as effective as the prescription version of aleve.(naproxen)

In her book "Taming Pain", Cheryl Wardlaw, PT recommends purchasing Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate from a health food store and take 2 tbsps 30-45 minutes before bed. 

Note that if you are taking blood thinners you should consult your doctor before taking. 

One of my former patients began taking it last week and felt results immediately. He reported that he was able playing paddle ball without negative effects,  he had not been able to do this in months.