Breaking Health News: Holidays and Increased Pain
Debra Murray
The holiday season is fast approaching, and for many people, that means increased pain. This pain can take a number of forms including arthritis, gout, inflammation, headaches and muscle soreness. Unfortunately, many people don't understand why they experience such flare-ups during this time of year. Here are some of the most prevalent causes.
Overeating
Overeating is one of the worst things you can do to yourself, but it's very common around the holidays. With so much delicious food at the ready, who could possibly resist? That said, eating excessively places too much demand on your body and can cause health to deteriorate. Besides the fact that proper digestion is impossible when you overindulge, it also triggers other issues.
Inflammation becomes a problem, causing distress in the joints, spine and connective tissues. Then there's the weight gain so many people experience around this time. Excess weight is hard on your body, causing you to suffer more aches and pains.
Eating the Wrong Foods
Food allergens and intolerances are increasing at an alarming rate. Furthermore, researchers believe that many people who have them don't even realize it because they're so used to it after a lifetime. However, if you are sensitive or allergic to a food, it can make you hurt. Headaches, joint pain, bone pain, arthritic flare-ups and muscle stiffness are all common symptoms. The foods most likely to cause this include dairy, wheat, soy, corn, nuts, peanuts, eggs and shellfish, all of which are served in abundance around the holidays.
Overworking the Body
Do you ever get up in the morning only to find that your muscles are sore and tight, or that your back, knees or shoulders ache? If so, you're not alone. Carrying around those shopping bags full of presents and groceries can really take its toll if you're not used to it. Likewise, hauling them into the house can also be a strain.
Stress
Everyone knows that the holidays are one of the busiest and most stressful times of the year. Between work, family, shopping and dealing with hoards of other, equally stressed people, it's a recipe for pain. Stress triggers your body to release adrenaline and cortisol, which cause widespread inflammation resulting in pain. That's to say nothing of the stress-induced headaches so many people suffer from. Besides taking some time out to unwind once in a while, you can also use safe, natural products like Super Blue Stuff OTC Pain Relief Cream to relieve your symptoms.