Posted by & filed under Connective Touch.

March is National Nutrition Month, so to celebrate I dedicate this post to “Massage Nutrition”.  Let me start by saying that I am NOT a nutritionist or a dietician. And as far as I know, there is not a specific field of study on nutrition as it relates to massage.  So what do I mean by “Massage Nutrition?”  I am referring to nutritional choices that support the same outcomes that people seek when they come to me for massage.

Whether they know it or not, most people get massage because they want healthy, happy connective tissue. More specifically they want muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and skin that move without pain or restriction. Most common connective tissue problems are either inflammatory (think tissue irritation, such as plantar fasciitis or arthritis) or degenerative (think tissue breakdown such as tendonosis).

There is much recent research into the health benefits of anti-inflammatory diets. But this information is not new.  The ancient practitioners of Indian Ayurvedic Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine have long viewed food as medicine. The great news is many of the foods that are proven to be anti-inflammatory are also great at supporting collagen production. (Collagen is a protein that gives strength to connective tissues and helps prevent and repair tissue damage.)

Below are links to some of my favorite sources for nutrition information for reducing inflammation and supporting tissue repair through collagen production. I encourage you to explore ways you may incorporate some of these foods into your wellness regime and to  discuss them with your trusted health practitioner.

NOTE: Many of the links below contain ads for supplement/product lines. While I respect these sources for the information contained, I do not endorse any particular product line. I personally prefer to get my nutrition from whole food sources, and rely sparingly on supplementation.

Dr. Weil

Dr. Axe

Harvard Health

Dr. Mercola

Collagen

Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

 

 

 

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