Eat More! Eat Less! Optimize Your Nutrition for Health
Maureen Mason, MS PT, WCS, CCI, PYT-C January 2016
Choosing specific
foods can reduce inflammation and pain, so here are medical guidelines
recommended by the experts. Check with your health care professional for any
questions or concerns. Add one new item per week to your current routine.
Eat more for specific anti –inflammatory* effects:
Nuts such as Walnuts, Almonds, Flaxseed
Avocados Mushrooms
Salmon, Sardines, Herring
Green Tea, Tart cherry juice, Red wine, 5 oz., and Soy
Spices Turmeric, Ginger, Cinnamon
Eat more for overall health: fresh fruits and vegetables,
seeds and nuts and beans, low glycemic foods, “whole food” with no chemical
additives, lean poultry, fish, and omega 3 enriched eggs. Balance good fat and
protein and carbs to equalize blood sugar response after eating.
Eat Less
Processed food, fried food, meat, and dairy. Seafood such as
shrimp and lobster can be pro-inflammatory. Gluten is in any wheat product and
also used as an additive in many products, consider limiting if your provider
advises. Dairy is associated with indigestion and IBS and many health care
providers advise limiting to reduce indigestion. Alcohol and soda are big
calorie items and associated with negative health indices. Overall portion size
of items from this list can be reduced with benefit, such as having ½ of a
donut vs. 3 donuts.
Notice how your stomach and digestive system react for hours
after you eat. Notice energy levels, mental focus and clarity, and ease of
sleep and waking.
*Anti-inflammatory effects occur on a cellular level with an
optimal nutritional intake. Protein molecules called cytokines that are
produced with injury act as part of the immune system. Cytokines circulate and
sensitize nerves to pain and increase pain sensations. Omega 3 healthy fats and
other items listed in the anti inflammatory list help dampen the cytokines and
reduce pain signal production. Effects of food are cumulative, so choosing a
regular grazing habit from the best items can help you feel better in the long
term.
Nutrition Websites and Resources to help optimize eating
habits
1. 1..Dr Ski Chilton advises we reduce our overall
calorie consumption 20% -30% if overweight or obese; here is a link to his
advised anti-inflammatory nutrition program, with a free information guide on
healthy eating and suggested good fats: www.genesmart.com/pages/meet_dr__chilton/10.php
2. Here is a tremendous link Dr Michael
Lara, a holistic psychiatrist, with his outline of slides explaining the
inflammatory process and the role of nutrition, supplements, and exercise in
health and disease: http://www.slideshare.net/mlaramd
4. Are you on the paleo trend? What’s the buzz? If you are a high level athlete you may need more protein to support your training, and some MD's are leaning towards plaeo, Here is a
link to the Mayo clinics explanation and medical advice on the topic: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/paleo-diet/art-20111182
5. Do you really understand what the Mediterranean diet is?
Here is the Mayo clinics profile and medical advice: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/mediterranean-diet/art-20047801
6. Fact: Physical therapists treating pelvic pain, bowel and
bladder problems, sexual medicine, and any musculoskeletal pain problem are
directing clients towards self care and healing with optimal nutrition. Here
are links to women’s resources for optimizing nutrition in relation to health
concerns: http://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com/blog/
Additional: Fluid and Fiber Management
Optimal fluid intake can be considered an intake of ½ of the
body weight in ounces of water per day. A 150# individual may need 75 ounces of
water per day. Food and other fluid
intake, temperature, age, and activity level all influence hydration need.
Increased temperature and increased activity level both will increase the need
for hydration. Signs of dehydration include fatigue, fainting, low blood
pressure, falls, constipation, and dry, itchy, wrinkled skin.
Optimal fiber intake is 20-30 grams per day, ideally from
consuming excellent nutrition with fiber rich foods. Fiber supplements are extensive, but the
easiest fibers to consume include prunes, plenty of fruits and vegetables, beans, nuts and
seeds. Constipating, binding foods include toast, bananas, and applesauce.
In health,
Maureen
