My 30 Day Challenge & Self Care Goal For February: Get Myself Out of Pain with More Healthy Habits

Yesterday I went to the spine specialist after having an MRI done, to hear that I have more damage in my neck then most 47 year olds. Ok now what? I listened to the list of least to most invasive options and left with a script for PT. Surgery, Cortisone shots and nerve block medication is NOT an option at the moment.

I drove home reevaluating what I already do to reduce and eliminate pain:

1. Stretch daily on vibration plate & with massage roller

2. Low Impact Resistance Workout

3. Massage

Then I started to realize all the healthy habits I COULD be tightening up to assist in recovery.

I realized that although I stretch and workout, I have been amiss at the other ways to reduce pain such as drinking more water, longer fasts, real food supplements and eliminating gluten and sugar.

Drink More Water

Drinking water can stimulate our production of synovial fluid (in charge of lubricating the cartilage), plus, reduce inflammation around the joint. And it encourages the growth of new cells in the cartilage tissues. Proper water intake can also support circulation and the immune system. My New Water Bottle

Take Cumin Supplements

The active ingredients in cumin seeds have an anti-inflammatory, antiseptic effect. This means that if you have pain or inflammation that trigger other conditions, cumin in your diet may counter the effects. The essential oil of cumin alone wasn't found to have anti-inflammatory properties. My Suggestion of Cumin Supplements

Fast Better

Fasting for more than 24 hours may lower inflammation by reducing oxidative stress in cells. A 2014 study found that both intermittent fasting and alternate-day fasting were as effective as limiting calorie intake at reducing insulin resistance.

Reduce/Eliminate Sugar Better

Natural ways to reduce inflammation. Studies have shown that eating less sugar can reduce inflammation, so people should aim to limit their sugar intake. The World Health Organization (WHO) strongly recommend a maximum sugar intake of less than 10% of daily energy intake.

Reduce/Eliminate Gluten Better

Gluten provides no essential nutrients. People with celiac disease have an immune reaction that is triggered by eating gluten. They develop inflammation and damage in their intestinal tracts and other parts of the body when they eat foods containing gluten