Diet and Lifestyle
Dietary and lifestyle guidelines that may assist in the management of pain:
- Eliminate all food allergens from the diet. The most common allergenic foods are dairy, soy, citrus, peanuts, wheat, fish, eggs, corn, and tomatoes.
- An elimination/challenge trial may be useful in uncovering sensitivities. Remove suspected allergens from the diet for two weeks. Reintroduce foods at the rate of one food every three days. Watch for reactions that may include gastrointestinal upset mood changes, flushing, fatigue, and exacerbation of symptoms.
- Reduce exposure to endogenous and exogenous antigenic material, using an ABO
- Blood Type Diet in conjunction with Digestive Repair and Liver Regeneration programs. Consider specific Phenolic/Homoeopathic Detoxification Support
- A rotation diet, in which the same food is not eaten more than once every four days may be helpful in reducing sensitivities.
- Decrease overall intake of carbohydrates. Eat protein as part of each meal and include moderate amounts of fat. The ideal ratio is approximately 30/30/40 (protein/fat/carbohydrate). Eating this way will help improve insulin sensitivity and normalise metabolism.
- Eliminate inflammatory foods such as refined foods, sugar, saturated fats (meat and dairy products), alcohol, and caffeine.
- Eat whole foods such as vegetables, whole grains, fruits, protein, and essential fatty acids (cold-water fish, nuts, and seeds).
- Mind-body techniques may be particularly helpful in reducing symptoms of pain.
- Cognitive-behavioural therapy, support groups, meditation, visualisations, progressive muscle relaxation, tai chi, yoga, and gentle exercise may alleviate concurrent depression/anxiety, as well as improve coping skills, sleep, and sense of well-being.