Diet

May 29, 2008 |

It should come as no surprise to you that a good diet plan, combined with an exercise program can help to reduce pain, improve mobility and joint functions. If you suffer from arthritis, painful knee (or other) joints and inflammation associated with the skeletal structure of the body, then weight management is often needed.

Research at Johns Hopkins University have shown that the ingestion of soy in a diet is effective in controlling pain management for those with long-term and painful illnesses in animal studies. Apparently the protein in soy seems to have properties that offer anti-inflammatory benefits for pain sufferers. More research will be needed to determine the efficacy in humans.

Naturopathic doctors often recommend that you reduce your intake of prescription drugs to reduce the possibility of inflammation. As most of us don’t get the vitamins and minerals we need in a normal modern-day diet, taking some nutritional supplements will be helpful.

Examples of nutritional supplements for pain management include flax seed (in oil, liquid or ground form), curcumin (a natural anti-inflammatory), and Vitamin B12. Athletes, the elderly and those who have suffered fractures and painful diseases can all benefit from positive dietary changes and nutritional supplements.