Pain Relief Diet : Naturally from Food

Exploring the world of food and healing has brought me to a place where combining foods to help me heal naturally makes sense. I am on some pretty strong pharmaceutical medications and eventually will have to wean off them. My goal is to control my pain and help my healing as naturally as possible and eventually through as much of my diet as possible.

I am dealing with several health issues that are causing me a far amount of pain 24/7. My colon health; I have had large and small chunks of my large and small intestine removed and after 2 years am still experiencing bowel obstructions. Due to my diverticulitis, I limit seeds and nuts. I have allergies to many foods, most of which are processed. i am lactose intolerant and gluten intolerance as well. I have a broken femur and pelvis and am awaiting surgery to remove the hardware that was put in after my injury. I also have pain and mobility issues with my neck, upper and lower back as well as my left arm and shoulder.

After some research I found numerous foods, herbs and spices that help with pain management, inflammation and intestinal issues, which I am dealing with daily. I have created a new daily menu for myself that includes these beneficial edibles. There's room in my day for food additions, but my goal is to eat all the foods and herbs on my list, so no subtractions. I believe that writing it down will keep me on track, make my daily routine easier and create food choices that are always going to benefit me.

I am sharing this menu so anyone who is experiencing chronic pain may be more aware of how easy it is to add delicious healthy foods to any daily diet that can help with pain.

I'll start the diet food list at the beginning of the day, and include the health benefit it adds to my body. At this point I have been advised to eat every 2 to 3 hours as it will help control my blood sugars from spiking, so regular small meals throughout the day.

Because my body is in repair it seems to burn through the energy I get from food rapidly, so I need to re-energize it more often. I'm not eating large amounts, but reasonable sizes that do give me the energy more often than not. My fatigue seems to be starting to subside as a result, which is the desired effect at this point.

Water: 8 x 8oz glasses daily: starting with I glass first thing in the morning: flushes out pain created by injured tissues, helping to reduce the pain; flushes out pharmaceutical drugs quickly, keeps me hydrated allowing my joints to move easier.

Apple Cider Vinegar: 1 tbsp with 8 oz of water before meals; it is a digestive aid that helps to break down fats and proteins so my stomach empties quickly so I don't get heartburn which is an issue with me.

Yogurt: 1 to 2 cups a day: it's a protein which helps build my muscles; it is a good bacteria which helps my digestive system & boosts my immune system; and by helping my body cope with changing estrogen and progesterone levels, it helps to manage my PMS symptoms, or mood swings.

Pineapple: 1 cup of pineapple a day: helps stop gas by breaking down proteins in the stomach and small intestine, and I get too much gas.

Banana: 1 a day: a great source of potassium and energy, they are also high in fibre which helps with bowel function.

Ground Flax: 1 tbsp a day: Flax is high in Omega 3 essential fatty acids, so it fights inflammation, it's high in fibre so helps bowel function and regularity.

Combine the above 4 ingredients into a blender and enjoy a smoothie.

Coffee: I take my pain medications with 12 oz of black coffee: the caffeine stimulates the stomach lining and the pain meds are absorbed more quickly and effectively.

Fish (oily): tuna or salmon salad sandwich; the fatty acids in fish, are powerful, natural anti-inflammatories without any side effects, and the repair the intestine.

Tumeric: 1/4 tsp added to fish salad: helps fight chronic pain and inflammation by naturally shutting down our pain producing hormones "cyclooxygenase".

Cherries or 100% Cherry Juice: 20 cherries or 1 cup of juice daily: for chronic pain relief and an anti-inflammatory.

Almonds: 2 tbsp almond butter: a protein, an anti-inflammatory, almonds are known as brain and bone food as they contain more calcium than any other nut.

Tomato Juice:1 cup daily: a good source of potassium which equals energy for me, it also contains high doses of Vitamin C.

Grapes: 1 cup daily: relieves back pain by relaxing blood vessels in the back and allowing blood to flow more freely to the damaged tissues.

Spinach: I daily serving, either cooked or in a salad: helps protect my colon; the beta-carotene and vitamin C work to protect the cells of the body’s colon from the harmful effects of free radicals.

Garlic: 1 to 2 cloves daily in my food: known as a wonder drug, it has too many health benefits for me not to include it in my daily diet; it's natural anti-biotic qualities are long lasting, so is very helpful in getting my body to a healthier place.

Protein: a nightly protein which will vary daily; because protein is an important building block of bones, muscles, cartilage, skin, and blood it is essential for my body to heal.

A peppermint bath made with 10 drops of peppermint oil 3 times a week will help relax my sore muscles, again allowing healing to take place.

It seems a little repetitive, but I like the fact that I know everything I'm eating is actually working in unison with my body to help it repair. I am dedicated to working with foods to add to my quality of life and help heal.

I am eating as organic as I can, as I understand the consequences of eating sprayed food especially when my body is in repair, I am also very aware of GMO foods and have been eliminating them from our house for a long time. I see this as an opportunity to recommit to being as healthy as I can be, and my family has even adopted many of the foods that I'm eating and enjoying them thoroughly.

I'm looking forward to finding and adding more great foods that are helpful to the body and welcome any suggestions.

© 2012 eye say