The Power of Diet: Resolving Chronic Pain & Helping Kids Thrive
Written by 
Dr. Michael Ruscio, DC on
November 9, 2022
Making clean eating a priority for the whole family with Reid Traeger
When Reid–a father to two children and sports enthusiast–continued to get injuries and feel fatigued, he decided to make dietary and lifestyle changes to improve his own health and inspire his kids to adopt similar habits. By transitioning to eating a whole-foods anti-inflammatory diet alone, his energy, chronic pain, and mood improved. His 1 and 3-year-old eventually caught onto the craze of these healthier foods, which caused noticeable positive changes in their temper, sleep, and energy. In the episode, he speaks about what foods he and his kids now eat and how (to his own surprise) ice baths played a major role in his healing.
Subscribe for future episodes
Download this Episode (right click link and ‘Save As’)
Dr. Michael Ruscio is a DC, natural health provider, researcher, and clinician. He serves as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Bridgeport and has published numerous papers in scientific journals as well as the book Healthy Gut, Healthy You. He also founded the Ruscio Institute of Functional Health, where he helps patients with a wide range of GI conditions and serves as the Head of Research.
➕ Dr. Ruscio’s, DC Notes
Reid’s Realizations To Improve His and His Kid’s Health
- Reid wanted to establish new dietary and lifestyle habits to:
- Regain his energy
- Be a positive influence to his kids
- Overcome chronic pain and recurring injuries (Achilles tendonitis and hamstring pulls)
Reid’s Previous Way of Eating
- Toast with peanut butter
- Eggs on toast
- Microwavable burritos
- Cheese and chicken stuffed pasta with red sauce
- Chips
Healthy Habits Reid Instilled for Himself and His Kids
- Dietary:
- Instead of goldfish, Reid’s kids now have PaleoValley beef sticks in their lunch boxes.
- Reid has a smoothie every afternoon with spinach, fruits, and a clean protein powder.
- Reid and his kids both eat PaleoValley beef sticks every day for a healthy, clean high-protein snack.
- Lifestyle:
- Reid invested in an ice bath set-up to improve energy, reduce inflammation and pain, and relieve stress.
- He does this daily for 15 minutes at 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Reid does hip rotation to improve his hip mobility.
- Reid invested in an ice bath set-up to improve energy, reduce inflammation and pain, and relieve stress.
Noticeable Positive Changes For Reid and His Kids
- When Reid eats healthy and takes ice baths daily, he experiences:
- An overall increase in energy, particularly no longer crashing after 2 pm
- Non-existent pain after playing sports or working out
- Less stress
- When his kids eat healthier, they don’t:
- Have as many crashes throughout the day
- Throw temper tantrums as much
- Stay up as late
➕ Resources & Links
Getting Started
Discussion
I care about answering your questions and sharing my knowledge with you. Leave a comment or connect with me on social media asking any health question you may have and I just might incorporate it into our next listener questions podcast episode just for you!