Pain Management — The Natural Way
NUTRITION
Todd Singleton
As chiropractors, we adjust patients on a daily basis, so we get used to seeing patients recover from pain and injury. It is commonplace for us to achieve incredible results with our patients. Because we expect great results and typically get them, it’s easy to forget there are additional factors at work with our patients. Although patients experience incredible results from their adjustments, we can’t overlook the importance of a healthy and natural diet. If patients eat foods that exacerbate inflammation and hinder the body’s natural healing processes, they’ll find that it is much more difficult to alleviate aches and pains. When a patient makes poor nutritional choices, toxins in the body can cause many problems that contribute to pain—inflammation, swelling, diabetes, arthritis, obesity, depression, heart disease, and even cancer.
As a chiropractor, you can help teach your patients to make better nutritional choices. By providing simple dietary guidelines and pure supplements, you can help ensure that your patients get the nutrients needed to support optimal health. Many of the nutrients found in whole foods can help reduce inflammation and support the body’s natural healing processes. You can also recommend detoxifying cleanses that help maximize the benefits of new, healthy eating habits.
Though many patients may think that taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) will “fix” their problem, they don’t realize that these drugs do not make any difference to the underlying causes of their pain. Even if the pain goes
^The bulk of a patient’s diet should come from organic dark leafy greens and brightly colored vegetables.
away for a short time, the problems aren’t solved, and without intervention, they may even get worse. However, by cleansing the body and eating a healthy, natural diet, patients can solve the problems that caused so much pain and inflammation to arise in the first place. In the long term, making these types of changes can have positive effects in every aspect of patients’ lives.
You can ensure that your patients are providing their bodies with everything they need to heal completely and successfully by teaching them how to fill in the dietary gaps as follows:
• The bulk of a patient’s diet should come from organic dark leafy greens and brightly colored vegetables. I also encourage the consumption of organic fruit in limited quantities. Organic poultry and eggs are a good source of protein. Fish caught in the wild will provide omega-3 fatty acids. For cooking, I recommend unrefined, cold-pressed olive and coconut oils.
• The following should be consumed in limited quantities: organic and grass-fed red meat, whole-grain products, dairy, conventional (non-organic) fruits and vegetables, conventional (non-organic) poultry and eggs, farm-raised fish, refined olive and coconut oils, unrefined cane sugar, and natural sweeteners (honey, maple syrup, agave).
• Patients should avoid the following foods altogether: refined grains (white bread, pastries, cookies, crackers, etc.); refined vegetable oils (soybean, canola, sunflower, etc.); refined sugars (found in soda, candy, ice cream, etc.); all fast food and junk food (anything heavily processed and refined); large amounts of red meat (beef, pork); and alcoholic and caffeinated beverages.
In order to support your patients in the long term, I recommend that you pair the following supplements with the healthy eating guidelines previously outlined:
Protein Shake
Protein is vital in rebuilding tissue and repairing nerve damage. It is also a great tool for managing and maintaining a healthy weight.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are a powerful anti-inflammatory that provide incredible healing benefits to the body.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is an antioxidant that supports healthy vision, neurological function, and healthy skin. It also counters inflammation by fighting free radicals.
Vitamin B6
We use this to correct deficiencies associated with arthritis and to help patients metabolize protein.
Vitamin D
For older patients, vitamin D is essential to reduce agerelated inflammation. It also can promote bone health and the absorption of calcium.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E slows the release of damaging inflammatory substances in the body. It is also an antioxidant that plays a role in preventing some cardiovascular diseases.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K is associated with reduced levels of inflammatory markers.
MSM
Methylsulfonylmethane breaks up pain-inducing calcium deposits and helps cells absorb nutrients. This can be especially helpful for patients with arthritis.
Glucosamine
We use this to inhibit inflammation and stimulate cartilage cell growth.
Chondroitin
Often used with glucosamine, chondroitin gives cartilage strength and resilience while slowing degeneration.
Flaxseed Oil
Since this is rich in omega-3, it can counter the inflammatory response in the body.
Vitamin B12
This vitamin plays an essential role in the functioning of the brain and nervous system.
Antioxidants
When free radicals are loose in the body, antioxidants are the “magic ingredient” that keep our cells safe. The best sources of these are fruits and vegetables.
Topical Agents: Menthol, Camphor, and Capsaicin
There are also topical anti-inflammatory ingredients that you can use to reduce swelling and inflammation that occurs just under the surface of the skin. I recommend menthol, camphor, and capsaicin. Menthol cools the skin and stimulates blood flow, while camphor and capsaicin help dull aches and pains.
When your patients change their diets and start using these anti-inflammatory supplements to manage their pain, they’ll be well on their way to receiving the nutrients necessary for their bodies to heal completely, prevent further injury, and stay on track for long-term wellness.
Summary
These nutritional guidelines can complement traditional chiropractic care by providing a foundation for the treatments you provide in the office. When a patient eats a healthy, natural diet and fills any gaps with supplements, you’ll find that it’s much easier to reduce pain and get the results you’re looking for. Not only will your patients get better results, but they’ll also be more satisfied with the care they receive in your office, which can help provide a boost in your business and ultimately help you create the clinic of your dreams. As you go forward, don’t forget how important it is to provide your patients with the anti-inflammatory nutrition they need to recover from pain and stay healthy for the rest of their lives.
Dr. Todd Singleton, DC, is an author, speaker, and consultant who has been a practicing doctor for more than 25 years. He ran the largestMD DC PTclinics in Utah before switching to an all-cash nutrition model in 2006. He created a very successful cash practice in Salt Lake City and now spends his time speaking, teaching, consulting, and visiting other offices all over the United States. For more information about implementing nutritional protocols in your clinic, call 801-903-7141 or visit www.ArticlesByDrSingleton.com
