San Francisco and Marin CA
Health wise, you can do everything right like count your macros, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep yet still not shed any weight. The process of losing weight requires patience and discipline, although not seeing the scale budge can be discouraging when you put in the hard work. Additionally, the weight loss battle can seem even more difficult for individuals struggling with chronic pain from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder because finding the motivation to get up and move can be challenging most days. Also, during a TMJ disorder flare up, you may struggle finding healthy foods to eat that don’t aggravate your jaw pain. So, today on the blog, we share surprising links between TMJ disorder and lifestyle choices so that you can reach your goals of reducing jaw pain and staying fit.
Eat healthy
Your diet has a lot to do with your weight loss and health goals. But dealing with TMJ disorder can wreck your plans as you may find it painful to eat fibrous foods and lean meat that requires a lot of chewing. However, it’s essential to get the nutrients your body needs whether you have TMJ disorder or not. During a TMJ disorder flare-up, consider blending fresh or frozen fruit into smoothies and you can also add a handful of greens like spinach or kale to increase your daily nutrients. Smoothies are an excellent way to get enough fruits and vegetables in your day without having to chew your food. If you can’t eat meat because it may be difficult to chew, then consider adding a scoop of protein powder or nut butter in your smoothie for added protein and to help keep you full for longer. You can also make soup so that your vegetables are tender enough to eat without making your jaw pain worse. Foods that you should limit or avoid include sugar, alcohol, and processed foods as these foods cause inflammation and can make issues like TMJ disorder worse.
Reduce inflammation
Inflammation is linked to various diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disorders, and gum disease. Plus, chronic inflammation can make losing weight and battling TMJ disorder more difficult. Since jaw joint disorders like TMJD are linked to chronic inflammation, it’s essential to reduce inflammation throughout your body by getting enough proper nutrition, daily exercise, and adequate sleep. If you aren’t sure whether you have systemic inflammation, ask your doctor about it during your next checkup. Bloodwork can determine your inflammatory markers, which could indicate systemic inflammation in the body.
Exercise daily
When we say exercise daily, we mean move your body by taking brisk walks, swimming, or biking. The goal is to increase your heart rate to a safe limit for your health and age, and to move! A sedentary lifestyle can increase inflammation and your risk of developing life-threatening diseases. Therefore, aim to get up and move every day for at least 30 minutes a day, although the more often you move, the better. Additionally, fit in several workout sessions like water aerobics or weightlifting each week. Exercising and working out does not require a gym membership or fancy equipment at home. Purchase a good pair of walking shoes for walking and some hand weights for lifting at home. We also recommend that you speak with your doctor before starting an exercise routine to ensure you exercise within a safe heart rate zone.
TMJ Dentists in Marin and the Bay Area
Your lifestyle choices could have a direct impact on the condition of your TMJ disorder, including pain. To help better manage your condition, follow our guidance of eating a healthy diet, reducing systemic inflammation, and exercising daily. If you would like to learn more about TMJ disorder or schedule a consultation, please contact Glen Park Dental by calling (415) 585-1500.
