Are you prepared for life’s unexpected health encounters? Whether it’s the unexpected accident, sports injury, illness, or caring for a loved one, attempting a crash course of balanced eating/living doesn’t give the same short term affects as a crash diet. Eating and enjoying a healthy lifestyle has so many benefits aside from managing our weight, but it does take a little planning. When done right, it can mean the difference of maintaining some control and leaving us with a healthy edge when finding ourselves or the health of a loved one compromised.
After recently finding myself on the “healing” side after a surgical procedure with only a few weeks to prepare, I discovered that my normally healthy, balanced lifestyle was a good foundation, but is it enough to address healing and pain? We often rely on the hope that medications will take care of the rest, but when the unexpected occurs a different route may be needed. How about a delicious Food Farmacy to start?
Where to begin our focus… There are “3” areas of our health that need to be maintained; quality diet that promotes a healthy immune system, having natural remedies on hand for reducing the need for pain medication, and ways to calm the mind to get the much needed rest. The last one may surprise you, but did you know that sleep plays a crucial role in the process of healing and reducing pain?
Going through this healing process reinforced the importance of these three areas of health, while seeking out ways of healing in as natural a way as possible. The results; it helped speed up the healing process while feeling more energized, focused, and at peace knowing I am in control. So if you are dealing with any type of chronic pain, have a medical procedure in your near future, or you want to know how you can prepare your family from anything such as fighting off the common cold to an unexpected injury, you will want to read this short series over the next couple of weeks. Being prepared also means having a clear mind/focus to deal with decisions for yourself or a loved one.
This week’s focus is food! It’s at the core of our health and well-being, and we need a happy, balanced “gut” for creating optimal mood, immune function, and energy. The one thing that can sabotage our efforts; inflammation! Often, our first reaction when going through an illness or medical procedure is to reward ourselves with sugary sweets or indulge in “comfort foods”. This may give immediate comfort, only to quickly leave us feeling worse and slowing the healing process. Here are some examples, and then read on to see how you can prepare in advance with options that won’t sabotage your healing efforts.
- Inflammation = pain… Many of us don’t relate the chronic aches and pains, headaches, etc. with inflammation, when in fact; they can play a big role in how we feel as well as our level of pain. Here are the main culprits…Sugar, artificial sweeteners, and food additives
- Food sensitivities (undetected food sensitivities, especially gluten & dairy, can cause inflammation)
- Unhealthy fats
2. Inflammation & Immune Function… Creating and maintaining a healthy “gut” means strengthening our immune system so we are ready for the unexpected. Fighting off colds, flu, bacterial infections, and lessening the risks of infection (a common complication) after surgery. Some things to consider…
- Reducing and/or eliminating inflammatory foods
- Consuming anti-inflammatory foods
- Pineapple = contains Bromelain that naturally reduces inflammationone Broth = contains collagen (* see recipe & benefits)
- Wild Caught salmon, cod, & other fatty fish (contain Omega 3 to naturally fight inflammation)
- Protein (Needed for multiple processes that occur in healing from injury)
- Choose “clean” protein that is grass-fed beef, organic chicken & poultry
- Foods rich in Vitamin C (“C” is needed for protein to re-build and repair the body during the healing process)
- Eating your probiotics to boost immune function (fermented foods like raw sauerkraut and kefir)
3.Toxins… When we don’t find ways to filter them from our bodies, they can create inflammation and slow down the healing process. Many toxins enter our bodies through foods we eat, and we can help eliminate them through choosing the right foods. Think “greens” when purifying our bodies and our blood, it’s one of the best places to begin.
It’s all in the planning… Planning for your health or for recovery is really similar to being successful on a new diet plan or other changes in life; the key is to PLAN! Stocking the refrigerator and pantry with healthy, easy to prep items is key to success. Some examples are stocking the freezer with dinners you’ve made in advance, giving easy access and little to no prep for popping a healthy meal on the stove or in the oven.
Remember, the other key to success is making it delicious, comforting, and easy! There are so many healthy, delicious options that will leave you feeling like you are truly indulging.
