DID YOU KNOW: A healthy diet complements physical therapy and can lead to better outcomes for people with chronic conditions such as obesity?

Food provides energy for physical activity. As you get more active and more fit, and/or as you lose weight, your energy needs (how many calories you need) may change. To get the energy you require, you need to get the proper amount of:

• Protein is necessary to maintain and rebuild tissues such as muscles.

• Carbohydrate is the body's preferred source of energy.

• Fat, which also provides power.

• Water to replace water lost through activity.

Eating a varied, balanced, and moderate diet can give you all the nutrients the body needs without getting too much or too little of any one nutrient.

Balance means eating the recommended servings from each food group most days.

Variety within each food group (for example, eating different fruits from the fruit group instead of apples) ensures you will get all the nutrients you need since no food provides every nutrient. Eating a wide variety of foods in moderation will also help you avoid overeating any substance that may be harmful.

Moderation means eating a little of everything but nothing in excess. All foods can fit into a healthy diet if you eat everything in moderation.

BENEFITS OF BETTER NUTRITION INCLUDE:

• You may notice a decrease in pain within as little as 4 days.

• You may notice a decrease in inflammation, and edema (swelling due to fluid retention)

• Improved metabolic profile (calcium, glucose, protein, and electrolyte blood tests)

• A reduction in pain sensation and tenderness and improvements in overall function.

Physical therapists are movement experts who improve the quality of life through hands-on care, patient education, and prescribed movement. To schedule an appointment with one of our physical therapists, call (702) 840-1222. To schedule an appointment immediately, click here.

Sources: ZK Outpatient Rehabilitation Center, Healthwise.com, APTA,