Episode Summary

Today’s episode tackles a hidden, powerful influencer of your stress biology: sugar! Discover how blood glucose not only affects your inflammation levels but also ties directly into your stress and anxiety responses. Learn about the biological loop between sugar, stress chemicals, and chronic pain—and why managing your blood sugar might be the secret weapon you didn't know you needed for pain relief and emotional resilience.

Key Topics Covered

· Blood glucose levels are directly linked to inflammation and pain intensity.

· High sugar intake can spike anxiety and act as an emotional stressor.

· Stress chemicals like cortisol and adrenaline cause "stress hyperglycemia," elevating blood sugar even without eating.

· Chronic stress and high blood sugar feed each other, creating a vicious cycle.

· Real-time glucose monitoring can reveal both dietary and emotional causes of blood sugar spikes.

· Breaking the sugar-stress-inflammation loop is crucial for better pain management and emotional health.

Conversation Starter

When you’re feeling stressed, do you find yourself craving sugar or carbs? Could your biology be stuck in the sugar-stress-inflammation loop without you even realizing it? Share your experiences with the community!

Preview to Next Episode

Next episode, we’ll dive into another surprising player in your stress biology: your posture. Find out how fear and stress can subtly shape the way you stand, sit, and move—and how these patterns could be reinforcing your pain!

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A community space to share reactions, questions, and experiences.

• Bonus Content & Illustrations: Access exclusive material on Substack to deepen your understanding of the concepts discussed.

Keywords

Stress and blood sugar, sugar and chronic pain, glucose and inflammation, stress hyperglycemia, cortisol blood sugar connection, sugar anxiety link, chronic stress inflammation, blood glucose monitoring, emotional eating and stress, inflammation and pain management.

#SugarAndStress #ChronicPainRelief #Inflammation #BloodGlucose #StressBiology #PainScience #MindBodyConnection #SugarAddiction #StressRelief #EverydayPainGuide #BetterPainCoping

From the book series: The Everyday Pain Guide

• Volume 1: Put Out the Fire

• Volume 2: Fix the Fire Damage

Episode Summary

Today we explore how your five senses—sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch—play a surprising role in your stress biology and your pain experience. Learn how sensory information can either trigger stress chemicals like cortisol and adrenaline or activate feel-good chemistry that promotes healing and relief. Understanding and mastering your sensory environment could be a game-changer in your journey to better pain coping!

Key Topics Covered

· Sensory experiences are powerful influencers of stress biology through the neuroendocrine system.

· Negative sensory associations can hardwire stress responses, contributing to chronic pain and inflammation.

· Adrenaline and cortisol: understanding the chemical side of stress responses.

· Positive sensory input can boost dopamine and serotonin, helping to calm the nervous system.

· Simple tools like soothing scents, calming sounds, and comforting textures can actively lower pain and anxiety levels.

· Caution: Mindful use of sensory soothing is important to avoid unhealthy coping behaviors.

Conversation Starter

Have you ever noticed a smell, sound, or even a texture instantly bring back a stressful memory—or maybe even spark a sense of calm? Have you ever consciously tried to "retrain" your sensory reactions? I'd love to hear your story!

Preview to Next Episode

Next time, we dive into another powerful—and often overlooked—stress biology influencer: your blood glucose! Find out why managing your blood sugar might be one of the smartest moves you can make for stress resilience and pain relief. Don't miss it!

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Subscribe to Better Pain Coping on Substack for insights, community discussions, and practical tips to support your body-machine. Claim your free yearlong subscription today!

· Join Better Pain Coping on Substack: For your free yearlong subscription use: dryalingliou.stubstack.com/listener

A community space to share reactions, questions, and experiences.

• Bonus Content & Illustrations: Access exclusive material on Substack to deepen your understanding of the concepts discussed.

Keywords

Stress biology, five senses and stress, sensory triggers, cortisol and chronic pain, adrenaline and anxiety, sensory coping strategies, chronic pain relief, neuroendocrine system, mind-body connection, pain neuroscience, sensory retraining, self-soothing techniques, stress reduction methods.

#StressRelief #PainRecovery #FiveSenses #ChronicPain #MindBodyHealing #SensoryHealing #NeuroendocrineSystem #CopingSkills #PainScience #HealingJourney #EverydayPainGuide #BetterPainCoping

From the book series: The Everyday Pain Guide

• Volume 1: Put Out the Fire

• Volume 2: Fix the Fire Damage

Episode Summary

In today’s episode, we begin unpacking the five major influencers that shape your stress biology and pain experience, starting with coping mechanisms. Learn how your emotional responses, both healthy and toxic, can either soothe or amplify stress and pain. Discover the four common coping styles—emotion-focused, avoidance-focused, problem-focused, and social coping—and how to spot when they’re helping versus hurting. This is your first step toward mastering your stress biology for lasting pain relief!

Key Topics Covered

· Introduction to the five Stress Biology Influencers: coping mechanisms, five senses, blood glucose, posture, and health beliefs.

· Emotional coping styles significantly affect pain intensity and recovery.

· Overview of four coping styles: emotion-focused, avoidance-focused, problem-focused, and social coping.

· How each coping style can become toxic if taken too far.

· Importance of identifying and gently correcting unproductive coping strategies without self-judgment.

· A compassionate approach to self-awareness as a foundation for better stress and pain management.

Conversation Starter

Have you noticed a particular coping style you lean on during stressful times? Have you ever caught yourself sliding into a toxic version of it without realizing? Let’s reflect together—awareness is the first step toward real change.

Preview to Next Episode

Next time, we’ll dive into the second Stress Biology Influencer: your five senses! Learn how what you see, hear, smell, taste, and touch every day can directly impact your stress levels—and your pain. Don’t miss this fascinating exploration!

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Subscribe to Better Pain Coping on Substack for insights, community discussions, and practical tips to support your body-machine. Claim your free yearlong subscription today!

· Join Better Pain Coping on Substack: For your free yearlong subscription use: dryalingliou.stubstack.com/listener

A community space to share reactions, questions, and experiences.

• Bonus Content & Illustrations: Access exclusive material on Substack to deepen your understanding of the concepts discussed.

Keywords

Stress biology, chronic pain management, emotional coping styles, pain coping strategies, toxic coping, emotion-focused coping, avoidance coping, problem-solving coping, social coping, stress influencers, pain neuroscience, chronic stress, mind-body healing, pain relief methods.

#PainCoping #StressRelief #MindBodyHealing #ChronicPain #CopingMechanisms #StressBiology #EmotionalHealth #PainRecovery #ToxicPositivity #SelfAwareness #EverydayPainGuide #HealingJourney

From the book series: The Everyday Pain Guide

• Volume 1: Put Out the Fire

• Volume 2: Fix the Fire Damage

Episode Summary

In this episode, we dive into the powerful role stress biology plays in our pain experience. As we move into Section III of Fix the Fire Damage, we uncover how the nervous system processes emotional and physical stress and its deep connection to chronic pain. From Marcus Aurelius' philosophical insights to practical tools like mindfulness and biofeedback, this episode offers actionable strategies to repair the impact of emotional stress on your body’s inflammation processes.

Key Topics Covered

· Pain perception isn’t just physical—it’s deeply rooted in the brain's interpretation of threat and safety.

· Stress biology directly impacts inflammation, making emotional stress an important factor in chronic pain.

· The autonomic nervous system’s role in survival responses explains why stress and emotional triggers can amplify pain.

· Cognitive tools like mindfulness can help, but they must be part of a multi-faceted approach to healing.

· Emotional stress can introduce "biological garbage" that heightens pain sensitivity.

· Real-life stress transitions (e.g., job changes, moving, relationship shifts) often trigger or worsen pain symptoms.

· Action Plan: Release, Retrain, and Reinforce strategies can help manage emotional stress triggers.

Conversation Starter

Have you ever noticed your pain flare up during big life changes? Whether it's starting a new job, moving, or facing an emotional challenge, stress can affect how we experience pain. Share your story with us!

Preview to Next Episode

In the next episode, we’ll explore the Stress Biology Influencers—key factors that influence how stress impacts our pain. Just like we did with Body Chemistry, we’ll break down the specific triggers that can help you manage your pain better. You won’t want to miss it!

Connect and Subscribe

Subscribe to Better Pain Coping on Substack for insights, community discussions, and practical tips to support your body-machine. Claim your free yearlong subscription today!

· Join Better Pain Coping on Substack: For your free yearlong subscription use: dryalingliou.stubstack.com/listener

A community space to share reactions, questions, and experiences.

• Bonus Content & Illustrations: Access exclusive material on Substack to deepen your understanding of the concepts discussed.

Keywords

Stress biology, chronic pain, inflammation, emotional stress, nervous system, pain perception, autonomic nervous system, stress management, pain neuroscience, inflammation repair, mindfulness, biofeedback, psychoneuroimmunology, body chemistry, pain relief strategies.

#PainRelief #StressBiology #ChronicPain #MindBodyConnection #Inflammation #EmotionalStress #PainPerception #HealingJourney #AutonomicNervousSystem #Mindfulness #Biofeedback #StressManagement

From the book series: The Everyday Pain Guide

• Volume 1: Put Out the Fire

• Volume 2: Fix the Fire Damage

Episode Summary

In this episode, we explore how Billie used the Body Chemistry Action Plan to address persistent neck tension and pain. After initially trying to fix the problem with a new pillow, Billie discovers that stress, magnesium levels, and hormonal changes played a significant role in their discomfort. Through diet adjustments, supplementation, and focus on gut health, Billie begins to find long-lasting relief. Tune in to learn how body chemistry—and not just body mechanics—can be key in tackling stubborn pain.

Key Topics Covered

• Billie’s experience with chronic neck pain and the initial assumption that a pillow was the cause.
• How magnesium deficiency, especially during perimenopause and menopause, can contribute to muscle tension and sleep disturbances.
• The connection between magnesium, thyroid function, and inflammation during menopause, and how it can affect pain levels.
• Practical steps from the Body Chemistry Action Plan to help manage stress, improve diet, and address magnesium levels, including adding fiber and reducing sugar intake.
• The role of gut health and hydration in supporting the body’s ability to handle inflammation and promote healing.

Conversation Starter

Have you ever experienced neck pain that seemed to return no matter what you tried? What other factors—like diet or stress—do you think might be contributing to your pain?

Preview to Next Episode

In the next episode, we dive into the third and final section of the Everyday Pain Guide series, focusing on how to repair your stress biology. This section is designed to help you lower your inflammatory burden and reduce the likelihood of pain from everyday activities. Stay tuned!

Connect and Subscribe

Subscribe to Better Pain Coping on Substack for insights, community discussions, and practical tips to support your body-machine. Claim your free yearlong subscription today!

· Join Better Pain Coping on Substack: For your free yearlong subscription use: dryalingliou.stubstack.com/listener

A community space to share reactions, questions, and experiences.

• Bonus Content & Illustrations: Access exclusive material on Substack to deepen your understanding of the concepts discussed.

Keywords

stiff neck relief, magnesium for muscle tension, menopause and thyroid health, body chemistry and pain relief, reducing inflammation through diet, gut health for pain management, chronic neck pain solutions

#NeckPainRelief #BodyChemistry #MagnesiumForPain #MenopauseHealth #ChronicPainManagement #GutHealth #InflammationRelief #StressManagement #BodyMechanics

From the book series: The Everyday Pain Guide

• Volume 1: Put Out the Fire

• Volume 2: Fix the Fire Damage

Episode Summary

In this episode, we dive into Charlene’s journey using the Body Chemistry Action Plan to address her mid-back and chest pain, as well as her asthma. After successfully addressing the mechanical aspects of her pain, Charlene now focuses on body chemistry—looking at diet, environment, and hormonal balance—to further enhance her healing. From eliminating scented products to boosting liver detox and supporting digestion, Charlene’s multi-faceted approach offers valuable insights for those dealing with persistent pain and stress-related symptoms. Tune in to discover how small lifestyle changes can make a big difference!

Key Topics Covered

• Charlene’s experience with mid-back and chest pain, exacerbated by stress and asthma.
• How scented products may contribute to her asthma and pain, leading to the decision to eliminate them from her home.
• The role of the liver in detox and hormone balance, and how Charlene adjusts her diet to support this.
• The connection between constipation and estrogen dominance, and its impact on pain and ligament instability.
• Using breathing techniques and physical activity to support better digestion and eliminate waste.

Conversation Starter

Have you ever noticed how certain environmental factors—like scents or detergents—affect your body? What steps have you taken to reduce triggers in your environment for better health?

Preview to Next Episode

Next time, we’ll hear from Billie as we continue exploring real-life pain stories from everyday people. Don’t miss it—Billie’s approach to pain relief just might inspire you!

Connect and Subscribe

Subscribe to Better Pain Coping on Substack for insights, community discussions, and practical tips to support your body-machine. Claim your free yearlong subscription today!

· Join Better Pain Coping on Substack: For your free yearlong subscription use: dryalingliou.stubstack.com/listener

A community space to share reactions, questions, and experiences.

• Bonus Content & Illustrations: Access exclusive material on Substack to deepen your understanding of the concepts discussed.

Keywords

mid-back pain relief, chest pain and asthma, Body Chemistry Action Plan, liver detox for pain relief, hormone imbalance and pain, breathing for digestion, eliminating scented products for asthma

#PainReliefJourney #BodyChemistry #AsthmaRelief #LiverDetox #HormoneBalance #BreathingForHealth #ChronicPainManagement #PainCoping

From the book series: The Everyday Pain Guide

• Volume 1: Put Out the Fire

• Volume 2: Fix the Fire Damage

Episode Summary

In this episode, we dive into Ed's story as he navigates the challenges of managing his lower back pain and digestive discomfort. We explore how his diet, caffeine consumption, and lifestyle play a role in his ongoing pain management journey. Through a personalized Body Chemistry Action Plan, Ed makes impactful changes that help him regain control of his health and comfort. Tune in to hear how small shifts in his daily habits lead to big improvements in his well-being.

Key Topics Covered

• Ed's journey with lower back pain and digestive issues, and how they are interconnected.
• The importance of body chemistry in managing inflammation and pain.
• How Ed's consumption of caffeine and alcohol was impacting his pain and energy levels.
• The role of B vitamins and dietary changes in supporting long-term energy and reducing pain.
• Ed’s approach to managing stress and sleep through lifestyle modifications.
• The added benefit of digestive enzymes to support Ed’s body and alleviate stomach discomfort.

Conversation Starter

Does Ed's story resonate with your own experience? Have you noticed how lifestyle habits, like caffeine or diet, affect your pain or energy levels? Share your thoughts and let's talk about the small changes that made a difference in your day-to-day comfort!

Preview to Next Episode

In our next episode, we continue with more Everyday Pain Stories, and this time we’ll follow Charlene as she tackles her own pain management challenges. Stay tuned for more insights and inspiring stories coming your way!

Connect and Subscribe

Subscribe to Better Pain Coping on Substack for insights, community discussions, and practical tips to support your body-machine. Claim your free yearlong subscription today!

· Join Better Pain Coping on Substack: For your free yearlong subscription use: dryalingliou.stubstack.com/listener

A community space to share reactions, questions, and experiences.

• Bonus Content & Illustrations: Access exclusive material on Substack to deepen your understanding of the concepts discussed.

Keywords

lower back pain relief, body chemistry action plan, inflammation reduction, managing pain, B vitamins for energy, caffeine and pain, digestive enzymes, reducing back stiffness, holistic pain management, everyday pain stories, energy boost through nutrition, pain management tips

#LowerBackPain #PainReliefJourney #BodyChemistry #HolisticHealth #InflammationRelief #PainManagement #HealthyLiving #DigestiveHealth #PainCoping #SelfCare #ChronicPain

From the book series: The Everyday Pain Guide

• Volume 1: Put Out the Fire

• Volume 2: Fix the Fire Damage

Episode Summary

In this final episode of the "Reinforce" phase, we explore how mindful breathing can support your body’s elimination process and overall health. From hydration to movement, the key to detoxifying the body and reducing pain is fluid circulation. Learn how to optimize your breathing, incorporate alternating hot and cold applications, and build habits that support long-term healing and detoxification.

Key Topics Covered

• Mindful Breathing: Most of us breathe shallowly without realizing it, especially when stressed. Conscious, deep breathing helps increase fluid circulation, moving toxins out of the body via the lungs.
• Fluid Movement & Elimination: Hydration, body movement, and deep breathing all help fluid flow through tissues, organs, and vessels, assisting in the elimination of solid, liquid, and airborne waste.
• Heat & Cold Applications: Alternating heat and cold on affected areas can enhance fluid movement, mimicking body movement when you're in pain or unable to move freely.
• Metaphor for Elimination: Picture the body’s detoxification process as a subway system where blood vessels and lymph nodes work together to clear waste. Keeping things flowing avoids traffic jams (or pain).
• Ongoing Elimination Habits: Regularly supporting your elimination systems, even in the absence of injury, helps maintain overall health and prevents the buildup of waste.

Conversation Starter

Do you have a breathing technique that works wonders for you? Is it the deep breath in or the slow exhale that helps you feel better?

Preview to Next Episode

Next time, we begin the first of three patient stories, where you'll hear how Ed, Charlene, and Billie each used the Body Chemistry Action Plan to address their unique pain experiences. You won’t want to miss it!

See you then!

Connect and Subscribe

Subscribe to Better Pain Coping on Substack for insights, community discussions, and practical tips to support your body-machine. Claim your free yearlong subscription today!

· Join Better Pain Coping on Substack: For your free yearlong subscription use: dryalingliou.stubstack.com/listener

A community space to share reactions, questions, and experiences.

• Bonus Content & Illustrations: Access exclusive material on Substack to deepen your understanding of the concepts discussed.

Keywords

elimination process, mindful breathing, fluid circulation, hot and cold therapy, pain relief, body detoxification, toxin removal, body chemistry action plan, natural healing, pain management

#BreathingTechniques #Elimination #PainRelief #BodyDetox #FluidCirculation #MindfulBreathing #PainCoping #BodyChemistry #NaturalHealing #HealingHabits #EverydayPainGuide

From the book series: The Everyday Pain Guide

• Volume 1: Put Out the Fire

• Volume 2: Fix the Fire Damage