Welcome back to Fitness Friday with Alicia Jones! Every Friday, she’ll be answering your questions about health, fitness and nutrition! Here are today’s questions from city residents.
1. What kinds of all natural pain killers are there?
Many forms of pain are due to inflammation! Think of inflammation as a bright lighthouse signal on a dark and stormy night—it shows where the damage is located so the body can begin to repair itself. If we shut off this light, then repair mechanisms can never begin the repair process. As a result, we will never get better.
Most over the counter pain killers, such as Aspirin and Tylenol, suppress every inflammatory response in our bodies. As a result, we could be doing ourselves more harm than good. The best natural pain killers are healthy foods that reduce bad inflammation while allowing good inflammation to ensue. Here are just a few:
Omega 3: The verdict is in! Omega 3 reduces inflammation associated with arthritis and cardiovascular disease! Hemp oils, flaxseed oils, and refrigerated fish oils are among the best Omega 3 options.
Garlic: Not only is garlic an anti-inflammatory, it is also a natural anti-fungal! It can increase your immune system and keep you pain free!
Blueberries: Blueberries are filled with wonderful antioxidants that repair our body, reduce inflammation, and even reduce our risk of cancer! Refreshing and delicious, it is hard to believe that such a yummy food can be so good for you!
2. Would investing in weekly/monthly massages be worth it for my body? Does my body need a relaxing massage once in a while?
Absolutely! Massages are definitely worth it!
First of all, massages reduce stress and tension. The saying “I have a knot in my shoulder from stress” is actually quite literal. Muscles tighten with stress and create micro knots that need to be massaged out. Relaxing massages can certainly help with stress, but in order to get at those huge knots, a registered massage therapist will be more efficient.
As well as reducing stress and tension, a registered massage therapist can help release our body of accumulated toxins that have been stored in our muscles. They also increase circulation which helps nourish our body and repair areas that have been harmed.
Check with a registered massage therapist to find out the massage prescription that is right for you. If you have a reduced range of motion, pressure headaches, or excessive back pain, your massage prescription may be weekly, while someone who just needs to loosen a knot or two may benefit from a monthly visit.
3. Do you have any healthy summery pasta recipes?
I adore cream sauces with pasta! This type of pasta is usually filled with high quantities of saturated fats, and can easily add up to 1,000 calories a plate at any local restaurant. Imagine my delight when I found a wonderful light alternative that satisfied my cream sauce needs! What feels even more fabulous is the fact that this recipe can be refrigerated and served as pasta salad on hot summer days! Here is my version modified from Paleo.com.
Avocado Basil Pesto Pasta
Ingredients:
Method:
- Blend basil, 2 tbs olive oil and 2 cloves of garlic in food processor. Add the avocado.
- Add 2 minced garlic cloves to your hot pan and then toss in your spinach. Let your spinach wilt down, then add it to your food processor with the basil pesto.
- In the same pan, add your diced chicken and onion to cook down.
- Add a bit of salt and pepper to the pan and mix well.
- Add your choice of cooked pasta, mix well and enjoy!
Try it with a can of tuna to add some protein!
Alicia Jones is the owner of Destination Fit and can be reached via e-mail or by calling 647-233-7827.
Submit your questions to @mississaugalife!