We’ve all heard of the saying ‘You are what you eat’, and we all know that a diet rich in fruit, vegetables, lean proteins and wholegrains is good for us, but when it comes to mealtimes, it seems many of us make bad choices.
According to the NHS, obesity levels have trebled in the UK over the past 30 years, and as a result, some 24.9% of us now considered to be clinically obese. Child obesity on the increase too, and unless we start making healthier choices soon, 50% of the British population could be obese by 2050.
Health Consequences of Obesity in the UK
Being overweight increases the risk of many serious health conditions such as Type 2 Diabetes, Heart Disease, Stroke, High Blood Pressure and some types of Cancer, and while many of these illnesses are treatable, they are a serious drain on NHS funds, with the estimated cost of treating obesity in the UK in 2015 set to reach £27 billion.
Then there is the pain associated with living with such conditions. Many overweight patients resort to pain management to help with the struggle just so that they can get through their day without suffering, but it is possible to eat your way to better health, and it all starts with making a few lifestyle changes and healthier choices.
Eating to Beat Pain
When it comes to combating pain with a healthy diet, you need to eat your greens along with a healthy dose of reds, yellows, purples, oranges and limes! Brightly coloured fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins and minerals and rich in anti-inflammatory agents, which can reduce back pain and joint pains such as arthritis.
Drink More Fluids
Staying hydrated is essential to good health, and if you are prone to headaches, kidney infections or bladder conditions, drinking at least 8 glasses of water per day could significantly improve your overall feeling of wellbeing. Fizzy drinks and concentrated fruit juices are full of sugar, and so should be cut out altogether or kept to an absolute minimum, and caffeinated drinks such as tea and coffee should be consumed in moderation.
Cut Down on Saturated Fats
Saturated fats may taste good, but they have a very high calorie content and they are highly effective at clogging up our arteries. If the blood cannot circulate freely, our muscles do not get the oxygen they need and this leads to pain, so try to cut down as much as possible, and keep those fried foods, pizzas, and takeaways for special occasions.
Essential Fatty Acids: Omega 3
While most fats are bad for us, fatty acids are good, and if you want to eat your way to better health your diet should include plenty of fish such as Salmon and Sardines, walnuts, and vegetables such as spinach and Brussel sprouts. All these foods are bursting with antioxidants, and have anti-inflammatory qualities that can reduce pain.
Switch to Olive Oil
Olive Oil is often referred to as a superfood, and you only have to look at the people of the Mediterranean, who live longer and have less heart attacks and strokes than the rest of Europe, to see just how effective it really is. Olive Oil can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, it can improve arterial function to keep your heart pumping strong, it can help fight against osteoporosis, and some studies indicate that it can even protect against some types of cancer. Olive oil belongs in every healthy diet, and so make the switch today.
Depending on the severity of your condition, you may still need to buy prescription painkillers from a registered online pharmacy to deal with the pain, but a healthy diet can help you lose weight, stay mobile, and combat many common illnesses, and it all starts with an apple a day.
Article Submitted By Community Writer