These 11 habits may be making your chronic pain worse...
Chronic pain and inflammation is most commonly attributed to aging, illness, and injury, but there are actually many other things that can contribute to your pain. Cutting these things out of your daily life may help you finally get control of your pain so you can get back to experiencing life again instead of just trying to make it through the day.
1. Artificial sweeteners: studies have shown a link to increased inflammation. Choose natural sweeteners like high quality raw honey or pure maple syrup, or skip the sweeteners altogether.
2. Processed foods: additives and preservatives in processed foods can contribute to inflammation. Choose whole foods instead.
3. Fluoride: exposure to fluoride can have inflammatory effects. Choose fluoride-free toothpaste and use filtered water.
4. High heel shoes: prolonged use can lead to foot pain and musculoskeletal issues. Save the heels for special occasions.
5. Dental issues: untreated oral problems can contribute to systemic inflammation. Take good care of your mouth with Thieves dental products and see your dentist.
6. Prolonged sitting: sedentary behavior is linked to increased inflammation and pain. If your work requires you to sit for long periods of time, set a timer to remind you to get up periodically and get some movement.
7. Chronic stress: prolonged stress may exacerbate inflammatory responses in the body. Practice mindfulness, yoga, breathing techniques, or many other options for helping manage stress.
8. Environmental toxins: exposure to pollutants, harsh chemicals (such as in household and personal care items), and synthetic fragrances can contribute to inflammation. Start by ditching the candles and toxic items under the sink in favor of clean alternatives. Young Living's Make a Shift bundles are a great way to get started.
9. Medications: some drugs have side effects that lead to pain and inflammation. Check with your health care professional for options.
10. Unhealthy gut: imbalanced gut bacteria may contribute to inflammation. Keeping your diet in check, and supplementing with probiotics and digestive enzymes may help keep your gut bacteria balanced.
11. Lack of sleep: chronic sleep deprivation can exacerbate pain and inflammation. Set yourself up for great sleep with nightly routines. Eliminate caffeine and sugars late in the day, put the screens away and practice things that calm your mind for at least 30 minutes before bed. Use calming essential oils to enhance sleep.
If you can't address all of these at once, just take baby steps and work on what you can for now. Every positive step you take toward health will get you closer to the best version of yourself. Learn more about pain management in this month's virtual class: A Holistic Approach to Pain Management.
PanAway Essential Oil Blend
creates a cooling and soothing sensation when applied to fatigued muscles after physical activity.
OrthoSport Massage Oil
leaves skin, muscles, and joints with a comforting, cool-warm sensation.
Agilease
promotes joint health by supporting healthy cartilage, joint flexibility and mobility, and the body’s healthy response to inflammation after exercise.*
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Young Living products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Extra-Strength Muscle Rub Hack
Young Living has many products for helping to relax sore muscles and relieve joint discomfort, but sometimes you need a little more "oomph" in your product. Give this extra-strength muscle rub hack a try the next time you're feeling a bit sore.
Ingredients:
This is not an exact recipe, so you'll want to play with it a little until you get the right amounts for you.
Start by whipping your muscle rub by stirring it quickly until it softens. Then add equal drops of the essential oils, starting with one or two drops of each. Stir to incorporate the oils. If you're using one of the sample tins of muscle rub, one drop of each oil is plenty. If using the full size product, you'll want to use at least 2 drops of each. Once well combined, apply liberally as needed to muscles and joints that need cooling relief.
Be sure to wash your hands well afterward to avoid accidentally rubbing your eyes with the oils!
PRO TIP: Other things I do to support muscles and joints: avoid inflammatory foods, movement/exercise (within personal limitations), supplements such as Sulfurzyme Powder, and hydrate well with water, NingXia Red, and Vitality Drops.
Have a YL tip you'd like us to consider for the monthly newsletter?
Send me an email at 1natureatitsfinest@gmail.com with the subject "TIP OF THE MONTH"!
SPOTLIGHT ON CISTUS
Cistus essential oil is believed to be the biblical Rose of Sharon. Anciently, it was used to heighten awareness and strengthen body, mind, and soul. It can be used to support self-awareness and reflection while meditating.
Watch our Facebook group for drops of information on Cistus throughout the month.
14 Day Reset
Starts January 15!
A Holistic Approach to Pain Management
Virtual Class Thursday January 11th at 7pm
Copyright Nichole Utt
