Sometimes it can be something very simple that can help you feel and move better.
But that simple thing is NOT often obvious.
In my clinic in Taunton, I often address diet with my clients.
And sometimes it can make a world of difference to their chronic aches.
We’re brought up on a “balanced diet”
As long as you have a balanced diet – a little bit of everything – get your fruit and vegetables in – you’ll be fine.
But sometimes a “balanced diet” doesn’t cut it.
It’s not enough
I know – it seems strange to say such a thing and I don’t want to come across as some guru.
But what i’ve learnt being part of the Health and Fitness for 18 years is this.
The mainstream way often comes up short when we’re trying to live healthy, flourishing lives.
And the Balanced Diet philosophy is mainstream.
If you’re dealing with persistent aches, pains, or stiffness, your diet might be playing a bigger role than you think.
You might be thinking “I eat healthily enough and don’t drink that much, maybe a glass of wine in the evening”
But if you have aches and pain, is it still as healthy as you think?
Are there foods you’re eating that are, unbeknownst to you, hurting you?
And can you be healthier?
Recent studies have shown that lowering carbohydrate intake can significantly reduce inflammation, leading to notable pain relief.
What the Research Says:
Chronic Pain Relief: A study found that participants on a low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet experienced significant reductions in chronic pain, inflammation, and oxidative stress.
Read the study hereOsteoarthritis Improvement: Research from the University of Alabama at Birmingham revealed that a low-carb diet was more effective in reducing pain intensity for knee osteoarthritis patients compared to a low-fat diet.
Nervous System Benefits: A comprehensive review indicated that reducing dietary carbohydrates has favorable outcomes on the nervous system and inflammatory biomarkers, both crucial in managing chronic pain.
Read the study here
By adopting a low-carb diet, you may not only decrease inflammation but also alleviate discomfort associated with various conditions.
How much do I reduce the carbs by?
You should aim to reduce the carb amount to 50-100 grams per day. Now by reducing or eliminating the main sources of carbohydrates, this does mean you’ll have to replace those lost calories with other food.
Low carb does NOT mean low calorie.
So the obvious replacement is protein. You must increase your daily protein intake to at least a gram per kilo of your bodyweight and in future aim for 1.5 grams per kilo of your bodyweight.
Where’s my energy going to come from?
You’ll be fine. If you reduce carbs, your body adapts by using fat for fuel through a process called ketosis. This provides stable energy without the blood sugar crashes — and can lower inflammation, helping reduce pain and support recovery.
Having said that, if you reduce carbs, it’s important to increase healthy fat intake to maintain energy and support metabolic function.
As you lower carbs, gradually increase your intake of healthy fats — like olive oil, avocado, nuts, red meat, eggs, and oily fish — to keep your energy steady and support recovery.
Need Extra Help?
If you live in or around Taunton and you’re seeking additional ways to manage pain and improve mobility, consider scheduling a sports massage session with us.
Our tailored treatments can complement dietary changes to enhance your overall well-being.
Book a 30-minute Be-Activated Taster Session today and feel the reset for yourself.
Click the button below and let’s get your body working in the way it was designed to — FAST.
