As a chiropractor and nutritional wellness coach I see a wide variety of patients. I have had the pleasure to work with some patients who also have been diagnosed with Scleroderma. I would like to share with you the top 5 health tips and I have found to benefit patients dealing with an auto-immune disorder such as Scleroderma.
- Focus on an alkaline diet. By creating an alkaline pH environment in our body we can help to decrease the inflammation, help to improve the elasticity or mobility of the muscles, and help to increase oxygen absorption. There are several ways to do this. You can increase the amount of alkaline foods in your diet (please email me for a reference sheet), use greens powders, and drink non-carbonated mineral water. Your diet also should be high in antioxidants as oxidative stress is found to be higher in scleroderma patients.
- Reduce stress in the body and control cortisol levels. What I have seen is that stress can make the symptoms worse by increasing pain and inflammation. Ways to help with stress are: mediation, gentle chiropractic care, exercise, and supplements such as; adaptagens which help regulate stress in the body and magnesium.
- Nutrition: We are what we eat! I find many patients with Scleroderma, are deficient in minerals and nutrients due to the inability to eat certain foods and/or the inability to absorb the nutrients from the food. For example; protein. Many cells in our body contain protein such as; muscles, enzymes, hair, skin and eyes. In order for these body parts or functions to work optimally, they require the consumption of protein. I know that sometimes it is difficult to eat meat or swallow with scleroderma, so it is important to have alternatives. You can try having a high quality nutrient dense protein shake in the am (ask me for brands I recommend), or add hemp seeds to your pasta and oatmeal, have eggs for breakfast, or make protein pancakes or muffins to snack on. (Please email me for recipes for shakes and muffins)
- Detoxification: by detoxifying the body, you can help to remove the toxins that have built up. This has helped my patients to have better function, sleep better, and feel more energized. During detoxification you can also increase your growth hormone production that allows for increased repair and building in the body. I have many options for detoxifying the body, please contact my office for this information.
- Stay hydrated. It sounds simple. But, I find most people that come into my clinic are dehydrated. There is such a thing as drinking too little water and also too much. It is about balancing the amount of water along with trace minerals so you can absorb and keep the water in your body. When this is not happening, patients generally feel fatigue and exhaustion.
There are many other tools that I have found helpful when working with patients and family affected by Scleroderma. If you would like to have more information about what you have just read, Please email me at [email protected] or call me at 705.726.7168. I am happy to share with you what has worked for others and to help answer any of your questions to get you on the right path to feeling well. As a participant at this event, there is no charge for a consultation. I look forward to speaking with you soon.
