Food is Medicine
07.04.2022
At Carolina NeuroSurgery & Spine Associates, we strive to get you back to feeling your best so you can enjoy times with family, friends, and the quality of life you deserve. We celebrate our patients' milestones along their healthcare journey, like taking advantage of the summer to make memories with those you love! And what better way to do so that than through food?
Have you heard the philosophy, “Food is Medicine?” Carolina NeuroSurgery & Spine Associates physiatrist and podcast host, Sanjiv S. Lakhia, DO recommends this philosophy when thinking about what food we put into our bodies. There are many foods we use daily that support an anti-inflammatory diet – and we might not even know it!
What’s one of these commonly overlooked ingredients? Olive Oil. That’s right, a common ingredient that doesn't get the healthful hype that it deserves!
Try our watermelon summer salad recipe out this holiday and share with friends and family. It is healthy, filled with flavor, and allows you to use olive oil liberally as an added benefit. It might even become a favorite and get you thinking about how to use ingredients to manage your health in a new way.
Watermelon Summer Salad
Ingredients
1/4 c. extra-virgin olive oil
2 tbsp. red wine vinegar
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
3 c. cubed seedless watermelon
1 c. medium cucumber, chopped
1 c. crumbled feta
1/2 c. red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 c. coarsely chopped fresh herbs/ Mint and/or Basil, plus more for garish
1 bag fresh arugula or spring mix greens
Flaky sea salt, for garnish (optional)
Managing Inflammation and Back Pain
Managing inflammation and back pain goes beyond taking medication and undergoing surgeries or therapy. It requires overhauling your lifestyle to support your healing, which involves taking care of your mental well-being, regular exercise, and a nutrient-dense diet.
One of the food plans known for its anti-inflammatory benefits is the Mediterranean Diet, and olive oil is a key ingredient.
In this episode of Back Talk Doc, Dr. Sanjiv Lakhia speaks to Mary Mori, Director for Technical Services of California Olive Ranch. She educates our listeners on the olive fruit itself, the different methods of making olive oil, its different variants, and how to store it properly in your pantry.
Dr. Lakhia helps inform listeners on how to adopt the concept “Food is Medicine,” using olive oil as a simple tool.
Take a listen and comment below or on our social media accounts to join in the conversation!
Interested in learning more about how to manage your neck or back pain? Our team is here to help!
This content is for informational and educational purposes only. For specific medical questions, please consult your doctor. New and current patients can call our offices to make an appointment or request an appointment online.
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