As summer begins, so does the excitement of getting more physically active. In many cases, we have been inactive for months, only to jump into sports or fun activities with physically dormant bodies. Injuries then put a damper on our summer excitement and schedules. What if you could shorten your healing time? What if you could strengthen your tissues, not by exercise, but by other means, and hopefully prevent injuries from occurring in the first place? You can.

Cells in the body from every tissue - muscles, tendons, nerves, blood, etc. - are continually turning over. They all have programmed "cell death," where they break down naturally, and are replaced with new ones. If physically active, cells can break down at a faster rate. But sometimes they don't repair as fast. Why? Mostly because the raw materials needed for the healing process/cellular repair or replacement are absent in the diet.

For instance, protein is essential for tissue synthesis and repair and fat is necessary for making cell membranes and keeping them strong. It is also involved in the inflammatory process important to tissue repair and for clotting properly. So if those are missing in the diet, those mechanisms will be impaired.

Tissues and organs also need energy. The body relies on essential fatty acids (fat) and carbohydrates for that energy. So, while carbs tend to get a bad rap because of their obesity-causing tendencies, they are crucial factors when physically active. However, the quality of carbs matter. For instance, if those carbs are refined, they are missing the Vitamins A, B, C, E and K that are all needed by the tissues for strength, repair and recovery. This includes nerve, muscle, tendon and joint improvement. These nutrients are also vital to supporting immune health. The immune system plays a vital role in tissue rejuvenation. Blood health is also important and some of these nutrients provide oxygenation to the cells and for proper clotting of the blood. In addition, calcium is critical for muscle contraction and sodium is important for proper hydration. You can be dehydrated even when you drink enough water if sodium is missing.

Another great way to speed up healing is by acupuncture. Acupuncture helps the body to release hormones that stop pain and control inflammation and swelling. It stimulates micro-circulation into the tissues, bringing additional nutrients to speed healing. It activates cells responsible for "gobbling up" damaged tissue and blood remnants, so new tissue can proliferate in its place. Acupuncture can also assist the body in its healing by improving systems involved in the healing process such as digestion (for nutrient assimilation), and immunity. The liver, spleen and pancreas can influence the ability to heal. If any of these systems have sub-standard function, healing can be slower, and injuries more likely.

Acupuncture and proper nutrition are critical components, especially together, if you have an injury, and even better, to prevent an injury. Summer is a time for fun activities. Let's enjoy a healthy, active and pain-free season!

Holly Carling is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine, Licensed Acupuncturist, Doctor of Naturopathy, Clinical Nutritionist and Master Herbologist with more than 32 years of experience. Carling is currently accepting new patients and offers natural health-care services and whole food nutritional supplements in her Coeur d'Alene clinic. Visit Carling's website at www.vitalhealthandfitness.com to learn more about Carling, view a list of upcoming health classes and read other informative articles. Carling can be reached at (208) 765-1994 and would be happy to answer any questions regarding this topic.