{"id":7366,"date":"2019-07-06T07:16:29","date_gmt":"2019-07-06T07:16:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=7366"},"modified":"2021-06-15T14:53:29","modified_gmt":"2021-06-15T14:53:29","slug":"15-things-that-make-crps-worse","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/15-things-that-make-crps-worse\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Things That Make CRPS Worse"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Complex regional pain syndrome, more commonly referred to simply as CRPS, is a chronic condition that usually affects one of the limbs or an extremity; a leg, an arm, a hand, or afoot, for example. It usually sets in after an injury has been sustained in one of the limbs, such as a break or a sprain. It can occur after a heart attack or a stroke. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

CRPS is believed to be an autoimmune disease, as the body seems to respond to something that it perceives as a threat in an atypical way. In an effort to protect the body from the perceived threat, the immune system goes into overdrive, which results in inflammation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Certain foods can aggravate CRPS, as they can cause inflammation and make the pain even worse; therefore, medical experts recommend patients who are diagnosed with the condition to avoid eating certain things, including the following. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Processed meats. <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Individuals who are diagnosed with CRPS should make an effort to reduce the amount of any type of meat that they eat, as all meats can cause inflammation<\/a>; however, processed meats, in particular, should be avoided completely.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reason? \u2013 Processed meats, such as bacon, deli meat, sausage, and ham, contain higher amounts of advanced glycation end products, or AGEs, than other types of meat. AGEs form when meat is cooked at a very high temperature. It has been proven that AGEs cause inflammation, which can further complicate the pain that someone who is suffering from CRPS experiences. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to further complicating pain, processed meats can also increase the risk of various other issues, including colon cancer, stomach cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Therefore, it\u2019s a good idea for anyone to minimize the intake of processed meats; specifically those who are afflicted with complex regional pain syndrome. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Refined carbohydrates.<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Thanks to trend diets, like the South Beach and Atkins diets, carbohydrates <\/a>have gotten a bum rap. The truth is that not all carbohydrates are bad for you; in fact, your body needs them to thrive, as they are a vital source of energy; in other words, they fuel your body.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are two types of carbohydrates: complex and refined. Complex carbohydrates are considered the \u201cgood for you\u201d carbs, as they contain essential nutrients, including fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Examples of complex carbs include nuts, seeds, legumes, whole grains, and fruits and vegetables. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Refined carbohydrates, on the other hand, are the \u201cbad for you\u201d carbs; the nutrients have been removed from these types of carbs. Examples include anything that contains white flour and refined wheat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They offer little nutritional value and are quickly digested, causing a rapid increase in blood sugar levels that can lead to inflammation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Artificial trans fat.<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Fats <\/a>are vital for your overall health and well-being, as they support the growth of new cells, provide energy, and protect internal organs; they even help to provide body warmth and can aid in the absorption of certain types of vital nutrients.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Like carbs, however, not all fats are good for you, and artificial trans fats are considered the worst. These fats are created by mixing hydrogen with unsaturated fats \u2013 fats that are good for you. They can pose a number of health problems, including inflammation, which can further aggravate the pain that is associated with CRPS. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trans fats have been proven to increase C-reactive protein levels, which causes inflammation. Additionally, trans fats can reduce HDL cholesterol, the cholesterol that\u2019s good for you, and can damage the linings of the arteries, thereby increasing the risk of heart disease. Partially hydrogenated oils are another term for trans fat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Sugars.<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Eating foods that contain a high amount of sugar <\/a>should also be avoided if you have been diagnosed with CRPS. Multiple studies have confirmed that high levels of sugar can increase inflammation in the body; in fact, it can lead to chronic inflammation.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since the pain that is associated with CRPS is directly related to inflammation that occurs as a result of the immune system\u2019s response to believing that it is protecting the body from foreign invaders, eating high levels of sugar can further complicate the symptoms of complex regional pain syndrome. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to increasing pain, the chronic inflammation that has been linked to eating high amounts of sugar can also lead to other severe health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, allergies, and even certain types of cancer. Therefore, anything foods that contain high levels of sugar should be avoided if you suffer from CPRS. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. High-fructose corn syrup. <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Another ingredient that patients who have been diagnosed with CRPS should avoid is high-fructose corn syrup<\/a>. This sweetener, which is made of corn that has been processed into a syrup, contains fructose (as the name suggests), as well as glucose.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was developed as an alternative to traditional sugar, and it was added to a myriad of foods during the 1970s and 1980s, as a result of the rising cost of traditional sugar. High-fructose corn syrup affects the body the same way that standard sugar does; it increases inflammation levels, and, when consumed in large amounts, can result in chronic inflammation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inflammation is the root cause of pain that is associated with CRPS, so if you\u2019re suffering from this condition, your pain will likely worsen if you consume high amounts of high-fructose corn syrup. Eliminate foods and beverages that contain this ingredient if you have CRPS. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. Alcohol.<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Consuming moderate amounts of alcohol <\/a>is generally considered safe; in fact, it has been found that alcohol can actually be beneficial to your health. With that said, moderation is key, as drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can lead to several severe, chronic health problems.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Countless studies have proven that consuming high levels of alcohol can increase inflammation levels in the body. Heavy drinkers are at risk of developing a condition known as \u201cleaky gut\u201d, which occurs when toxins pass from the colon and spread into the rest of the body. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When this happens, severe inflammation can occur, which can cause excessive pain and result in more serious problems, such as damage to internal organs. In fact, in a study that examined the effects of alcohol on individuals who suffer from CRP, it was found that the more alcoholic beverages that they consumed, the more their pain levels increased.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Seed and vegetable oil.<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Oils are extracted from various types of seeds and vegetables, including soybeans<\/a>, olives, sunflower, and coconuts. These oils are commonly used in food preparations; baked goods, salad dressings, mayonnaise, margarine, etc.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While not all seed and plant oils are bad for everyone, but if you suffer from complex regional pain syndrome, they can be; specifically oils that contain a high volume of omega-6 fatty acids. While these fatty acids are generally considered good for your overall health and well-being, scientists have revealed that consuming high levels of omega-6 fatty acids can lead to chronic, widespread inflammation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As pointed out, inflammation is the underlying cause of CRPS, so if you are consuming high amounts of vegetable and seed oils that contain a high volume of omega-6 fatty acids, it is likely your pain will worsen. Oils to avoid include peanut, canola, corn, sesame, cottonseed, and canola.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Gluten.<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Lastly, it has been determined that gluten <\/a>can further aggravate the symptoms that are associated with complex regional pain syndrome, so if you are afflicted with this condition, it is in your best interest to avoid it.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gluten is a collection of proteins, known as glutelins and prolamins. This substance is found in various types of grains, including rye, rice, wheat, and barley. When these grains are processed into flour and mixed with water, the gluten proteins create a sticky consistency, similar to glue. It is this glue-like consistency that gives the dough its elastic properties and is what allows the bread to rise when they bake. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The problem with gluten is that it has been found to cause severe inflammation throughout the body, which can complicate complex regional pain syndrome, as it can worsen the symptoms. Other negative effects of gluten include lethargy, digestive upset, and even weight loss. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

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