Food affects every aspect of the human body. It is literally the fuel of the body. Every process, function, compound, etc. depends on a healthy diet. So when it comes to chronic pain, food plays an integral role. At Caring Medical, we recognize the role that food plays in chronic pain. On occasion we recommend that our chronic pain patients get Diet Typing to reveal the exact Hauser Diet that will help his or her body function at its best. In addition to Diet Typing, there are certain foods that can play a specific role in decreasing chronic pain. Specifically in decreasing systemic inflammation that can hinder the body’s immune system. Let’s take a look at some of them and see how they fit into the Hauser Diet.
Salmon
Salmon is a well-known source of omega-3 fatty acids. These essential fats are key players in inflammation. They are often labeled as “anti-inflammatory” in that they decrease systemic (“bad”) inflammation. They also aid the inflammatory process in the case of injured soft tissue, as in the inflammation that Prolotherapy stimulates. The fatty acids, specifically eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), dramatically improve the functional ability and diminish the pain in a myriad of diseases, including psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, gout, lupus, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Salmon is an excellent option for the Lion, Otter and Bear Diet Types.
Onions and Garlic
Onions and garlic are great staples for any Diet Type. They both possess anti-inflammatory agents that help with chronic pain. Onions also have the antioxidant quercetin that aids in inflammation. Both onions and garlic are the basis of tons of recipes; check some of them out in the Hauser Diet Book. We love roasted or sautéed onions as additions to any meal!
Blueberries
Berries are excellent sources of antioxidants and blueberries contain a strong antioxidant called anthocyanin. Blueberries are good for the Giraffe and Monkey diets and can be eaten in small portions on the Bear Diet. They are delicious as a snack or as toppings to oatmeal, yogurt and salads.
Sweet Potato
The beautiful orange color of sweet potatoes indicates its high amount of carotenoids, a powerful antioxidant that fights systemic inflammation. Sweet potatoes are starchy vegetables that are great for the Giraffe and Monkey Diets. The Bear and Otter diets can eat sweet potatoes in moderation and with the skin on. Try our sweet potato fries recipe, yum!
Ginger and Turmeric
Great cooking relies heavily on spices to create delicious flavor. Ginger and turmeric are fun spices that act as analgesics, or pain relievers. They also act as blood thinners in the prevention of blood clots. Ginger can be used in many Asian dishes and turmeric is a staple in Thai dishes. Both of these spices make great additions to any spice cabinet and are suitable for all five Diet Types.
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Filed under: diet and healing, diet typing, Food, Hauser Diets, healthy eating Tagged: | Caring Medical, diet and pain, diet typing, The Hauser Diet
