Nutrition: Eat Healthy to Be Healthy

Dr. David Hastings incorporates nutrition when helping his patients attain a healthier lifestyle, and when addressing concerns about one's current pain and discomforts. Eating well is necessary for long-term health, and very beneficial for relief of pain, increase energy, and taking into consideration the prevention of disease. When you consult with Dr. Hastings with specific concerns, he will address the Nutritional component in relationship to these concerns and the goal of the individual.

Set your appointment to discuss your current condition and have a nutritional assessment completed. Nutrition encompasses whole food, nutritional supplements, herbs and includes nutritional cleansing. Drink plenty of water daily (half your body weight in ounces), and reduce the amount of sugary drinks consumed.

The following is general information which could help you. There are certain foods that should be avoided to reduce inflammation, while and other foods should be consumed to produce healing and allow the body to increase cellular growth and repair.

Sample List: HEALING FOODS

• APPLES: Lowers cholesterol and blood pressure
  
• BANANAS: Helps promote a steady heartbeat, helps heal ulcers and reduce blood cholesterol
  
• BEANS: High in Fiber, helps keep blood sugar and cholesterol levels down and build red blood cells.
  
• BROCCOLI: Adds fiber, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, iron and beta-carotene to your diet.Greens maybe the most overall potent of all foods
  
• CANTALOUPE: The world's richest source of vitamin C available to most individuals. Others foods are very high in Vitamin C, but not as readily available as the cantaloupe.
  
• BROWN RICE: Has twice as much fiber as white rice, plus zinc, magnesium and vitamin B6. Has been shown to lower blood pressure, fight diarrhea, prevent kidney stones and more.
  
• CARROTS: Contains more beta-carotene than any other food. A cup a day cuts risk of heart disease by 50%.
  
• SALMON: Is proven remedy for clogged arteries. Rich in Omega-3 oils, fish oils may also help fight arthritis.

Headache Relief - Foods to Avoid

High TyramineContaining Foods

• All Ripened Cheeses-Blue, Brie, Camembert, Cheddar, Mozzarella, Parmesan, Romano
• Aged Meats an Fish-liver,caviar, pickled herring, Sausage, Bologna, Pepperoni, Salami, etc.
• Alcohol and Vinegar- Redwine, Beer, Sherry
• Vegetables-Navy Beans, Sauerkraut, String Beans
• Fruits-Avocado (quacamole), Bananas (esp. if overripe), Figs
• Other Fermented Foods-Brewer's yeast, Buttermilk, Sour Cream, Sourdough Bread, Yeast Extracts, Some Yogurt

Foods that Dilate Blood Vessels (can precipitate vascular headache)

• All Alcohol
• MSG
• Nutra Sweet (Aspartame)
• Nitrites (nitrates) Bacon, Hot Dogs, Chicken Dogs, Turkey dogs

Other Foods Which Can Cause Headaches

• Caffeine
• Chocolate
• Peanuts
• Raw Garlic and Onions (cooked ok)
• Excessive Vitamin A (over 25,000 I.U. Daily)