Sciatica

Getting a sharp, burning, or shooting pain from your hip down your leg? This could be Sciatica, which can be caused by trauma to the sciatic nerve itself, strain in the lower back, and neuritis. Nerves are very sensitive to diet, nutritional deficiencies and pH of body chemistry. Looking for holistic ways to ease the pain? We suggest this diet and supplements to promote nerve and overall health:

These suggestions are not intended to replace appropriate professional advice.  Please check labels and consult your pharmacist if you take medication.

A Healing Diet to Promote Alkalinity and Reduce Inflammation

• 7-10 glasses filter or spring water.  Chlorine destroys health gut flora.
• Plan a diet that is 75-80% alkaline forming. Nerves are particularly sensitive to high acidity. You can test urine pH to monitor.
• Organic foods are the safest way to nourish yourself – a worthwhile investment!
• Make fruits, vegetables, raw seeds, nuts, legumes, and beans your diet mainstays.  Meat and grains are acidifying, consider them side dishes.  Dairy products are mucous forming, move them to the occasional treat category.
• Eat complete protein no later than lunchtime to ensure digestion of amino acids.
• Have 1-2 tsp apple cider vinegar and honey (optional) with meals to improve digestion. Though ACV is acidic, after digestion it has an alkalizing effect. 
• Fermented veggies and nondairy kefir and yogurt improve pH and digestion.
• 1-3 tbsp ground flax, hemp or chia for fatty acids and fiber.
• Cook gently. High heat generates acrylamides & advanced glycation end products.

Basic Supplements to Avoid Common Deficiencies

• Bio-Strath – this unique wholefood is fermented and ideal for nerve repair due to the vitamin B, amino acids, and RNA/DNA content. Corrects pH. Studies show that B vitamins are important for nerve regeneration.
• Vitamin C – anti-inflammatory, aids in cellular repair.
• Vitamin D - 8,000 IU for one month then reduce to upper limit of 4,000 IU -steroid hormone precursor, anti-inflammatory.
• Magnesium – necessary for nerve repair, decreases pain, promotes better sleep.
• Omega-3 fatty acids – double up for one week – protects the myelin sheath around nerves, modulates inflammation, needed for nerve health and repair.
• Probiotics – Corrects pH, improves immune function and digestion.

Special Care for Sciatica

• Jo Anne’s Placeprivate label MSM and Grapeseed – a powerful combination to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
• Purica Recovery is a combination of natural ingredients, like antioxidants, MSM, and Glucosamine, designed to stop pain quickly and reduce inflammation. Can be used as an alternative to over-the-counter pain medications.
• Homeopathic hypericum is the nerve remedy which helps reduce the intensity of nerve pain while healing is underway.
  
• Get in the habit of gently holding in your stomach to shorten/strengthen abdominal muscles and keep everything aligned.
• Spending time outside in the fresh air and sunshine breathing deeply promotes healing in unseen ways.  The Earth is continuously emitting a negatively charged ionic field that is highly beneficial for our bodies and psyches. Breathe deeply, exhale thoroughly. 
• Epsom salt / magnesium baths relax the body, relieve pain and reduce acidity.
• Keep a journal. It helps the process along and gives you an opportunity record your thoughts and feelings.  Self-reflection is never time wasted.

Follow as many of these suggestions as you are able and allow adequate time for rest. Your sciatic nerve should be restored to good health in a short time. 

In our experience, those who have had a nerve injury can be susceptible to reinjury so it’s important to continue with an alkaline diet and keep nutrient levels high.

Making conscious choices about diet, supplements, and lifestyle can have profound benefits for your mental, emotional, and physical well-being.  Good health by design!

*Revised February 2023