According to a recent Gallup poll, Americans are exercising more frequently than ever, with 55.5% indicating frequent exercise in June 2015. This figure is the highest on record since Gallup and Healthways began tracking the metric in January 2008. Although you may have maintained a solid exercise routine over the years, a car accident can quickly throw your routine off track. In terms of maintaining physical health and emotional stability, exercise (combined with proper diet) could not be more important.
A 2010 Australian study found that “a dietary pattern of vegetables, fruit, beef, lamb, fish and whole-grain foods was associated with a reduced likelihood of major depressive disorder, dysthymia, and anxiety disorders.” After adjusting for age, socioeconomic status, education, and health behaviors, a nutritious diet (as outlined above) was much less likely to produce psychiatric disorders in patients when compared to a diet of processed or fried foods, refined grains, sugary products and beer.
A 2011 Nurses’ Health Study involving over 50,000 American women concluded that women who were more physically active had a reduced risk of clinical depression over 10 years of follow-up evaluations. A nutritious diet and regular physical activity strengthens your body, aids in the healing process, improves your mood, increases energy levels and promotes overall well-being. Although you should always discuss diet and exercise concerns with your doctor—particularly if you suffered from a serious injury after the accident—strongly consider moderating your carbohydrate intake (particularly if you’re overweight, diabetic or insulin resistant); limiting consumption of processed vegetable oils and sugar; and eating enough green, non-starchy vegetables, protein and health fats.
Exercising with an injury
Now that you understand the proven benefits of proper diet and exercise, the question remains: how can you successfully achieve your goal? More importantly, how can you maintain a healthy exercise routine while healing from an injury? As always, you should ultimately refer to your doctor for professional advice regarding your diet and exercise limitations. However, the following exercises can help you maintain an ideal level of fitness regardless of your current injuries.
For immediate insight into your Nebraska car accident, call Inkelaar Law to get the justice you deserve at (877) 537-4665, or visit www.JusticeYouDeserve.com.
