Posted on Mar 16, 2016
Cpl Jai Cotman
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After I was discharged from active duty, I underwent a spinal fusion. My injury made running difficult...surgery has made it even more so. Now I'm starting to develop leg issues that medically I will have checked but I know my weight isn't helping my issues. Does anyone have any tips for a wounded warrior (not just me but others as well) to help lose weight when most cardio is difficult?
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Responses: 30
Angela Benedict
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Dear Jai,
Your gut health is pivotal to your overall health and especially true after you've had an injury. Getting the inflammation under control that will be in your body is key. Maintaining a diet that regulates your blood sugar is critical. No sugar. No bad fats like corn and soy oil, vegetables oils. Only olive oil and coconut oil on salads and to cook with. Excessive sugar causes inflammation and disrupts insulin levels. Disrupted insulin levels can elevate cortisol levels. Once the endocrine system is engaged and sending out excessive cortisol, your hormone levels will be out of wack and you can't loose weight because your body is in a crisis situation. It will shut down the immune system and hold on to fat reserves.
Tumeric tea is the best anti-inflammatory known. 1 tsp of tumeric, 1/2 tsp of black pepper, honey to taste, mix with hot water like you are making regular tea. 2-3 cups per day for two weeks and you should feel a significant difference.
Change your diet and get the sugar out. It will be hard and treat it like any other addiction that you are overcoming. Sugar is an addictive substance. You have to ween yourself off it and it takes a willful, conscious effort but you will achieve much better health. Especially as you are in recovery mode, physically, mentally, emotionally from a serious injury, your body care is essential. Getting the inflammation factor down will start to turn the tide for the better.
Best,
Angela
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Cpl Robert Clark
Cpl Robert Clark
8 y
Only if it is conducive to your blood type....
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Sgt Kevin Thompson
Sgt Kevin Thompson
8 y
Good info you provided Angela. one thing you mentioned is helpful on so many levels. Turmeric is super good for the brain and is just overall great for the body in general.
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MAJ Raúl Rovira
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Swim for fitness if you can as it is low impact. This is the only sport I do because of back injuries. Maintain a healthy died. At home we eat mostly organic, non-GMO, non processed food and no fast food. Its unbelievable how healthy it is. Sleep well. Stay away from sodas and other sugary drinks.
You are what you eat
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SGT Aaron Burks
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I am currently struggling with the same issue (weight gain due to injuries and inability to excersise the way I used to. I don't have any good tips for you, but I empathize with you. You might check out the VA's "MOVE" program. Good luck, brother.
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Cpl Jai Cotman
Cpl Jai Cotman
8 y
Thanks for the recommendation. I wish you luck with your journey as well my brother.
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