When you are in pain, what you eat can have a big impact on your health. If you don’t get the proper vitamins to heal, you can prolong the pain that you are in. In addition, certain foods can help fight inflammation, while other foods can make you feel worse. Whether you are in pain after an injury, or you have a condition that causes pain, you can get some relief by eating a better diet. You can improve your mood, get better sleep, and help the healing process all with the food that you eat each day. You Need Vitamins and Minerals to HealSore and tired muscles, broken bones, and pulled tendons all need the right vitamins and minerals in order to heal properly. In the event of a broken bone, eating calcium-rich foods such as milk and cheese will help speed along your healing. When your muscles are tight, eating nutrient-dense foods such as fruits and vegetables will give you the vitamins and minerals you need for your muscles to regenerate. Healing takes time, and it will take you less time when you give your body the right nutrients. Unhealthy Food Can Make You Feel WorseJunk food does more to you than make you gain weight. When you eat foods that are high in sugar, this can cause pain to become worse. Sugar can cause inflammation in the body, which is only going to add to your overall pain. In addition, if you eat food that is high in fat, you’ll feel sluggish and tired all the time. When you eat food that doesn’t provide any nutritional value, your body won’t be able to heal as easily. A Healthy Diet Will Improve Your MoodYour diet can have a big impact on your overall mood. When you are getting the right nutrition, you won’t feel tired. You will be able to get through your day without reaching for sugary, calorie-laden snacks. Eating well helps your mind and body. When you have a good diet, you are better able to respond to stress. When you feel more relaxed, you will have a better outlook. When you change your diet to a healthier one, you will typically begin to notice mood changes within a week or so. Pain management can be a difficult process. When you are in pain, dealing with the pain can produce a negative mood. Eating healthy gives your body the tools it needs to feel better. When you have the right nutrients, your pain levels will decrease. You will have less inflammation in your body when you stay away from foods laden with sugar. Over time, your mood will improve the longer you eat healthier. If you are suffering in pain and aren’t sure what to do, it’s time to look at dietary changes you can make to feel better. To learn more, here’s a blog with suggestions of the best foods for essential vitamins and minerals and here’s a blog about 14 keys for a healthier diet. Are you suffering from a recent injury? Contact us for an acute pain evaluation or for more information.