Eating the wrong foods at any point in time can cause serious inflammation, swelling and pain for chronic pain patients. Add holiday meals and we’ve got ourselves a game-over situation, people!
Time-out! The pain management specialists at Southwest Spine and Pain Center are not going to let you accept defeat that easily, because holiday foods like turkey, stuffing, ham, pie and other side dishes can be enjoyed this year with a few minor adjustments.
Because Thanksgiving is just around the corner, let’s start with the most coveted food: turkey. Purchasing and consuming a turkey that’s grass-fed, organic and locally raised allows your body to absorb essential nutrients from that lean meat; resulting in sustained energy and nourishment. Moreover, organic meats do not contain carcinogenic hormones that could increase your risk of pain, bacteria and headaches.
While we’re on the subject, the same should go for ham, but if you can avoid eating it all together, that is recommended. Ham is not considered a lean-protein; therefore it may have inflammatory properties that will cause pain in chronic pain sufferers. If you must indulge, do so very sparingly.
Stuffing really should be avoided at all costs considering the flours (bean-flour, potato-flour, rice and nut flour, etc.) in it cause inflammation; that include most gluten-free options too! However, there is a light at the end of this tunnel. The specialists at Southwest Spine and Pain Center are purposing unique stuffing alternatives like breadless cauliflower and mushroom stuffing, bread-free fruit and nut stuffing, and breadless primal stuffing. Recipes are from Paleo enthusiasts Mike Sisson and AndreAnna.
When it comes to side dishes, creamy mashed cauliflower can replace starchy mashed potatoes, a healthy, non-dairy green bean casserole and butternut squash soup can be different additions to the table spread and a grain-free pumpkin pie can be an anti-inflammatory dessert! Recipes for all of these (except the grain-free pumpkin pie) can be found on eatingwell.com.
Whew! We hope that covers all of your holiday meal needs. If you are suffering from chronic pain, try scheduling an appointment with before seeing family and friends to manage your pain symptoms. Southwest Spine and Pain Center has four, convenient locations and is ready to assist you!
If chronic pain is impacting your life, don't wait to schedule an appointment at Southwest Spine and Pain Center. With three locations and growing, the pain management specialists at Southwest Spine and Pain Center are dedicated to helping those who suffer from chronic pain live the life they want to! To schedule an appointment, visit our locations tab!
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.
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