How to Naturally Reduce Chronic Pain at Home
How to Naturally Reduce Chronic Pain at Home
Our bodies change as we age, and activities that we used to enjoy may become challenging or even unbearable due to chronic pain. In fact, some studies show that chronic pain can affect about one in five people in the U.S., making it difficult, if not impossible, to work and enjoy family and social time. While there are numerous medications available to treat chronic pain, there are other natural ways you can reduce your chronic pain.
1. Exercise
We all know that exercise should be a part of our daily routines for a healthier lifestyle. If you haven’t been active on a daily basis, consider adding yoga to your routine. Yoga can increase muscle tone, balance, and strength and can improve your mood. Yoga and other exercise combined can help improve mood through endorphins, hormones that actually increase your pain threshold. Endorphins can also change our brain’s perception of pain, helping to decrease the daily effects of chronic pain.
Aim to attend at least three yoga classes a week to feel the benefits of reduced chronic pain. If yoga isn’t your thing, add daily walks to your routine. Walking is a low-impact exercise that’s good for your health, and if you walk with a friend or a dog, you may experience improved mood and decreased feelings of isolation and loneliness.
2. Diet and Natural Supplements
Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain or other chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and more, proper nutrition is an essential part of managing symptoms. Seniors in particular need to be aware of their nutrition and ensure they are not malnourished.
Since chronic pain is often linked to inflammation in the body, there are many dietary changes one can make to help reduce inflammation. Consider adding foods such as fresh organic fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, low-glycemic carbs and healthy fats such as olive oil, and omega-3 rich fish. In addition to dietary changes, there are numerous natural dietary supplements available that can help reduce chronic pain. Fish oil and turmeric are two natural, over-the-counter supplements known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Consult with your doctor to determine if one of these natural supplements could benefit you and be sure to ask for a recommendation of the proper dosage.
3. Meditation
Meditation can help reduce stress, provide a deeper connection within your own body, and help quell pain. According to research, 109 patients with chronic pain that participated in mindfulness meditation reported more pain relief, as well as lower anxiety and depression and a better mental quality of life. To ensure a peaceful and relaxing environment, try to remove all distractions—this could include fixing a leaky faucet, repairing a faulty air conditioning system, swapping out flickering light bulbs for ones that work, and lowering the noise levels in your house.
If you’re experiencing and dealing with chronic pain in your daily life, be sure to talk to your doctor about the symptoms to determine the best way to help treat your pain. Know that there are many natural ways to help reduce symptoms and pain and get you back to the activities you enjoy.
Thank You to Our Guest Blog Writer:
Kay Elizabeth Carter
Writer
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