Alternative and Integrative Pain Solutions

Alternative and Integrative Pain Solutions: Fasting…How “Hangry” Are You?

Were humans made to eat every 2-3 hours? Why do we get hunger pangs? Throughout all of human existence we have experienced times of feast and famine, and we have the adaptation to function well with less. Most American diets, while not the most nourishing, do provide ample caloric density. Yes, major micronutrient deficiencies stem from the poor nutritionContinue reading “Alternative and Integrative Pain Solutions: Fasting…How “Hangry” Are You?”

Alternative and Integrative Pain Solutions: Supplements and Pain…Can They Help?

Supplements aren’t the answer to everything, but they can be a safe and effective tool for chronic pain. Not only does human physiology help us understand the need for certain nutrients, but evidence-based medicine has shown how certain nutraceuticals can influence pain signals as well. Nutrients like Omega-3 fatty acids, minerals, B vitamins, zinc and antioxidants shouldContinue reading “Alternative and Integrative Pain Solutions: Supplements and Pain…Can They Help?”

Alternative and Integrative Pain Solutions: The Gut-Pain Connection

What does the gut have to do with pain? As we learn more about the microbiome (the helpful microorganisms that inhabit our gastrointestinal tract), there is a realization of how important these microbes are for health. With ten times more microorganisms than human cells in our bodies, maintaining an appropriate balance not only aids digestion, but alsoContinue reading “Alternative and Integrative Pain Solutions: The Gut-Pain Connection”

Alternative and Integrative Pain Solutions: “Let Food Be Thy Medicine”

Nutrition absolutely has an effect on chronic pain. The main influencers of pain (aside from a large mechanical issue) are the nervous (neurotransmitters), endocrine (hormones) and immune (inflammation) systems of the body. To produce these messengers, you must have the appropriate components…which come from nutrition. These chemicals primarily come from two sources: cholesterol (the same thing most doctorsContinue reading “Alternative and Integrative Pain Solutions: “Let Food Be Thy Medicine””

Alternative and Integrative Pain Solutions: No Pain, No Gain…What, Really?

Pain is that nasty four-letter word that no one wants to experience, but it’s inevitably going to be a part of life in one way or another. Pain is defined as the unpleasant sensory and/or emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage. In the ideal situation, after the body experiences a pain trigger, it hasContinue reading “Alternative and Integrative Pain Solutions: No Pain, No Gain…What, Really?”