By Jennifer Smith, Natural Medicine Practitioner and Certified in Holistic Nutrition
*This page may contain affiliate links. Click here to read my affiliate policy.
Imagine driving down the street. The weather is beautiful, and you're humming along with the music on your radio. From out of nowhere, you are sideswiped by another vehicle. A car accident can leave you with some pretty bad injuries. Bruised and swollen tissues and tendons require some special attention to heal. Though your first instinct might be to reach for a bottle of pain pills, there are a few dietary changes that you should try first to heal your body naturally.
Fender-benders can send your body reeling down a battered and bruised spiral. Even minor car accidents can leave aching in your spine and neck. This aching can result from inflammatory injuries. Anti-inflammatory fats are a great addition to your diet if you are looking to naturally recover and relieve the pain you are feeling. Salmon, especially when it is wild, is an anti-inflammatory powerhouse, due to its high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids. Other great foods that include omega-3 fatty acids include mackerel, and chia seeds.
When your body goes through something traumatic like a car accident, it’s common for your body to have anti-inflammatory reactions caused by immune cells called macrophages. Since macrophages monitor the health of your tissue and organs, they can sometimes get overactive when your body is injured. This is where omega-3 fatty acids can really help. The omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon and other foods act as a deterrent when the macrophages are overactive. This helps your body to recover faster.
Omega-3s aren’t the only things you can eat that are anti-inflammatory. In fact, there are lots of other inflammation-fighting foods that you can eat that have amazing benefits. Olive oil, flax seeds, chia seeds, and many vegetables and fruits have tons of vitamins and antioxidants in them that can speed along the anti-inflammatory process.
Some fruits and vegetables have greater anti-inflammatory healing properties than others. Kale, spinach, and collards, for example are especially great inflammation fighters. Fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, cherries, and oranges have great anti-inflammation properties as well. To make it even more convenient, you could even mix all of these fruits and veggies together to make an amazing salad!
When cooking up fatty fish to help fight your injuries and the pain, consider spicing them up. There are tons of herbs that can be used to create delicious dishes. Some great anti-inflammatory herbs and spices include turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, garlic, cayenne, black pepper, clove, basil, bay leaf, dill, lemongrass, mint, rosemary, tarragon, and thyme. Adding these herbs and spices more frequently to your diet will not only help you recover faster but will also make your food way more delicious, which is a nice bonus.
As you work your way through the healing process, be good to yourself. Get plenty of rest whenever possible, and try to do something to pamper yourself. Time heals all wounds, but a little omega-3 can boost the process. Natural recovery is possible with just a little time and effort.
Jennifer Smith, BA, NMP, CHN, FBCC
Jennifer Smith is a Natural Medicine Practitioner, Holistic Nutrition Practitioner, and Faith-Based Clinical Counselor. She has a Bachelor's degree in Christian Counseling. She has completed advanced training in Functional Nutrition, Functional Medicine, Natural Health Consultant diploma, Biblical Heath Coaching Certification, Biblical natural medicine, and Biblical Eating and Clinical Nutrition. Jennifer has a virtual Natural Medicine practice in Naples, FL called Fx Remedies Virtual Care.
What if you had a blueprint that explained how you could improve your health with simple tests you could do yourself at home?
Are you tired of feeling disconnected from your own body? Are you ready to take charge of your health and unlock the secrets of your physiology? Look no further than our natural medicine services! Our team of experienced practitioners is dedicated to helping you understand and optimize your body's natural processes, leading to improved health and overall well-being.
By joining our natural health virtual care membership, you'll gain exclusive access to personalized consultations, tailored protocols, and a supportive community of like-minded individuals. We believe that every woman deserves to feel empowered and in control of her own health journey. Whether you're dealing with hormonal imbalances, digestive issues, or simply seeking to enhance your overall vitality, our natural medicine services can guide you towards a healthier, more vibrant life.
Don't wait any longer to prioritize your well-being. Join our natural medicine Virtual Care membership today and embark on a transformative journey towards understanding and optimizing your own physiology. Together, we can unlock the secrets to better health and empower you to live your best life. Take the first step towards a natural, holistic approach to wellness and join us now!